What if most of your Houston trips did not require your car? In Northside’s Northline area, the rail-and-bus combo at Fulton Street puts Downtown, the Texas Medical Center and daily errands within easy reach. If you are weighing a move, you want clear, practical guidance on what riding looks like day to day and how to choose the right home for a car-light lifestyle. This guide breaks down the Red Line, key bus routes, fares, first-last mile tips and what buyers and sellers should expect. Let’s dive in.
Why Northline works for car-light living
The Northline Transit Center / HCC is the neighborhood’s hub and the northern end of METRORail’s Red Line. It sits near HCC Northline and Northline Commons, so you have transit, campus activity and retail in one place. You can review station context and connections on the Northline Transit Center / HCC overview.
From Northline, the Red Line runs straight through Downtown to the Museum District and Texas Medical Center, ending at Fannin South near NRG Park. METRO lists frequent service, about every 6 minutes on weekdays and roughly every 12 minutes on weekends for most hours. Check the METRORail Red Line page for current frequency and first-last train times.
Your core connections
METRORail Red Line
- Single-seat rides: Northline to Downtown and the Texas Medical Center without a transfer.
- Typical frequency: about every 6 minutes on weekdays, about every 12 minutes most weekends.
- Tip: Plan a few extra minutes during events or planned maintenance.
Feeder bus routes
Several METRO bus routes serve Northline Transit Center, commonly Routes 23, 36, 45, 56, 79 and 96. These lines help you reach nearby corridors and make short trips for groceries, classes, or shift work. For a station-level snapshot and route list, see the Northline Transit Center / HCC page, then confirm times in the METRO trip planner or RideMetro app.
Airport access without driving
Headed to IAH? Ride the Red Line into Downtown, then transfer to Route 500 IAH Downtown Direct. As of 2025, this service offers regular daily trips between Downtown and the airport, making air travel manageable without a car. Read about the connection in local coverage of the IAH Downtown Direct bus.
What to expect day to day
Fares and payment
- Local fare: $1.25 for bus and rail. Discounted fares are available for eligible riders.
- Transfers: METRO Q Card and mobile tickets include transfers for up to three hours in most cases.
- Review details on METRO’s All About Fares page.
Reliability and service updates
METRO sometimes schedules weekend maintenance that requires shuttle buses on parts of the line. Before a big trip, check METRO service bulletins and plan a little extra time if there is system work or special events. Recent reporting has also noted that traffic-signal timing can affect Red Line travel speeds in Downtown, which may add a few minutes during certain periods. See coverage of rail timing in the Houston Chronicle for context.
First-last mile: make the short connection easy
Getting to the station comfortably is half the battle. Here is how to make it work:
- Prioritize address-to-station walk time. A 5 to 12 minute walk often makes transit your default for many trips.
- If you are farther out, use a feeder bus for the first hop. Routes 23, 36, 45, 56, 79 and 96 commonly serve the hub.
- Consider a bike or scooter for short trips. METRO and local partners have explored first-last mile options and provide bike guidance in their FAQ.
- For students or staff, knowing that HCC activity sits right by the station can simplify daily routines. Nearby retail at Northline Commons also supports errands without a long drive.
For buyers and sellers: set the right expectations
If you are buying
Living near the Northline hub can cut your car use, especially for Downtown and Medical Center commutes and errands near Fulton Street. Still, the broader 77022 area shows that many residents drive most of the time, with transit making up a smaller share of trips. See mode share context for 77022 on UnitedStatesZipCodes.org. Use this quick checklist:
- Map the walk time to the station and the nearest feeder bus stop.
- Confirm first-last train and bus times if you work early, late, or weekends.
- Identify your go-to grocery and pharmacy near the hub so errands stay car-light.
- Keep a backup plan for rare off-hour trips when transit runs less often.
If you are selling
Highlight features that matter to car-light buyers: short walk time to the Northline Transit Center, proximity to HCC Northline and Northline Commons, and the direct Red Line ride to Downtown and the Texas Medical Center. Be transparent about parking. METRO has discussed upgrading the transit center with a multi-level parking garage that would add several hundred spaces and modernize facilities, which could change parking dynamics near the hub. See the Houston Chronicle’s report on the proposed garage for context.
Sample car-light trips from Northline
- Downtown workday: Walk or bus to Northline Transit Center, board the Red Line, ride directly to Downtown.
- Medical Center appointment: Take the Red Line straight through the Museum District to TMC stations.
- Airport run: Red Line into Downtown, transfer to Route 500 IAH Downtown Direct.
- Daily errands: Walk or bus to Northline Commons for groceries and services before or after a rail trip.
Stay in the know
- Use the METRO trip planner or RideMetro app for live arrivals and alerts.
- Check service bulletins before weekend travel.
- Review Red Line frequency on the METRORail page and fares on All About Fares.
Ready to explore homes that make transit part of your routine in Northline and the Northside? Let’s map options by walk time and route access. Reach out to Daisy Guzman to start your search.
FAQs
Which transit lines serve Northline in Houston’s Northside?
- Northline Transit Center is the Red Line terminus and connects with several METRO bus routes, commonly 23, 36, 45, 56, 79 and 96.
How frequent is the METRORail Red Line from Northline?
- METRO lists service about every 6 minutes on weekdays and about every 12 minutes on weekends for most hours. Always check current schedules.
How do I reach Bush Intercontinental Airport from Northline without driving?
- Take the Red Line to Downtown, then transfer to Route 500 IAH Downtown Direct for a one-transfer airport trip.
Is parking available at Northline Transit Center?
- METRO provides limited parking today and has discussed a new multi-level garage project that would expand capacity if built.
Can I live fully car-free near Northline?
- Many daily trips are possible on rail and bus, but most residents still drive. Evaluate your schedule, walk time to the hub and off-hour needs before going car-free.
