George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Also known as: Houston Airport, Houston Intercontinental Airport, Bush Airport, IAH Airport.
Private transfer from IAHSee pricesSee pricesAbout George Bush Intercontinental Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston’s largest airport and one of the busiest international gateways in the United States. Located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/US 59, it serves Greater Houston and much of Southeast Texas with nonstop service to destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The airport is one of United Airlines’ largest hubs and United’s principal gateway to Mexico, Central America and South America. It also receives service from many U.S. carriers and international airlines from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
IAH is owned by the City of Houston and operated by the Houston Airport System, which also operates William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in the south of the city. The airport is in the middle of a major redevelopment, including a new international terminal complex and United’s rebuilt Terminal B.
Departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Confirm your airline and departure terminal before leaving your hotel. Houston traffic can be heavy on the freeways leading to the airport, especially during weekday rush hours, so allow extra time for the drive, check-in and security. A pre-booked transfer helps coordinate the pickup time with your flight schedule and departure terminal.
For current flight information, consult the official Houston Airports website and confirm gate changes, delays and cancellations directly with the operating airline.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is owned by the City of Houston and operated by the Houston Airport System.
- Operator
Houston Airport System (City of Houston)
- Runways
Five; the longest, 15L/33R, is 12,001 ft (3,658 m)
- Passengers per year
About 48.1 million in 2025, including about 12.4 million international
- Opened
June 1969, as Houston Intercontinental; renamed for George H. W. Bush in 1997
- Hub
United Airlines, about three-quarters of passengers
Arrival tips for George Bush Intercontinental Airport
After landing, domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their arrival terminal. International passengers first clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the international terminal area, then collect their bags and pass through customs before exiting. Processing times can be longer when several long-haul flights arrive together.
Travelers using pre-booked transportation should follow the pickup instructions in their confirmation. Avoid accepting unsolicited ride offers inside the terminal; use the official taxi stand, the designated rideshare zones or your confirmed provider.
Immigration, baggage claim and customs
International passengers normally complete the following steps after landing:
- Follow signs to U.S. Customs and Border Protection passport control.
- Present a valid passport and any visa or ESTA authorization required for your nationality.
- Collect checked baggage from the carousel assigned to the flight.
- Report missing or damaged checked baggage to the airline before leaving the baggage-claim area.
- Pass through the customs exit and make any required declaration.
- Continue to the public arrivals area, or recheck bags if connecting to another flight.
Eligible travelers may be able to use Global Entry kiosks or the Mobile Passport Control app to speed up processing. Eligibility and procedures can change, so follow the instructions displayed on arrival.
Items lost on an aircraft or checked-baggage problems are handled by the airline. Items lost inside the terminal are handled by the airport’s lost-and-found service.
Arrival tips
- Travel documents Carry a valid passport and any visa or ESTA authorization required for entry to the United States.
- Currency The U.S. dollar is the local currency, and cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Transportation Pre-booking transportation is recommended, especially for late arrivals and large groups.
- Customs and immigration Expect lines at peak times. Keep documents and medication in your carry-on.
- Connectivity Free airport Wi-Fi is available in the terminals.
- Local time Houston uses Central Time (UTC−6, or UTC−5 during daylight saving time).
Ground transportation
Travelers can choose among taxis, rideshare services, METRO buses, rental cars, shared shuttles and pre-booked private transportation. The most convenient option depends on the destination, group size, luggage and arrival time.
METRO Route 500 (IAH Downtown Direct) offers a nonstop connection to Downtown Houston, and Route 102 provides local service. Taxis leave from the official taxi stands outside baggage claim, and rideshare pickups use designated zones at each terminal.
Pre-booked private transportation provides direct service to hotels, homes and offices in Downtown Houston, the Galleria, the Texas Medical Center, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Clear Lake and Galveston, including the cruise terminals. Booking in advance also gives travelers clear pickup instructions and avoids arranging a ride after a long flight.
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Moving between terminals
IAH’s five terminals are connected by two free automated trains:
- 1
Skyway runs airside, after security, and links all terminals. It is the fastest option for connecting passengers who do not need to leave the secure area.
- 2
Subway runs landside, before security, and links the terminals with the Houston Airport Marriott. It is the option for passengers who have left the secure area or need to check in at a different terminal.
Terminals
IAH is in the middle of a major redevelopment, so terminal assignments and check-in locations can change. The airline's boarding pass, app or confirmation should always be treated as the final source.
Terminal A
Serves most non-United domestic airlines, along with some United Express flights, in North and South concourses. Air Canada and WestJet international arrivals also use Terminal A.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines
Terminal B
Used mainly for United Express regional flights. It is being rebuilt by United and the City of Houston, including a new 22-gate North Concourse. While the Terminal B lobby is closed for construction, Terminal B passengers generally check in at Terminal C.
Terminal C
United's main domestic terminal, with North and South concourses. It handles most United mainline domestic flights and some flights to Mexico and Latin America.
Airlines commonly assigned here: United Airlines
Terminal D
Used by international airlines other than United, with gates for the largest aircraft. It is the main arrival point for international flights and part of the new Mickey Leland International Terminal complex.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aeroméxico, Air France, Avianca, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Volaris
Terminal E
United's main international terminal, with long-haul and Latin American flights, plus some domestic services. International check-in moved to Terminal E in March 2026.
Airlines commonly assigned here: All Nippon Airways
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. Select the airport network and follow the login page displayed in the browser. Airport lounges also provide Wi-Fi for eligible or paying guests.
ATMs and currency exchange
ATMs are located throughout the terminals, and currency-exchange counters are available in the international areas. Before accepting a conversion offered by an ATM or card terminal, check the displayed exchange rate and fees.
Restaurants and refreshments
Restaurants, cafés, bars and grab-and-go outlets are available in every terminal, most of them after security. Options may be limited late at night or early in the morning, and some outlets may be temporarily closed during construction.
Duty-free shopping
Duty-free stores are located after security in the international departure areas of Terminals D and E. Passengers should retain receipts and observe the customs allowances of their destination country.
Pharmacies and medical needs
Convenience stores in the terminals sell basic over-the-counter products. Travelers who need prescription medicine should carry an adequate supply in their hand luggage, in its original packaging, together with any supporting documentation. For urgent assistance, contact airport personnel or the airline.
Lost luggage and lost property
For baggage that does not arrive, is damaged or was left on an aircraft, contact the operating airline’s baggage-service office before leaving the terminal. For property lost inside the airport or at a TSA checkpoint, contact the airport’s lost-and-found service or TSA through the official Houston Airports website.
Airport lounges
IAH has lounges in every terminal, including several United Clubs, a United Polaris lounge and a range of airline, credit-card and pay-per-use lounges. Facilities can include Wi-Fi, refreshments, flight-information screens, work areas and accessible seating.
Access may be available through an eligible premium ticket, lounge membership, credit-card programme, Priority Pass or paid entry, subject to capacity. Locations, hours, prices and access rules should be verified directly with the lounge before departure.
Terminal A
United Club and American Airlines Admirals Club.
Terminal B
United Club Fly, a grab-and-go format. A large new United Club is planned as part of the Terminal B redevelopment.
Terminal C
United Clubs in the North and South concourses, plus Minute Suites private rooms.
Terminal D
American Express Centurion Lounge, Air France Lounge, KLM Crown Lounge, Houston Airport System Executive Club and USO Lounge for military members.
Terminal E
United Polaris lounge for eligible long-haul premium passengers and a United Club.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Passengers who require wheelchair service or other assistance should request it from their airline when booking or at least 48 hours before departure whenever possible. The airport provides accessible routes, elevators, ramps, adapted restrooms and accessible Skyway and Subway trains, but assistance arrangements are managed primarily by the airline and its ground-handling company.
Travelers using mobility equipment, traveling with a service animal or requiring help through security should confirm documentation and handling requirements with the airline in advance, and can request help at the checkpoint through TSA Cares. On arrival, notify airline staff before leaving the aircraft if assistance has been requested.
Parking
IAH offers terminal parking garages within walking distance of the terminals, valet parking, and lower-cost economy lots connected to the terminals by free shuttle buses. Parking operates around the clock, but tariffs, payment methods and garage access can change during the ongoing construction. Check current rates and availability on the official Houston Airports website before traveling, keep the parking ticket secure and allow extra time when departing from a different terminal.
Frequently asked questions
What are the airport codes for George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
The IATA code is IAH and the ICAO code is KIAH. Houston's other commercial airport, William P. Hobby, uses the code HOU, so check which one your ticket shows before you plan your ride.
How many terminals does IAH have?
IAH has five passenger terminals: A, B, C, D and E. United uses B, C and E, most other US airlines use A, and most foreign airlines use D. Terminal use can change while the redevelopment work is underway, so confirm on your boarding pass.
Is there transportation between the terminals?
Yes. The free Skyway train connects all terminals after security, and the free Subway train connects the terminals and the airport Marriott before security. Allow extra time if you must clear customs and recheck bags after an international arrival.
How far is IAH from Downtown Houston?
IAH is about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, between I-45 and I-69/US 59. The drive usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and longer during rush hour. METRO Route 500 runs nonstop from Terminal E to Downtown.
Is IAH the same as Hobby Airport?
No. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is Houston's main international airport, north of downtown. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is a separate, smaller airport in the south of the city, used mainly by Southwest. METRO Route 500 links the two airports.
Are there lounges at IAH?
Yes. There are lounges in every terminal, including United Clubs, a United Polaris lounge, an American Express Centurion Lounge and several airline and pay-per-use lounges. Access rules, hours and capacity vary.
Is IAH open 24 hours?
The airport operates around the clock, but individual airline counters, restaurants, shops, lounges and other services follow their own schedules.