$29 Cheap Flights from Houston (HOU) to Denver (DEN)

Houston (HOU) to Denver (DEN) at a glance

Travel from Houston (HOU) to Denver (DEN) with a range of airline options on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare flights from Houston, whether you prefer full-service or budget carriers, to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Denver, check out the essential details for flights from William P. Hobby Airport to Denver International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 2h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $60–$375, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Denver International Airport (DEN)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Houston to Denver, primarily for non-stop and one-stop travel. Many passengers opt for convenient layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, approximately 1-hour layover), Love Field Airport (DAL, about a 1-hour layover), and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX, roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes). This allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class as you search for the ideal itinerary.

• Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline primarily provides non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way tickets generally priced between $80 and $375. It operates around 94% of the departures on this route, with a standard non-stop flight duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost option, Frontier Airlines offers non-stop flights, with one-way fares usually falling between $60 and $185. It constitutes roughly 4% of the departures for this route, with a total travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flight options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $110 to $390. It accounts for about 2% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a complete journey time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Best time to fly from Houston (HOU) to Denver (DEN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Houston to Denver are March, April, and December, when peak temperatures in Denver reach up to 45.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 65.1°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $127. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 36 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 17 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $127, roughly 23% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: January typically offers an average one-way fare of around $134.
• Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Houston to Denver, with approximately 36 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Houston (HOU) to Denver (DEN)

• Houston to Colorado Springs (HOU-COS): Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is located approximately 73 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN). One-way economy tickets for this route generally fall between $90 and $485, influenced by the season and timing of the booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, with common layover locations at Love Field Airport (DAL) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The primary airlines operating on this route include Southwest Airlines (a budget carrier) and American Airlines.
• Houston to Denver (IAH-DEN): George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is situated about 23 miles from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). One-way economy fares on this route typically range from $35 to $340, depending on the season and when you book. This route features options for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines serving this route are Frontier Airlines (a low-cost carrier) and United. Additionally, first-class service is available for travelers seeking an upgraded experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Houston (HOU) to Denver (DEN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Houston to Denver is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. tend to offer these lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally results in cheaper prices, although Friday is the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Denver International Airport from William P. Hobby Airport

Denver welcomes travelers from Houston with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Denver efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Denver, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Denver International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Denver International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Denver International Airport, Jeppesen Terminal Station, a metro station, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot, providing easy access to public transit options for travelers.

Houston to Denver Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Houston to Denver

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Houston to Denver are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Houston to Denver with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Houston to Denver

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Houston to Denver: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Houston to Denver

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Houston to Denver in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $29 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Houston to Denver flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Houston to Denver airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.