Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport Guide
Contact information and flight status
Checkpoint savvy
Busiest times: In all terminals, 5 a.m. - 8 a.m., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Real-time checkpoint wait times available on IAH website.
Workarounds: Pre-security, travelers can take the Inter-terminal Train (ITT) and/or walk the train corridors to reach all five terminals A/B/C/D/E. Post-security, travelers can take the Automated People Mover (APM) between all five terminals.
Learn more: Best travel insurance
Depending on your airline and your status with TSA, expedited TSA PreCheck lanes may be available.
Parking
Parking information: 281-233-1730.
Most convenient: Terminal parking, $19/day, or valet parking, $26/day. See more options.
Least expensive: Economy parking (ecopark), $7.39/day for covered or $5.54/day for uncovered. (Does not include tax.) Shuttle to terminals. See more options.
Cellphone lot: Located at Will Clayton Road (Highway 59-North entrance to airport). Flight status information available at 281-230-7000. Amenities include portable bathrooms and vending machines. Up to 200 spaces. Second lot on John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Transportation to/from city
Most convenient: A taxi to downtown Houston's central business district will cost about $53. Travel time: About 20 minutes. Ride-hailing services Uber and Wingz are permitted to pick up at IAH. Shared shuttle vans are also available. See more options.
Least expensive: METRO Bus 102 runs between IAH and the METRO station in downtown Houston. Transit time: about 1.5 hours. Fare: $1.25.
Wi-Fi and charging stations
Free Wi-Fi service is provided by the Houston Airport System.
Power outlets/charging stations: There are complimentary Samsung power stations and pay-charging stations in each terminal.
Go local
Good choice for local gifts: Texas Trail Boss Jerky store (Terminal A), Stelzig Ranch (Terminals C and D). NASA's Space Trader (Terminal C). See more options.
Good choice for local food: Terminal B: 3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House, The Fruteria (Mexican), Whataburger, Bullrito's (Tex-Mex), Barcuterie (bar with cured meats and cheeses). Terminal C: Bubba's Bayou Grill. Terminal C North: Bam Bam (Cajun seafood with Vietnamese flair), Ember (Houston-focused tavern; steaks, burgers, seafood), Vid Taqueria (Tex-Mex). Terminal E: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. See more options.
Tips and tidbits
IAH has a pet relief area outside Terminals A, B, C and D; 26 pieces of permanent artwork; and in Terminal D, a rotating exhibit of space suits and other memorabilia on loan from NASA. The Airport Rangers are area residents who are allowed to ride their horses on airport trails in exchange for assisting IAH in patrolling the grounds. The train that connects the terminals on the non-secure side of the airport was opened in 1981 and was designed by a Disney engineer.
Nearby layover option
The Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is accessible via airport tram and has a revolving restaurant (CK's Revolving Restaurant). Deerbrook Mall (with movie theaters) is six miles from IAH. Old MacDonald's Farm ( a petting zoo) is 9 miles from IAH. World Houston Golf Course is located behind the IAH economy (Parking Cents) lot.
Your tips and picks?
Please share your time- and money-saving tips, favorite restaurants, bars and stores in comments below.
These guides are written by Harriet Baskas, who is the author of six books, including the airport guidebook Stuck at the Airport and a blog of the same name.