George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston, United States · Since 1969
Last updated:
About IAH
A major United Airlines hub and one of the largest airports in the Houston area.
Why "IAH"?
IAH stands for the initials of the airport s full name - Intercontinental Airport Houston. It was originally named Houston Intercontinental Airport when it opened in 1969. The airport was renamed in 1997 to honor George H.W. Bush, the 41st U.S. President from Houston.
Terminals
Terminal A
Terminal A handles United Airlines domestic flights. Connected to Terminals B and C via the underground Subway train. Features multiple dining options and the United Club lounge.
Terminal B
Terminal B serves United Airlines domestic and regional flights along with some other carriers. Connected to all terminals via the underground Subway. Features the 1940s Air Terminal Museum nearby.
Terminal C
Terminal C is the main hub for United Airlines domestic and Latin American flights. Recently renovated with new food court and improved gate areas. The busiest terminal at IAH.
Terminal D (Mickey Leland International)
Terminal D handles all international flights at IAH. Named after Congressman Mickey Leland. Features Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, extensive duty-free shopping, and the Federal Inspection Services facility. The newest and most modern terminal.
Terminal E
Terminal E serves United Airlines international and transcontinental flights along with select domestic carriers. Connected to Terminal D airside. Features some of the airport s best dining options.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at IAH
United Airlines
Hub
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Air France
Air New Zealand
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
ANA
Showing 8 of 26 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
USD 35-55 to Downtown Houston
25-45 minutes to city center
Public Transport
USD 1.25 (METRO bus)
60-90 minutes to city center
Parking at IAH
Terminal Parking Garages
ecopark Garage
ecopark Surface Lot
Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
United Polaris Lounge
United's premium international lounge in Terminal E. Features a la carte dining with tableside service, premium bar with craft cocktails, shower suites with spa products, quiet rest pods with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and a curated wine program. One of the best airline lounges in the United States.
Emirates Lounge
Luxurious lounge for Emirates premium passengers in Terminal D. Features premium champagne, hot meals with Middle Eastern and international cuisine, shower suites, and spa treatments. Elegant decor with signature Emirates hospitality.
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Excellent lounge in Terminal D featuring Turkish cuisine, meze platters, fresh pastries, shower suites, and Turkish tea service. The food quality is outstanding, with dishes prepared by a dedicated chef. Often considered the best lounge at IAH.
United Club (Terminal E)
Terminal E United Club with updated decor, hot food options, barista coffee station, and panoramic runway views. Less crowded than the Terminal C location. Good for international departures.
United Club (Terminal C)
Spacious United Club in Terminal C with hot buffet, complimentary beer and wine, premium cocktails for purchase, and excellent views of the tarmac. Business center with printing. Recently refreshed.
The Club at IAH
Independent lounge in Terminal D for Priority Pass holders. Offers hot food, snacks, beer, wine, and spirits. Can get crowded during peak international departure times but provides a quieter alternative to the gate area.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Marriott Houston Airport at George Bush Intercontinental
Connected to Terminal B via covered walkway and underground tunnel
The only hotel directly connected to IAH. Full-service Marriott with outdoor pool, fitness center, M Club lounge, and multiple restaurants. Direct covered access to Terminal B. Ideal for transit passengers and early morning flights. Marriott Bonvoy points eligible.
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Houston Intercontinental Airport
Free shuttle, 8 minutes from terminals
Reliable IHG property with outdoor pool, fitness room, and complimentary breakfast. Free 24-hour shuttle service. Clean rooms with airport-grade soundproofing.
Hampton Inn Houston IAH
Free shuttle, 7 minutes
Clean Hilton brand hotel with complimentary hot breakfast, pool, and fitness center. Free airport shuttle. Excellent value for overnight layovers. Hilton Honors members earn points.
Hilton Houston North
Free shuttle, 10 minutes from terminals
Upscale hotel with heated outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, and Southern-inspired restaurant. Free airport shuttle runs every 20 minutes. Spacious rooms with work desks.
Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental
Free shuttle, 5 minutes from Terminal E
Upscale Hyatt with resort-style pool, spa services, steakhouse restaurant, and modern fitness center. Close proximity to Terminal E. Free shuttle service. World of Hyatt points eligible.
Food & Dining
Whataburger
Fast Food/Burgers
Iconic Texas burger chain and a Houston must-try. The Whataburger with jalapenos, the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit (breakfast), and spicy ketchup are Texas legends. Multiple locations throughout IAH.
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Chick-fil-A
Fast Food/Chicken
Always-popular chicken chain with their signature sandwich, nuggets, and waffle fries. Quick service. Closed on Sundays.
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen
Asian Fusion
Fast-casual Asian restaurant with pad thai, orange chicken, teriyaki bowls, and lettuce wraps. Fresh ingredients and customizable dishes. Good vegetarian options available.
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Starbucks
Coffee/Cafe
Multiple Starbucks throughout IAH. Essential for early morning flights. Full menu available. Mobile ordering via app for faster service.
4:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Q BBQ
Texas BBQ
Texas-style BBQ with slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage links. Served with traditional sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. A taste of authentic Houston BBQ at the airport.
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Shake Shack
Burgers/American
Premium fast-casual burger chain with ShackBurgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard shakes. Always a crowd pleaser with consistently good quality. Vegetarian Shroom Burger available.
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Rental Car Center (shuttle from all terminals)
Consolidated Rental Car Center with free shuttle. Gold Plus Rewards for quick pickup. EV options available. Large SUV fleet popular for Texas road trips.
Enterprise
Rental Car Center
Full fleet including pickup trucks popular in Texas. Emerald Club for bypassing the counter. Good weekly rates. Consider a truck if heading to rural Texas areas.
National Car Rental
Rental Car Center
Executive selection aisle for Emerald Club Executive members. Good premium fleet. EV charging at return area.
Budget
Rental Car Center
Budget-friendly option with good selection. Fastbreak for quick pickup. Add GPS for navigating Houston s sprawling highway system.
Avis
Rental Car Center
Premium fleet with Avis Preferred program. Tesla and EV options expanding. Good for business travelers needing reliable vehicles.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Explore the Underground Subway
IAH features an automated underground train system (Subway) connecting all five terminals. Take a ride between terminals to see different concessions, art installations, and the unique architecture of each terminal. Free and a fun way to explore the airport during a layover.
Texas BBQ Tasting at IAH
Houston is one of America s great BBQ cities. Try the Q BBQ in Terminal B for slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage. Pair with Texas sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw. Budget USD 15-25 for a hearty BBQ meal without leaving the airport.
United Polaris Lounge Experience
If you are flying United Polaris Business Class internationally, arrive early to enjoy the Polaris Lounge in Terminal E. A la carte dining, premium cocktails, shower suites, and rest pods with luxury bedding. One of the finest airline lounges in the US. Free for eligible passengers.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Houston Museum District
Houston s Museum District features 19 museums within walking distance, many free on Thursdays. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children s Museum, or the Holocaust Museum. About 30-40 minutes from the airport. Take Uber/Lyft for about USD 25-35. Several museums are free year-round.
Visit NASA Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. See the Saturn V rocket, touch a real Moon rock, tour Mission Control, and experience astronaut training simulators. About 45-60 minutes from IAH by car. Entry USD 30. Allow 3-4 hours at the center. Best for layovers of 8+ hours.
Discover Houston Street Art (if 6+ hrs)
Houston has one of the most vibrant street art scenes in the US. The Houston Graffiti Building, the \"Houston is Inspired\" mural, and EaDo (East Downtown) art district feature incredible murals. Uber about 30 minutes from IAH. Free to walk around and photograph. Combine with a meal at one of EaDo s trendy restaurants.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited (FlyHouston-Free))
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B (US standard), USB ports
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: USD 5-15 per item per day
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Exchange: Travelex in Terminal D (International) and Terminal C. ICE Currency Exchange near Terminal E security. ATMs throughout all terminals.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Tipping: Standard US tipping. Tip sit-down restaurant servers 15-20%, bartenders USD 1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab. Tip skycaps/porters USD 2-3 per bag. Rideshare tips optional but appreciated.
Smoking Areas
Designated outdoor smoking areas outside each terminal before security. No indoor smoking.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +1-281-233-1552
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+1-281-230-3100
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