I have to travel I10 to 59 through Houston. Would it be quicker to take the bottom loop around Houston or go straight through?
it will be around 6 pm on a Friday.

from where to where. i don't understand through houston i-10 to 59

are you coming from west or east

I would stay on I10 to 59....if you take the loop at that time....the exit to 59 from 610 can be messed up. Many accidents there, especially rear enders.

It would be quicker to go through Houston at a different time if you can.

if coming from west, I would take the grand pkwy 99

Surely you're coming in from the east or you would be cutting south before you get to Houston. On Fridays, Houston is jacked up from 4pm to 6pm. I'd stay away from 610. Personally I'd take the beltway. If you don't wanna do that, then stay on I-10 to downtown and take 59 south. You'll have no problem getting to downtown. Getting out once you hit 59 will be a little slow.

Be sure you bring your patience. And plenty of it!

Friday afternoon -
Coming from the west, cut off long before Houston on 359, 99, or 36 (my choice).
Coming from the east, I-10 to beltway south will no doubt be the fastest route by 30+ minutes. The heavy traffic will be coming east and you should be clear selling. You will hit a lit traffic on the Beltway - 59 South ramp and will last until you get south of 99 (6-7 miles) and then be good to go. It should be moving, but usually less than the speed limit. Any other route, you could end up bumper to bumper.

Like the others said, 6pm on a Friday going across Houston, ugh. Be prepared, and if you are pulling a boat, stop somewhere, have a nice meal and head out about 8pm, you will get just as far.

I'm coming East to West. Bare with me. I've only taken the beltway once. Looking on a map, is it the big outer loop or the one closer to downtown?

It's the outer loop. It's going to cost you $6 to get from I-10 to 59 but it's going to be worth it.

Thanks! Guess we'll try the outer loop.

Signs for the outer loop will say Sam Houston Tollway or Beltway 8......Just to let you know what to look for!