Get ready to explore IAH, Houston’s big airport that connects you to the world!

As the saying goes, everything’s bigger in Texas, and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is no exception. This place covers over 10,000 acres and flies to thousands of cities in the U.S. and beyond. Houston’s nickname is “Space City” because of NASA, and IAH matches that energy. Last year, 46.1 million people came through, and this year’s numbers could grow by 10% since planes now carry more seats.

Houston also has Hobby Airport (HOU), a smaller spot just 11 miles from downtown. But IAH is the star, packed with cool stuff to make your trip smooth. Grab the airport map, follow this guide, and you’re set!

Location of IAH

Address: 2800 North Terminal Road, Houston, TX 77032

Phone: +1 281-230-3100

IAH sits 23 miles north of downtown Houston. It’s the main spot for flights in and out of the city.

Getting to IAH

Don’t want to drive? No problem! Here are easy ways to reach IAH:

• METRO Bus 102 (IAH Express): Costs only $1.25. Pay with cash (exact change) or a card. Buses come every 15 minutes on weekdays, every 30 minutes on weekends. The ride to Terminal C takes 50–90 minutes. You get free Wi-Fi, and the buses work for wheelchairs too. The bus can take a long time, especially during rush hour. There is no space to stretch or relax on the bus.
• Amtrak Users: The train drops you near downtown Houston. Choose a METRO bus, taxi, or rideshare for transportation to IAH. Amtrak doesn’t go directly to the airport, so you’ll need extra rides, like a bus or taxi, from downtown.
• Luxury Ride: Book Houston Car Service for a smooth and comfortable ride to IAH. A professional driver takes you straight to IAH without any problem. You’ll feel fresh when you arrive. 

Parking at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport

IAH has parking open 24/7, every day of the year. Book ahead to save your spot. Here are the different parking options: 

1. Terminal Parking

Park close to Terminals A, B, C, D, or E. Costs $25 a day. Perfect for quick trips. By parking near the terminals, you can save time and money.

2. Ecopark

Cheaper at $7.39–$9.24 a day. Pick covered or open spots. Shuttles run all the time. They’ve got spaces for big vehicles, electric car chargers, and spots for people with disabilities.

3. Hourly Parking

Use terminal lots for short stops. It’s $1 for 10 minutes, $6 for 1–2 hours, or $10 for 3–5 hours. Over 5 hours? You pay the full daily rate.

The Terminals

IAH has five terminals, labeled A through E. They cover flights to over 120 cities.

Inside IAH. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

• Terminal A: Has 20 gates for airlines not named United.
• Terminal B: 40 gates, all for United Express.
• Terminal C: 29 gates for United’s U.S. flights.
• Terminal D: 12 gates for international airlines (not United).
• Terminal E: 24 gates for United’s international flights and some U.S. ones.

Airlines Operating at IAH

Here’s where airlines hang out at IAH:

• Terminal A: Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, WestJet.
• Terminal B: United Express 
• Terminal C: United
• Terminal D: Aeromexico, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, ANA, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian, EVA Air, Interjet, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar, Singapore, Turkish, Viva Aerobus, Volaris.
• Terminal E: United (all flights, U.S. and international).

Lounges at IAH

Relax or get some work done in IAH’s awesome lounges:

• United Club: Found in Terminals A, B, C, and E. Grab snacks, use Wi-Fi, watch TV, sip drinks, or let kids play. Free for members; others pay $59 for a day pass. Hours change, so check first.
• Admirals Club: In Terminal A, open early to evening. Offers a buffet, drinks, Wi-Fi, a bar, and meeting rooms. Day pass costs $79.
• British Airways Lounge: In Terminal D, open morning to night. Enjoy snacks, a buffet, champagne, Wi-Fi, and storage. For premium passengers only.
• Air France Lounge: In Terminal D, open afternoons. Bright spot with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a rest area. For business class travelers.
• KLM Crown Lounge: In Terminal D, open all day. Modern vibe with food, coffee, a bar, and work areas. Best for elite members.
• Centurion Lounge: In Terminal D, open long hours. Fancy spot with a chef’s menu, cocktails, and showers. For Amex cardholders only.
• United Polaris: In Terminal E, for premium travelers. Offers dining, comfy seats, showers, and private beds. For the international business class.
• USO Lounge: In Terminal D, free for the military. Cozy with food, games, and Wi-Fi.

Dining Options at IAH

Dig into tasty food with Texas flair or global vibes:

• Pappadeaux (Terminal E): Try seafood like gumbo in a fun setting.
• Q Smokehouse (Terminal B): Grab BBQ brisket and sides in a laid-back spot.
• Cat Cora’s (Terminal E): Enjoy unique dishes in a cozy, upscale place.
• Brewster (Terminal C): Get burgers and craft beer in a chill beer garden.
• Hugo’s (Terminal D): Savor Mexican tacos in a warm spot.
• Breakfast Klub (Terminal A): This friendly place delivers waffles and fried chicken.
• 3rd Bar (Terminal B): Feast on oysters and seafood in a classy setting.

Shopping at IAH

Browse for gifts, snacks, or travel gear:

• Terminal A: Pick up Houston souvenirs at Houston! or snacks at Relay.
• Terminal B: Find tech gadgets, books at Hudson, or sweets at Natalie’s.
• Terminal C: Shop Pandora jewelry or Johnston & Murphy shoes.
• Terminal D: Check out duty-free at Dufry or clothes at Boss and Eddie Bauer.
• Terminal E: Grab gadgets at Brookstone, Apple gear at iStore, or bags at Tumi.

Hotels Near IAH

Stay close to IAH for an easy trip:

• Houston Marriott: Right at the airport with a tram to terminals. Has a pool, gym, dining, and business spaces.
• DoubleTree: A quick shuttle ride away. Get a warm cookie when you check in, plus a pool, dining, and park-and-fly deals.
• Sheraton: Just a mile away. Offers comfy beds, pet-friendly rooms, a pool, bars, and parking.
• Hyatt Regency: Close to downtown, but doable. Features a pool, gym, and accessible rooms.

Amenities at IAH

IAH makes your visit easy with these perks:

• Free Wi-Fi: Connect anywhere in the airport.
• Info Kiosks: Get help at stations in every terminal.
• Nursing Rooms: Use spaces in Terminal D and other spots.
• ATMs: Find cash machines all over.
• Emergencies: Call 911. AEDs are around if needed.
• Chapels: Relax in quiet rooms in Terminals C and D, open 24/7.
• Pet Relief Areas: Post-security spots in all terminals.
• Vending Machines: Grab snacks in the subways and Terminal E.
• Smoking Areas: Outside only, in marked spots.
• Water Stations: Fill your bottle at stations everywhere.

Best Way to Arrive

Choose Houston Car Service for a comfortable journey to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport—no waiting for taxis, no parking headaches, no traffic issues. Book your ride now for an airport ride or long-distance travel to cities like Austin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get between terminals in Houston airport?

It takes about 5–15 minutes to move between terminals at Houston Airport using the free Skyway train (inside security) or the subway train (outside security), both running regularly and connecting all terminals.

Q: How do I get from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to downtown Houston?

It takes around 30–40 minutes to reach downtown by private car service in Houston. It’s quicker and more comfortable than rideshare or bus, especially if you have luggage or a tight schedule.

Q: How early should I arrive at IAH?

For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours early. For international flights, aim for 3 hours before departure. This helps you avoid stress and allows enough time for check-in, security, and any delays.

Q: What to do close to the IAH airport?

Near Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, you can visit Deerbrook Mall for shopping and dining or enjoy Mercer Botanic Gardens for a peaceful walk. There are also nearby hotels with good restaurants to relax before or after your flight.

Q: What is the busiest time at George Bush Intercontinental Airport?

The busiest times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport are usually weekday mornings from 6 AM to 9 AM and afternoons from 4 PM to 7 PM. Holidays and summer months also see more travelers, so expect longer lines during those periods.