Houston George Bush Intcntl Airport (IAH) Flights & Information

Houston is the fourth largest city in the US with over 2.3 million residents. In addition, the city welcomes millions of visitors each year, many of whom are in town for business and arrive via George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). IAH is Houston’s main airport and receives more than 46 million passengers each year.

I have personally traveled through George Bush Intercontinental Airport many times. I live in Colorado near a smaller, regional airport, so I’m often routed through Houston. Like any major flight hub, IAH has its own transport system and layout, so here’s everything you need to know about the airport in advance of upcoming travel.

IAH terminal information and tips

George Bush Intercontinental Airport has 5 terminals that are lettered A through E. Terminals A, B and C are typically used for domestic flights while Terminals D and E welcome international flights.

There are 2 ways to get from terminal to terminal at IAH. You can hop on the Skyway, which can only be accessed after you’ve passed through security and runs above ground from terminal to terminal, or take the Subway, which connects the 5 terminals outside, or pre-security. The latter also connects the 5 terminals of George Bush Intercontinental Airport with the Houston Airport Marriott, the only true airport hotel at IAH.

It’s worth noting that George Bush Intercontinental Airport is one of the main hubs of United Airlines and as such offers many United flights in and out of Houston, both domestic and international.

The best way to get between IAH and Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is just over 20 miles north of downtown Houston. The journey takes around 25 minutes by car and around 50 to 90 minutes on public transportation.

I recommend taking an Uber or Lyft, which can pick up passengers at Terminals A, B, and C. If you’re flying into Terminals D or E, you’ll need to take the Skyway or Subway to another terminal. Although if you’re okay taking a traditional taxi, they are allowed to pick up passengers at Terminal E.

If you have plenty of time, the most affordable way to travel between downtown Houston and IAH is by bus. The METRO Bus 102 runs between the airport and the downtown METRO station, making several stops along the way. The drive takes between 50 and 90 minutes. If you want to take the bus, you’ll need to get to Terminal C, which is where the bus picks up.

And finally, if you’re renting a car, you’ll need to take the shuttle to the Rental Car Center, which is around 5 minutes from IAH. The Rental Car Center shuttle picks up travelers every 5 to 10 minutes from Terminals A, B and C around the clock. The shuttle also picks up passengers at Terminal D until 9 pm.

Parking at Houston George Bush Airport

There are several parking options at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, including everything from budget to valet parking. The most affordable way to park at IAH is at one of the 3 Ecoparks, 2 of which are uncovered. A 24-hour shuttle runs between the Ecoparks and all 5 terminals at IAH daily.

You can also park directly at each of the terminals. The facilities are first-come, first-serve, but you can reserve your parking in advance. You’ll find both accessible parking and EV charging spaces at all 5 George Bush Intercontinental Airport terminals. The terminal parking facilities, like the airport Ecoparks, are open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

When you’re traveling out of IAH, you can also choose to valet your car at any of the 5 terminal parking lots.

No matter how you plan to park your vehicle, you can check the availability of each lot or garage via the Parking tab on the airport website. This is also where you can go to reserve your space in advance.

Security lines at Houston George Bush Airport

There are 2 types of security checkpoints at George Bush Intercontinental Airport – standard screening and TSA PreCheck. If you’re already enrolled in and approved for the latter, you can typically get through security faster and don’t have to remove your shoes, belt or jacket (as long as the jacket is light). As a TSA PreCheck passenger at IAH you can also leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag.

If you’re tight on time, visit the airport website to check the status of your security checkpoint. On the IAH Depart tab they list the current security checkpoint wait times for all 5 terminals.

Both standard and TSA PreCheck security at George Bush Intercontinental Airport typically use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), where you step inside the AIT unit with your feet spread apart and your arms raised overhead. In most situations, you can request a physical screening instead.

The physical screen, which is essentially a TSA “pat-down,” is also done on passengers on a random basis for added security.

Connecting IAH and William P. Hobby Airport

While George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston’s main airport, there is a second international airport serving the city, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). If you need to transfer from IAH to HOU, or vice versa, you can take a rideshare or taxi, or take public transportation.

If you’re tight on time, I highly recommend the former. The Uber, Lyft or taxi journey between the 2 airports takes around 35 minutes but is largely dependent on traffic since IAH is north of Houston and HOU is south of the city.

The more affordable but slower option is to take public transportation. The METRO Bus 102 runs between IAH and downtown Houston, while the METRO Bus 40 runs between downtown and HOU. No matter which direction you’re traveling, you will need to get off one bus, walk a short distance, and get on a second bus. In total, the journey tends to take a little over 2 hours.

Things to do at Houston George Bush Airport during a layover

Houston Airports, which manages both IAH and HOU, was recognized as having the “Best Airport Art & Entertainment Program” at the World Airport Awards in both 2023 and 2024. The honor speaks to the work both airports have put into making their facilities as welcoming, entertaining and calming as possible.

There are often live performances at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and the airport system has a 350-piece art collection, much of which is on display to travelers arriving to or departing from IAH.

In addition to enjoying the ambiance at IAH, there is plenty of shopping to be had. There are several high-end shops, including Chanel and Dior, along with beloved companies like Dylan’s Candy Bar, L'Occitane and LEGO. For gifts with a distinct Texas flair, Made: Texas in Terminal C is a great option.

Dining at IAH is also a treat, with several beloved Houston restaurants opening a location in the airport. At IAH you can find the soul food of The Breakfast Klub, Tex-Mex from Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar and Ember, which offers hand-cut steaks, Gulf seafood and giant burgers from a James Beard award-winning chef.

Lounges at Houston George Bush Airport

There are several lounges and club rooms at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. As you might expect from a United Airlines hub, IAH has several United Clubs – in fact, there are 5 of them. The United Clubs at George Bush Intercontinental Airport are located in Terminals A, B, C and E (with 2 located in Terminal C). The airport also has a United Polaris Lounge for long-haul business and first-class travelers who are flying internationally in Terminal E.

If you’re not a United frequent flier, don’t despair. You’ll also find 6 other lounge options at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, most of which are located in Terminal D.

In Terminal D there is an Air France Lounge, a KLM Crown Lounge, The Centurion Lounge by American Express and an Executive Club, which is for business and first-class passengers flying British Airways, Emirates and EVA Air. There is also a USO in Terminal D for members of the US military and their families. In Terminal A, you’ll find an American Airlines Admirals Club.