road rage is so 2024

Texas steers onto new list of 10 best states to drive in

Driving in Texas doesn't have to be all bad. There are some beautiful sights to see, such as Big Bend National Park.

A new report is silencing traffic complainers by ranking Texas the ninth best state to drive in the country.

The WalletHub study, "Best & Worst States to Drive in (2025)" compared all 50 states based on 31 key metrics in four categories: Cost of ownership and maintenance; traffic and infrastructure; safety; and access to vehicles and maintenance.

The top three best states for driving are Kansas (No. 1), Idaho (No. 2), and Indiana (No. 3).

Texas performed the best with its "access to vehicles and maintenance" rank, earning No. 3 overall, and earned fair placements in the nationwide categories for "safety" (No. 17) and "cost of ownership and maintenance" (No. 19).

WalletHub determined Texas has the fourth-highest number of auto repair shops per capita in the U.S., and the state landed in a three-way tie for the No. 1 most car washes per capita alongside California and Florida.

The Lone Star State also has the third-lowest average gas prices, according to the study. AAA says the current average price for gas in Texas is $2.72 per gallon for regular, compared to $2.68 a year ago. National average gas prices come out to about $3.13.

However, the state flopped hard in the national comparison of states with the best "traffic and infrastructure" and ranked No. 43 overall.

Transportation data company Inrix, Inc. says traffic congestion cost the average driver $771 in 2024, and drivers also lost 43 hours of their lives (on average) due to sitting in traffic. Ouch.

"On top of having pricey gas, maintenance and insurance expenses, some states can hurt you even more financially with excessive traffic congestion, which wastes both your fuel and your productivity," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. "The best states to drive in are ones that are relatively rural, with smaller populations, a low cost of living, well-maintained roads and safe motorists."

If we ignore the state's recent inclement weather - and the familiar annoyance of being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic - there's plenty to enjoy about driving in Texas. It's vast landscape allows for some incredible sightseeing during a summer road trip, or while taking a scenic drive through the Twisted Sisters in the Hill Country.

According to the study's rankings, Texans can be glad they aren't driving in Hawaii (No. 50), Washington (No. 49), or Montana (No. 48), which were dubbed the three worst states for driving.

The top 10 best states for driving in 2025 are:

No. 1 – Kansas
No. 2 – Idaho
No. 3 – Indiana
No. 4 – Iowa
No. 5 – Oklahoma
No. 6 – Alabama
No. 7 – North Carolina
No. 8 – Ohio
No. 9 – Texas
No. 10 – Tennessee

reports texas driving wallethub

allow extra time

Renovations close Bush Airport Terminal B lobby for all of 2025

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Facebook

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Travelers departing through Terminal B at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will need to allow extra time to get to their gates. The terminal’s lobby will be closed for several months beginning this Tuesday, January 21.

During the closure, which is expected to last until sometime in 2026, the lobby will undergo extensive renovations that include changes to the ground-level check-in and baggage claim areas as well as three times more curb frontage, according to a press release. The terminal will also be home to the largest United Club in the world and 22 new gates.

A rendering previews the changes coming to Terminal B.George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Facebook

Since the Terminal B gates will remain open while its lobby is closed, travelers who are departing from Terminal B will need to check in at Terminal C. Signage on the way to the airport will remind people of the Terminal B lobby closure.

United Airlines, which is funding the $2.5 billion Terminal B renovation project, will run a free shuttle between the Terminal A/B parking garage and Terminal C to assist travelers. However, people are encouraged to park in the Terminal C garage if spaces are available.

Once passengers have checked in at Terminal C, they may use the above-ground Skyway train to get to Terminal B. The airport suggests travelers with Terminal B departures arrive two to three hours early to allow enough time for parking, check in, and getting to their gate.

"United Airlines is thrilled to lead this monumental investment in Houston's future with the Terminal B Transformation Program," United vice president of airport operations Phil Griffith said in a statement. "This expansion not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens Houston's role as a global hub. With cutting-edge amenities, an expanded baggage handling system, and the addition of 22 new gates, this project will serve millions of passengers annually while creating thousands of local jobs. The Terminal B Lobby closure marks a transformative milestone for both United Airlines and its partners, and we are fully committed to supporting our passengers throughout this process, ensuring a smooth travel experience with resources such as intuitive signage, on-site wayfinding assistance, and timely reminders via the United app.”

airport george bush intercontinental airport united airlines