Loading map...
IAH → HRL
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Valley International Airport (Harlingen)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Texas Gulf Coastline, including barrier islands, massive bay systems, and the contrast between the deep blue Gulf and shallow turquoise lagoons.
Search flights from IAH to HRL
Houston Ship Channel
Just after takeoff, witness the massive scale of the industrial waterway leading into Galveston Bay.
Matagorda Island
View this expansive, undeveloped barrier island and its intricate network of coastal marshes.
Corpus Christi Bay
A clear view of the city skyline, the Harbor Bridge, and the historic USS Lexington aircraft carrier.
Padre Island National Seashore
Follow the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world as it curves toward the south.
Laguna Madre
Spot the shallow, hypersaline waters that separate the mainland from the barrier islands.
Sit on the left side for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico. This side provides the most consistent views of the water; look for the distinct color changes where river sediment meets the ocean.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Houston Skyline
Depending on the departure runway, get a panoramic view of the downtown skyscrapers and the Medical Center.
Brazos River
See the dramatic oxbow bends and winding path of this iconic Texas river as it nears the coast.
King Ranch
Fly over the massive expanse of one of the world's largest ranches, visible as endless South Texas brush.
Rio Grande Valley Farmland
As you descend into Harlingen, the landscape transforms into a vibrant green patchwork of agricultural fields.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun. It offers a better look at the massive ranching operations and the agricultural geometry of the Rio Grande Valley during the final descent.
Book Hotels in HarlingenDistance: 475 km (295 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: HRL (26.228500366210938, -97.65440368652344)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.