The promotion begins on September 4 and requires no ticket. The service connects three The Woodlands Park & Ride facilities with Downtown Houston, the Medical Center, Greenway Plaza, and the Energy Corridor.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The Woodlands Express will offer free trips every Friday in September 2026 for passengers using the bus service between The Woodlands and Houston.
The Free Fare Fridays promotion begins this Friday, September 4 and will continue on September 11, 18, and 25. During those four days, it will not be necessary to purchase or show a ticket to board.
Under normal conditions, The Woodlands Express charges $15 for a round trip. Parking at its three Park & Ride facilities is free.
Trips will be free on September 4, 11, 18, and 25
- Friday, September 4: Free
- Friday, September 11: Free
- Friday, September 18: Free
- Friday, September 25: Free
The promotion is part of Commute Solutions Month and applies to The Woodlands Express regular service on those Fridays.
Three Park & Ride facilities connect The Woodlands with Houston
The Woodlands Express operates from three facilities:
- Research Forest Park & Ride
- Sawdust Park & Ride
- Sterling Ridge Park & Ride
The routes connect to employment centers in Houston, including Downtown, Texas Medical Center, Greenway Plaza and Energy Corridor.
Schedules depend on the terminal and destination. The Woodlands Township maintains the schedules and changes of service in its official The Woodlands Express information.
The Woodlands Express is not part of METRO
The Woodlands Express is operated by The Woodlands Township and runs separately from Houston’s METRO system. METRO prepaid cards are not normally used to pay for this service.
The distinction will be especially important during the Labor Day weekend. The Woodlands Express does not operate on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, while METRO will have a special schedule of buses, light rail and Park & Ride in Houston.
After the first free Friday on September 4, the promotion will return on September 11, 18, and 25.
