Texas's main United Airlines hub (23.3 million passengers in 2024) handles connections to Latin America, Europe, and other international destinations, distributed across five terminals (A, B, C, D, E).
Access point to southern Texas and Houston's energy sector area.
How to get to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to IAH
Parking near George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport
Terminal garages cost 5 USD/hour up to a maximum of 25 USD/day; open-air ecopark lots start at 6.47 USD/day; affiliated external parking from 6.63 USD/day.
How to get to Houston from IAH
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
From IAH to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend the minimum necessary and reach downtown in reasonable time | METRO Downtown Direct bus (line 500) | $4.50 USD |
| Save even more, having more time available | Local METRO bus (line 102) | $1.25 USD |
| Reach Uptown/Galleria or NRG Park without transfers | Taxi or Uber/Lyft | ~$45-75 USD |
| Travel with heavy luggage, in a group, or outside bus hours (not active after 8 PM) | Taxi at agreed-upon rate | ~$50-73 USD |
IAH → Downtown Houston (George R. Brown Convention Center)
Line 500 Downtown Direct has its terminus right in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center, convenient for those attending a trade show or conference without needing to book a taxi.
IAH → Uptown/Galleria
The Uptown neighborhood, with the Galleria shopping center and its concentration of offices and hotels, has no direct bus from the airport: Uber/Lyft or taxi remain the only option for the roughly 40 km journey, with fares exceeding $70 USD during peak hours.
IAH → NRG Park
The Houston Texans stadium, the annual rodeo, and major trade shows are located at NRG Park, south of the city: on event days a taxi or rideshare takes 35-55 minutes and the fare easily exceeds $70 USD.
IAH → The Woodlands
The residential and business community north of the airport is closer than you might think, about 23 miles along the Hardy Toll Road, but there is no direct public transit connection: the alternative is a local taxi or car rental.
Car rental at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport
All major car rental companies have desks in the Rental Car Facility, reachable by shuttle.
With a Latin-character license, for a short stay you need only driver's license, passport, and credit card, without an IDP.
Hotels near George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport
At the airport
The Houston Airport Marriott is the only hotel inside the airport, between terminals B and C: the free internal train (Skyway) links it to all five terminals.
Best for: Dawn flights, long layovers and overnight arrivals, when you want to stay within the airport perimeter.
- From bed to gate by the internal train, with no car or shuttle
- The train runs every few minutes, even at night and early in the morning
- Nothing within walking distance: dinner at the hotel or in the airport
- To visit Houston you need a bus or car, 30-45 minutes each way
Airport area, John F. Kennedy Boulevard
The hotels along John F. Kennedy Boulevard are a few kilometres from the terminals and have a free shuttle; the ride takes 10-15 minutes.
Best for: Those after a lower price who accept a short shuttle, without depending on a rental car.
- Free shuttle from the hotel to the terminals, with runs early in the morning too
- Parking and chain breakfast, useful for those continuing by car
- The shuttle keeps a schedule and must be requested: work out your margin before the flight
- Area of fast through roads, with no places within walking distance
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Bush Intercontinental Airport Free shuttle to the terminals on request, rooms renovated in 2023, a gym open around the clock and an on-site restaurant. View availability
- Courtyard by Marriott Houston Intercontinental Airport Free airport shuttle, rooms with a microwave and mini-fridge, a free fitness center and a small bistro for breakfast and a quick dinner. View availability
Downtown, Convention District
METRO's Route 500 Downtown Direct terminates in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center and takes 30-45 minutes; a taxi or Uber/Lyft takes about 30-40 minutes.
Best for: Those staying several nights, attending a trade fair or wanting theatres, stadiums and parks without driving.
- Direct bus from the airport, ending next to the hotels
- Hotels linked to the convention center by indoor skywalks, useful in the summer heat
- The bus doesn't run before 5:30 or after 20:00: dawn flights need a taxi
- Outside events, the streets of the district are quiet in the evening
Recommended hotels
- Marriott Marquis Houston Attached to the George R. Brown Convention Center and the route 500 bus terminus; rooftop pool with a lazy river and a Mexican restaurant. View availability
- Hilton Americas-Houston Two covered skywalks lead to the convention center, a few steps from the route 500 bus terminus; it has a large indoor pool on the 24th floor. View availability
Museum District
There is no direct bus: take route 500 to downtown and then the METRORail, or a taxi or Uber/Lyft for the roughly 40 km from the airport.
Best for: Those who want museums, Hermann Park and restaurants on foot, with the light rail to reach downtown.
- Museums and Hermann Park a few minutes' walk from the hotel
- The Museum District METRORail stop is a 3-minute walk away
- Two vehicles to get there from the airport, or a pricier car ride
- Not suited to dawn departures: the bus doesn't run at that hour
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 13
- with Priority Pass
- 3
- open 24 hours
- 1
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The 5 terminals (A, B, C, D, E) are connected by the Skyway, an automated indoor train.
Given the airport's scale, it is advisable to arrive at least 3 hours in advance for international flights.
Map of George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. If I have a layover in Houston without leaving the airport, do I still need an ESTA?
Yes: unlike many European or Asian airports, the United States does not have an international transit area exempt from checks. Anyone landing at IAH, even just for a connection, must have a valid ESTA or visa and go through customs and immigration control.
Q. Is there a train to Houston airport?
No, the METRORail network does not reach IAH: only METRO buses connect the airport to downtown.
Q. Which airline is IAH a hub for?
United Airlines has one of its main hubs here, with connections to Latin America and Europe.
Q. How do you get between IAH's terminals?
With the Skyway, an internal automated train connecting the 5 terminals.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Minute Suites (Terminal C), Air France Lounge (Terminal D) and KLM Crown Lounge (Terminal D).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Minute Suites (Terminal C).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
