Visitor's Guide to Rice & Houston

Everything you need to know about getting here, getting around, where to stay, eat, and explore.

Parking On Campus

Parking Instructions for the Anderson-Clarke Center (Glasscock School of Continuing Studies)

The best access point for campus is Entrance 8 at the intersection of University Boulevard and Stockton Drive. Visitor parking is located in West Lot 5, adjacent to the Anderson-Clarke Center. This lot is free for attendees. Additional paid parking can be found at West Lot 4.

Quick Directions
Recommended Route

- Enter campus through Entrance 8 (University Blvd. & Stockton Dr.).
- Continue to West Lot 5.
- The Anderson-Clarke Center is directly adjacent to the parking lot.
Anderson-Clarke Parking Map Anderson-Clarke Center Parking Map Campus Map Rice University Campus Map Visitor Parking Lots

Fees: $1 each 10 min · $13 daily maximum per exit

Important — same card in & out: Use the same credit card at the entry gate and the exit gate. The computer will not recognize a different card. If you receive a validation, insert it first at exit, then insert your entry credit card.

Parking Instructions

Entry gates prompt you to insert a credit card (Amex, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover). The parking meter starts when the gate opens. On exit, insert the same card and the computer automatically calculates the fee and bills the card.

Questions? Contact Rice Parking at 713-348-2020.

Campus Shuttle Routes

🚌
Rice University offers a convenient shuttle around campus and surrounding areas. To see live updates and track buses, download the TransLoc App — available on the App Store and Google Play.
Campus Shuttle Routes Map

Getting to Houston

Houston is served by two major airports: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), about 13 miles south, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), approximately 20 miles north.

Houston Airport Directions Map

From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

🚗 By Car, Taxi, or Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)
  • Take I-69 S → Exit Greenbriar → Left on Greenbriar → Left on Rice Blvd.
  • Campus is located on the right
⏱ About 30–60 min | 💵 Typically $30–$60
🚇 By Public Transportation (METRO)
  • Take METRO Bus 102 from airport → Downtown → Transfer to Red Line → Get off at Hermann Park/Rice U Station (across from campus)
⏱ About 1–1.5 hrs | 💵 Typically $3–$9

From William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

🚗 By Car, Taxi, or Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)
  • Exit via Broadway Blvd → I-45 N → US-59 S → Exit Greenbriar → Left on Greenbriar → Left on Rice Blvd.
  • Campus is on the right
⏱ About 20–40 min | 💵 Typically $25–$50
🚇 By Public Transportation (METRO)
  • Take Bus 73 from airport → Fannin South Transit Center → Transfer to Red Line → Get off at Hermann Park/Rice U Station
⏱ About 1 hr | 💵 Typically $3–$4

Accommodations Near Rice

Hilton Houston Plaza / Medical Center

  • About a 15–20 min walk (1 mile)
  • Check-in: 4 PM | Check-out: 11 AM
  • Self-parking: $20/day
  • On-site Restaurant, Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center

InterContinental Houston

  • About a 25 min walk (1.25 miles)
  • Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 12 PM
  • Self-parking: $40/day | Valet: $50/day
  • 2 On-site Restaurants, Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool
  • Complimentary local shuttle

Hotel ZaZa Museum District

  • About a 15 min walk (0.7 miles)
  • Check-in: 4 PM | Check-out: 12 PM
  • Valet Parking
  • Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center, On-site Dining, Shuttle Service, Full-Service Spa

The Westin Houston Medical Center / Museum District

  • About a 20 min walk (1 mile)
  • Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 12 PM
  • Self-parking: $52/day
  • 2 On-site Restaurants, Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool

DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Medical Center Hotel & Suites

  • About a 25 min walk (1.25 miles)
  • Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 11 AM
  • Self-parking: $25/day
  • On-site Restaurant, Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool

Houston Marriott Medical Center / Museum District

  • About a 20 min walk (1 mile)
  • Check-in: 4 PM | Check-out: 12 PM
  • Self-parking: $40/day
  • 3 On-site Restaurants, Fitness Center

Visitor Dining Guide

Dine, Discover, and Enjoy Rice University

On Campus Options

Dandelion Cafe $

O'Connor Building
Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM
⭐ Chicken Caprese Panini & Chorizo Breakfast Taco

Local Foods $

Brochstein Pavilion
Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat–Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
⭐ Crunchy Chicken Sandwich & Milton's Bolognese

Sammy's Café

Student Center
Lunch Mon–Fri: 11 AM – 2 PM | Dinner Mon–Thur: 5 PM – 7 PM
Various options daily

Oui Banh Mi

Student Center
Lunch Mon–Fri: 11 AM – 2 PM | Dinner Mon–Fri: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
⭐ Chargrilled Pork Bahn Mi

Rice Coffeehouse

Student Center
Mon–Thur: 7:30 AM – 12 AM | Fri: 7:30 AM – 5 PM | Sat: 9:30 AM – 5 PM | Sun: 2 PM – 12 AM
⭐ Nutty Bee, Witchy Chai & Chocolate Croissant

Curbside at the Club

Cohen House — To-go / pickup only
Breakfast Mon–Fri: 7–9 AM | Lunch Mon–Fri: 11 AM – 1:30 PM
⚠ To dine in at Cohen House, visitors must be accompanied by a member.

Valhalla Pub

Keck Hall
Mon–Fri: 11:30 AM – 1 PM (Snacks & Drinks) & 4 PM – 2 AM | Sat: Closed | Sun: 6 PM – 11 PM
Rice Village — Lunch

Located within walking distance of campus. Two garages nearby with the first two hours free.

Island Grill $

2365 Rice Blvd · Casual Mediterranean
Mon–Sat: 7 AM – 9 PM | Sun: 8 AM – 9 PM
⭐ Hummus & Pita, Chicken Gyro, Beef Kabob Plate

Hungry's $$

2356 Rice Blvd · New American
Sun–Wed: 11 AM – 9 PM | Thur–Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
⭐ Beef Tenderloin Salad & Anaheim Chile Grilled Chicken

Local Foods $

2424 Dunstan Rd #100 · Healthy American
Mon–Sun: 10 AM – 8 PM
⭐ Crunchy Chicken Sandwich & Market Cheddar Burger

Mendocino Farms $

5510 Morningside · Sandwich Shop
Mon–Sun: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
⭐ Chicken Pesto Caprese & Peruvian Steak Sandwich

Hopdoddy $

5510 Morningside Dr · Burgers
Sun–Thur: 11 AM – 9 PM | Fri–Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
⭐ Classic Cheeseburger & Parmesan Truffle Fries

Salento Bistrot $$

2407 Rice Blvd · European Latin Bistro
Mon–Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM
⭐ Peruvian Style Ceviche & Quinoa Avocado Bowl

Torchy's $

2400 Times Blvd · Tacos
Mon–Thur: 7 AM – 9:30 PM | Fri: 7 AM – 11 PM | Sat: 9 AM – 11 PM | Sun: 9 AM – 9:30 PM
⭐ Green Chile Queso & Chips, Chicken Fajita Taco, Mr. Orange Taco
Rice Village — Dinner

Located within walking distance of campus. Two garages nearby with the first two hours free.

Milton's $$$$

5117 Kelvin Dr Ste 200 · Italian
Wed–Thur: 5–10 PM | Fri–Sat: 5–11 PM | Sun: 4–9 PM
⭐ Sourdough Garlic Knots & Lasagna

Navy Blue $$$$

2445 Times Blvd · New American
Sun–Wed: 11:30 AM – 9 PM | Thur–Sat: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
⭐ Crab Cake & Chicken Roulade

Hamsa $$$

5555 Morningside Dr #100 · Middle Eastern
Tues–Wed: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Thur–Sat: 11:30 AM – 10 PM | Sun: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
⭐ Lamb Hummus & Kebab

Coppa Osteria $$$

5210 Morningside Dr · Italian
Mon–Sun: 10 AM – 8 PM
⭐ Rigatoni Bolognese & Linguine Alla Scampi

Hudson House $$$$

2414 University Blvd Ste 100 · American Seafood
Sun–Wed: 11 AM – 9 PM | Thur–Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
⭐ Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice & Maple Planked Salmon

Sixty Vines $$

2540 University Blvd · New American
Mon–Thur: 11 AM – 10 PM | Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 11 PM | Sun: 10 AM – 9 PM
⭐ Truffled Vineyard Fries, Santa Maria Tri Tip & Creste Di Gallo

Cyclone Anaya's $$

5214 Morningside · Tex-Mex
Mon–Thur: 11 AM – 10 PM | Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 11 PM | Sun: 10 AM – 9 PM
⭐ Queso, Fajitas Al Carbon & Flautas De Pollo
Houston Eats

Houston's food scene is always evolving. For the latest openings check out Eater Houston.

Rim Tanon $$

2241 Richmond Ave · Thai
⭐ Salmon Rolls & Pad Thai

Truth BBQ $$$

110 South Heights Blvd · Barbecue
⭐ Brisket & Tater Tot Casserole

ChopnBlok $$

401 Franklin St, Ste A (Inside POST Market) · West African
⭐ Golden Bowl & Buka

Kata Robata $$$$

3600 Kirby Dr, Ste H · Sushi
⭐ Japanese Wagyu Beef, Crab & Lobster Ramen, Madai Crudo

The Lymbar $$$

4201 Main St, Ste 100 (Inside the Ion) · Latin-Arabian
⭐ Empanada Trio, Arroz Paella & Tres Leches

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse $$$$

5839 Westheimer Rd · Steakhouse
⭐ Mashed Potatoes & NY Strip

Katami $$$$

2701 W Dallas St · Sushi
⭐ Iberico Pork Shumai & Tuna Tartare

Candente $$

4306 Yoakum Blvd · Tex-Mex
⭐ Brisket Nachos, Guacamole & Fajitas

Pinkerton's Barbecue $$

1504 Airline Dr · Barbecue
⭐ Jalapeño Sausage, Brisket Sandwich & Mac & Cheese

Late August $$$

4201 Main St, Ste 120 (Inside the Ion) · New American
⭐ Dressed Oysters & Fried Chicken

BCN Taste & Tradition $$$$

4210 Roseland St · Spanish Contemporary
⭐ Ibérico Ham Croquettes, Spanish Octopus & Grilled Lamb Chops

Things To Do in Houston

🌿 Parks & Outdoors

🏛 Museums

Family Friendly Activities
Houston Aquarium 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland, home to over 300 species
POST Market International food hall and shopping — Downtown Houston's hub for culture, food, and recreation
Color Factory 14 immersive art exhibits as stunning as they are colorful. Fun for all ages!
Palace Social Family fun restaurant with bowling, games, virtual reality, and more
PKL Social Play pickleball, eat, and relax
Holey Moley Indoor mini golf with 27 holes and wild themes
Pinstripes Bowling, bocce, and dining
Meow Wolf Immersive, multimedia art worlds
Kemah Boardwalk Waterfront rides, dining, and live events
Moody Gardens Aquariums, rainforest exhibits, 3D theaters, and zip lines
Schlitterbahn Galveston Family-friendly waterpark
Theater District Home to nine world-renowned performing arts organizations