Hi guys. I live in Canada. I just bought a playoff 1st round Game A e-ticket of Rockets (shouldn't have done that given my financial situation ) and will be in Houston around game day for about 24 hours. My questions are: first, can I rent a car with a Canadian driver license? If so, should I rent a car or just go around by taxi, since I will be there for such a short time? How is the traffic condition in Houston? Are Houston/Texas drivers agrressive? Is it easy to catch a taxi on streets, especially after game time? Roughly how much do I have to pay if I take a taxi from down town to airport? Thanks in advance. I am sure I will see many of you during the game. My seat is at session 113, row c seat 13. Go Rockets!!! P.S. I am a Yao fan, not a YOF, so please don't bash me.
I used to work with a couple of Canadians who would fly from Toronto to Houston every week, and they always rented cars without a problem. I don't think they had any special permission aside from their Canadian drivers license. I'd rent a car if I were you. A taxi from Bush airport to downtown will run $40-$50 (US). If the game is on a weekend, car rentals are absurdly cheap in Houston. Like $15-20 a day. Parking in downtown Houston is also absurdly cheap. You can always find parking <$10 around the Toyota Center. Usually around $5 if you don't mind hoofing it a few blocks. Don't worry about aggressive drivers or anything. It's no different in Houston than any other big city in my experience.
I don't think anyone's going to bash you for traveling from Canada to Houston to catch a game, that's pretty hardcore. Hope you enjoy your time in Houston!
I worked at Enterprise for 3 years and we wouldn't rent to people with foriegn DL's. However, the airport locations are typically more liberal with things like that, so I doubt you'll have a problem getting a car at the airport. You may have to purchase their insurance, which isn't a bad idea if it's just for a few days.
parking is free on the streets in downtown on the weekends so i would recommend doing that. that is beer money afterall. enjoy!! i'll be there too!!
Thanks for the information guys! I just booked my air tickets tonight. I will stay in Houston for one night (Rockets' 1st home game night) and fly back the next day. This will be my first ever professional sports live experience. I am sure it will be great! GO ROCKETS!!!
