George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Guide
Quick summary
IAH is United Airlines' major Texas hub with five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) linked airside by the free Skyway train and an underground Subway. The cheapest parking by far is EcoPark, an off-terminal lot with free 24/7 shuttles that costs a fraction of the terminal garages. There's no rail into the city, so plan on a bus, rideshare, or taxi for the roughly 23-mile trip to downtown Houston β though METRO's nonstop 500 Downtown Direct bus from Terminal E is a cheap $4.50 option.
The bottom line on IAH
IAH is a United fortress where the free airside Skyway and Subway let you hop between all five terminals without re-clearing security β the connections are the easy part. The real trap is the ground: there is no rail into Houston, and international arrivals clear customs in Terminal D or E, so leave extra time if your onward flight departs from A, B, or C.
Two moves save real money. Park at EcoPark for about $10 a day rather than the roughly $25 terminal garages, using the free 24/7 shuttle. And for downtown, METRO's nonstop 500 Downtown Direct bus from Terminal E is just $4.50 versus $45 to $70 for a taxi or rideshare.
AirportScore
Our own 1β5 rating of the IAH traveler experience, scored from the verified data on this page. See airport rankings β Β· How we score β
Traps most travelers fall for at IAH
- There's no rail into Houston, so unless you catch the bus you'll pay $45β70 for a taxi or rideshare over the ~23 miles to downtown.
- International arrivals clear customs in Terminal D or E, so leave extra time if your onward flight departs from Terminal A, B, or C.
- Skip the terminal garages at about $25/day β park at EcoPark for roughly $10/day and ride the free 24/7 shuttle instead.
Terminals at IAH
IAH has five terminals β A, B, C, D, and E β arranged in a horseshoe. Terminals A, B, and C handle mostly United domestic flights, Terminal C is a core United hub area, and Terminals D and E handle international flights, including United's long-haul and most foreign carriers (Terminal D is the traditional international terminal). Once you're past security you can move between terminals airside using the free Skyway (an elevated train) and the Subway (an underground train and walkway system), so connections don't require re-clearing security. Landside, the inter-terminal train also connects the terminals with parking.
IAH parking rates & options
| EcoPark (uncovered) β daily | About $10 per day |
| EcoPark / EcoPark 2 (covered) β daily | About $12 per day |
| Terminal garages (A/B & C/D/E) β daily max | About $25 per day |
| Terminal garages β hourly | About $5 first hour, then $2.50 per 30 min |
| Valet parking β daily | About $30 per day |
| Cell phone waiting lot | Free |
Where the money actually goes at IAH
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $20 a day β $10 at the ecopark (uncovered) β daily versus $30 at the valet parking β daily. Over a week that is $140, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
There is no train or light rail directly into Houston, so the fastest ways downtown are rideshare, taxi, or bus. Uber and Lyft pick up at designated areas at each terminal (check the app for your zone). A taxi or rideshare to downtown Houston β about 23 miles / 30-45 minutes depending on traffic β typically runs $45-70. For a budget option, METRO's 500 IAH Downtown Direct is a nonstop, luggage-friendly express bus between Terminal E (Level 2, Door E201) and the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston for $4.50 one-way, running seven days a week from about 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. roughly every 30 minutes. The older local METRO route 102 (from Terminal C) also reaches downtown for just $1.25 but makes many stops and takes closer to an hour. Airport shuttle vans and hotel shuttles also serve the terminals. For most travelers, rideshare is the simplest option.
IAH vs DFW vs ATL: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
United operates several United Clubs across Terminals A, B, C, and E, plus a United Polaris lounge in Terminal E for premium international cabins. Terminal D (international) has lounges used by foreign carriers. Priority Pass members have access to a few participating lounges and restaurants, and there is an Amex Centurion Lounge at IAH in Terminal D near the international gates.
πΆ Wi-Fi
IAH offers free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the airport β connect to the Houston Airports free network (look for the 'FlyHouston Free WiFi' style SSID) and accept the terms.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
IAH handles long layovers well thanks to airside Skyway/Subway connections that let you roam between terminals without re-clearing security. Terminal C and Terminal E have strong dining and the newer United spaces; the international Terminal D is quieter for resting. For overnight stays, the Houston Airport Marriott sits inside the terminal loop and is walkable/connected, and there are several hotels a short shuttle away. Seating is plentiful, but as with most US airports, expect it to quiet down overnight rather than offer 24-hour amenities.
Insider tips
- Park at EcoPark, not the terminal garages β uncovered is about $10/day vs. roughly $25/day at the garages, with free 24/7 shuttles.
- Use the airside Skyway and Subway to change terminals on a connection β you won't need to re-clear security.
- There's no rail to downtown; budget $45-70 for a rideshare/taxi, or ride METRO's nonstop 500 Downtown Direct bus from Terminal E for $4.50 (local route 102 from Terminal C is $1.25 but slower).
- International arrivals clear customs in Terminal D or E β factor extra connection time if your next flight leaves from A, B, or C.
- The Amex Centurion Lounge is in Terminal D near the international gates β worth the walk if you have a card and time.
IAH airport β FAQ
οΌ β How much is parking at IAH?
EcoPark (uncovered) is about $10/day and EcoPark covered is about $12/day, both with free 24/7 shuttles. The terminal garages cap at about $25/day. Valet is around $30/day, and the cell phone waiting lot is free.
οΌ β How do I get to downtown Houston from IAH?
There's no rail link. A taxi or rideshare covers the ~23 miles to downtown in 30-45 minutes for about $45-70. On a budget, METRO's nonstop 500 IAH Downtown Direct bus runs from Terminal E (Door E201) to the George R. Brown Convention Center for $4.50, seven days a week (about 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m., every 30 min). The local route 102 from Terminal C is even cheaper at $1.25 but takes closer to an hour.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at IAH?
Yes. IAH offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminals. Connect to the Houston Airports 'FlyHouston Free WiFi' network and accept the terms.
οΌ β How do I get between terminals at IAH?
After security, use the free airside Skyway (elevated train) and Subway (underground train/walkway) to move between Terminals A, B, C, D, and E without re-clearing security. Landside, an inter-terminal train connects terminals and parking.
οΌ β Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at IAH?
Rideshare pickups are at designated areas at each terminal β follow the app-based ride signage and confirm your exact pickup zone in the Uber or Lyft app after you land.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.