Navigating Houston: FIRST Championship Travel Tips & Neighborhood Guide

As we gear up for the 2025 FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems this April 16-19 in Houston, we are continuing to share everything you need to know to navigate the city like a pro. 

With the help of our local Houstonian community members like FIRST alum Sarah Jin, we’ve already shared Houston’s legendary “firsts,” can’t-miss eats and top cultural spots, and education highlights. Now it’s time to get practical. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide will help you make your way to and from FIRST Championship, explore Houston’s many neighborhoods, and make the most of your downtime between matches, meetups, and life-changing experiences! 

Houston is a big city with a wide footprint, and our FIRST Championship guests are staying in well-connected neighborhoods with each area having much to offer. Here’s what you need to know about each area, including how to get around, travel time to our host venue, the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), and what to expect while you're there. 

Not sure which neighborhood you’re staying in? Check out our Hotel Map to locate your nearest zone, then use this guide for tips and tricks on navigating your area, and discovering all the surrounding neighborhoods Houston has to offer, including: 

• Downtown Houston 

• Energy Corridor 

• Medical Center 

• Hobby Airport 

• NW Willowbrook / Brookhollow 

• Galleria 

• East Houston 

• Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 

• North Houston and The Woodlands 
  

Pro tip: Save on Houston METRO with a discount exclusive to FIRST Championship attendees!

Downtown Houston 

Downtown Houston is the epicenter of the FIRST Championship experience. Downtown is home to our host venue (GRB), Discovery Green, and many hotels, all within close walking or traveling distance. The area is designed with pedestrians in mind, offering wide sidewalks, public art, and access to parks and local attractions. Plus, the Greenlink free shuttle makes it even easier to navigate without a car during weekdays. 

• Walking distance to GRB: Many hotels are within a 5 - 15 minute walk. 

• Transportation: No car needed. Everything is easy to get to without transportation or with transportation, by METRORail, or via scooter. 

• Getting to GRB: Simply head toward Discovery Green, the GRB borders this beautiful downtown park and is clearly marked. 

• Good to know: Downtown is very easy to get around, well-lit, and pedestrian-friendly. Free Greenlink shuttles offer an extra eco-conscious option for getting around the area, operating Monday through Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm. 

Energy Corridor & Westchase 

Located on Houston’s west side, these two neighborhoods are known as major business, residential, and commercial districts, home to the headquarters and regional offices of many prominent companies, as well as beautiful green spaces like Buffalo Bayou.  

• Transportation: Driving or rideshare services are the best options. 

• Getting to GRB: Travel times average 25–35 minutes. Routes typically include Beltway 8 or I-10 to I-45/I-69. 

• Good to know: Confirm with your hotel whether any shuttles or partner bus services will be running from this area. 

Medical Center 

The Texas Medical Center area is a neighborhood of its own, as the largest medical complex in the world featuring a mix of accommodations, rail stations, and pedestrian-friendly areas – and it’s just four miles and a direct METRORail trip to Downtown Houston.  

• Transportation: Take the Red Line METRORail from Museum District station. 

• Getting to GRB: Ride northbound and get off at Central Station Main. 

• Good to know: The Medical Center Area is also home to Houston’s Museum District, and some of Houston’s top STEAM destinations, like the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children’s Museum Houston, and MFAH. 

Hobby Airport Area 

If you’re flying into William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), you might be staying at one of the many nearby hotels. This area is about 10 - 12 miles south of Downtown and is primarily car-based, though several METRO bus routes stop at the Hobby Transit Center and rideshares and hotel shuttles are also an option. 

• Transportation: METRO local bus routes 40, 50, 73, and 88 from the Hobby Transit Center, rideshare, rental car, or hotel shuttle. 

• Getting to GRB: 20 - 30 minutes by car depending on traffic; via I-45 North. 

• Good to know: Hobby is Houston’s smaller, more accessible airport, allowing for less crowded arrivals and departures. METRO buses are ADA accessible. 

NW/Willowbrook/Brookhollow Area 

This suburban zone in northwest Houston includes the Willowbrook and Brookhollow areas, with quick access to many retail spots, green spaces, and major highways. 

• Transportation: Best by car or ride share. 

• Getting to GRB: Expect a 30 - 40 minute drive via Beltway 8 to I-10 or US-290 to I-45. 

• Good to know: This area is removed from Houston’s busier downtown area, but you'll still find everything you need within a short drive, including grocery stores, casual dining, and other essentials. 

Galleria  

Located about 8-10 miles west of GRB, Uptown is Houston’s chic commercial district, known as a hub for dining spots, arts and entertainment, and the iconic Galleria mall for shopping. 

• Transportation: Rideshares are the fastest option, with travel times averaging 20 - 30 minutes depending on traffic. 

• Getting to GRB: We recommend budgeting extra time for morning travel. Rush hour traffic on I-69/US-59 can be heavy. 

• Good to know: If you're looking to carpool with other teams or families, hotel concierges or team mentors might help coordinate options.  

East Houston 

East Houston is an area that includes industrial zones and residential neighborhoods east of Downtown. This area is near the Houston Bush airport, with some hotels offering shuttle services to and from. This area is conveniently located near major freeways to get around Houston easily. 

• Transportation: Local METRO bus routes, rideshare or rental car. 

• Getting to GRB: About 20 - 25 minutes by car; access via I-10 or I-610. 

• Good to know: Traffic from the east can be lighter than the west during peak hours. 

IAH Area 

This area includes a wide range of airport hotels and suburban stays. While it's further from the action Downtown, the area is well-connected by major highways. 

• Transportation: METRO Bus 102 route, rideshare or rental car, or hotel shuttle to airport then rideshare to GRB. 

• Getting to GRB: About 30 - 45 minutes by car via I-69/US-59 South. 

• Good to know: Many hotels offer free shuttles to and from IAH, making your arrival and departure stress-free. Be sure to plan for rush hour traffic when heading downtown via car in the mornings. 

The Woodlands / North Houston 

North of the city, The Woodlands offers scenic alternative to downtown, known for its winding trails, family-friendly neighborhoods, and outdoor spaces. That said, it’s the farthest neighborhood on this list from GRB, so planning your transportation is essential. Rideshares or rental cars are the primary options, and hotels may offer scheduled bus service for FIRST guests. 

• Transportation: Rideshare or rental car are the most efficient options; some hotels may offer limited group transport. 

• Getting to GRB: Travel times range from 35 - 50 minutes, depending on time of day. Use I-45 South for the most direct route! 

• Good to know: If you're staying here, plan for early departures each morning to beat peak traffic and arrive at the venue on time. 

No matter where you're staying in Houston, every neighborhood offers its own unique adventure, and with a little planning, getting to the heart of the action at the George R. Brown Convention Center is easy and manageable. Make sure to be safe, have fun, and share your pictures on social media using #FIRSTChamp. 

From riding METRORail through the Museum District to carpooling from The Woodlands or cruising downtown on a scooter with your helmet on, there are many ways to explore Houston while staying connected to the FIRST Championship experience. This is the world’s largest celebration of youth robotics and it’s a chance to discover new places, make lasting memories, and experience the innovation and community that define FIRST. We are looking forward to seeing many of you in Houston. If you are following along from home, catch all the #morethanrobots action streaming here.  

-Chris Rake

Executive Vice President & COO, FIRST