Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Lubbock's airport is about five miles north of downtown, along Interstate 27: anyone with just a couple of hours between a flight and a commitment in the city finds it handy to stay along that corridor, a few minutes from the terminal. The historic downtown and the Texas Tech University campus, on the other hand, are about ten minutes by car, close to each other and with more choice of restaurants and evening venues. Anyone who needs to go to the South Plains Mall or works in the southern part of the city prefers the hotels on South Loop 289, further from the airport but convenient for that area.

Airport area

about 11 minutes by car from the terminal, along Interstate 27

Best for: short layovers or a very early flight, with no need to go into the city

Pros

A transfer of just a few minutes from the terminal
Handy for very early arrivals or departures

Cons

An area of interchanges, nothing to walk to in the evening
Further from downtown and Texas Tech than the other areas

Recommended hotels in this area

Super 8 by Wyndham Lubbock Airport: 11 minutes from the terminal along Interstate 27, a recently renovated property according to reviews.

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Downtown and Texas Tech

City centre · about 10 minutes by car from the airport, no direct public transport link

Best for: those who want downtown restaurants, the venues of the Depot District or an event at Texas Tech

Pros

The historic downtown and the Texas Tech campus just minutes apart on foot
More choice of restaurants and evening venues than the airport area
Several hotels with conference centres for university events

Cons

Downtown Lubbock is quiet compared with bigger cities
Prices rise on Texas Tech game weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

Cotton Court, by Valencia Hotel Collection: A boutique hotel in downtown Lubbock, less than two miles from the Buddy Holly Center and the venues of the Depot District.
Overton Hotel and Conference Center: A large conference centre just steps from Texas Tech, with decor devoted to West Texas culture.
DoubleTree by Hilton Lubbock University Area: On Avenue Q near the Texas Tech campus, with an indoor pool and breakfast cooked to order.

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South Loop 289

Neighbourhood · about 20 minutes by car from the airport, no direct public transport link

Best for: those who need to go to the South Plains Mall or work in the southern part of the city

Pros

A few minutes from the South Plains Mall and the area's shopping centres
A road with a high concentration of hotels, more choice on price

Cons

The area furthest from the airport among those in this guide
Outside downtown and the Texas Tech campus

Recommended hotels in this area

Hampton Inn Lubbock: Four minutes from the South Plains Mall, with continental breakfast and an indoor pool.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lubbock: Suites with a separate living area on South Loop 289, praised for the breakfast cooked to order.

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