$71 Cheap Flights from Houston (IAH) to Phoenix (PHX)

Houston (IAH) to Phoenix (PHX) at a glance

Travel from Houston (IAH) to Phoenix (PHX) with a variety of airlines on this short domestic route. Discover options for flights from Houston that cater to different wallets, whether you’re seeking cheap fares or a more comprehensive service. Compare itineraries that align with your budget and schedule as you prepare to explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Phoenix. Here are the essential details for flights departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

• Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
• Flights per week: around 45+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$370, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Houston to Phoenix are favored for their non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include Denver International Airport (DEN) with approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute layover, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offering around a 1-hour layover, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with about a 1 hour and 30-minute layover. These choices allow you to easily compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to create the ideal travel itinerary.

• United: This comprehensive airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices typically falling between $70 and $445. It represents around 55% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop flight duration of 3 hours.
• American Airlines: Another full-service airline offering both non-stop and one-stop services, American Airlines has one-way fares generally ranging from $70 to $445. It makes up roughly 27% of departures along this route, with a typical non-stop travel time of 3 hours.
• Frontier Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Frontier provides non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares usually between $50 and $250. It accounts for about 18% of flights on this route, and the average non-stop journey takes 3 hours.
• Delta: This full-service airline offers one-stop service, with one-way fares typically priced between $100 and $445. Delta handles around 1% of departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, totaling approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes including layovers.

Travelers flying from Houston to Phoenix can opt for an upgrade to first class, with both United and American Airlines providing premium service for this route.

Best time to fly from Houston (IAH) to Phoenix (PHX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Houston to Phoenix are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Phoenix reach up to 74.5°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 89.8°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $150. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 57 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. August has the fewest flights, with approximately 40 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $150, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: September, November, and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $156.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Houston to Phoenix, with approximately 57 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 route from Houston (IAH) to Phoenix (PHX)

• Houston to Phoenix (HOU-PHX): William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is located approximately 23 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally fall between $65 and $445, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

How to find the best prices for flights from Houston (IAH) to Phoenix (PHX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Houston to Phoenix 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 aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often have lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally offers cheaper rates, even though 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 Sky Harbor International Airport from George Bush Intercontinental Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Phoenix, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Sky Harbor International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sky Harbor 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 Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3 Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while the Phoenix Airport Bus Stop, a bus station, is situated approximately 0.2 miles away on foot, providing convenient access to public transportation options for travelers.

Houston to Phoenix Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Houston to Phoenix

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 Phoenix are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Houston to Phoenix with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Houston to Phoenix

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Houston to Phoenix: 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 Phoenix

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 Phoenix in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $71 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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.