George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Welcome to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — the main aerial gateway to Houston and one of the busiest airports in the United States. Spanning an area of over 40 square kilometres, it is not just a major transport hub, but a city within a city. The airport, named after the 41st US President George H.W. Bush, plays a key role in connecting North America with destinations worldwide. As one of the largest hubs for United Airlines, IAH offers travellers an incredible variety of routes.

For the convenience of travellers, essential information about the airport is provided below.

Features and Highlights

George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers passengers much more than just departures and arrivals. Inside the five terminals (A, B, C, D, E), connected by automated trains — the Skyway (airside) and Subway (landside) — you will find a multitude of amenities. The airport is renowned for its award-winning Houston Airports Art Program, which transforms the terminals into genuine art galleries. For passenger comfort, there are numerous rest areas, private Minute Suites sleep pods, prayer rooms, as well as designated relief areas for service animals. Thanks to recent infrastructure improvements, including road and parking expansions, transport accessibility to the airport has significantly improved.

• Official Website: www.fly2houston.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 281-230-3100
• Address: 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032, USA
• Email: To contact the airport, it is recommended to use the contact forms available on the official website, as a general email for inquiries is not provided.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on popular social networks, such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost personal items within the terminals, you should contact the Lost and Found service at +1 281-230-3299. For issues related to lost or damaged checked baggage, you must contact your airline's representative directly.
• Customer Support Contacts: For general information, please use the main information desk phone number. For questions regarding tickets, flight schedules, or special services on board, you should contact your airline directly.

There are several ways to get to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston's main air hub. The airport is located approximately 37 kilometres north of the city centre, and the choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage. Options include public transport, taxis, car rental, and shuttles.

The most budget-friendly way to reach the airport is by bus. METRO offers the 102 Bush IAH Express route, which connects the airport to the central transit hub in downtown Houston. The trip takes between 50 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions, and the ticket price is very reasonable. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers with light luggage looking to save money.

For greater comfort, you can use taxis or popular ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. A trip from the city centre to the airport will take about 30-50 minutes excluding traffic jams, and the cost will vary depending on demand and time of day, averaging $50-70. This is a convenient option for those travelling with family, a large number of suitcases, or who simply value comfort and speed.

Car rental is a popular choice in a large city like Houston. If you plan to return a rental car at the airport, follow the signs to the Rental Car Center. Free shuttles run from there to the terminals. The main highways leading to the airport are I-69/US-59, Hardy Toll Road, and I-45. This method provides maximum freedom of movement around the city and its surroundings.

If you are driving to the airport in your own vehicle, several parking options are at your disposal. There are covered parking garages directly at the terminals (Terminal Parking), as well as more affordable long-term parking lots, such as ecopark. Free shuttle buses run regularly from remote parking lots to the terminals. It is recommended to book a parking space in advance online, as this often allows you to receive a discount.

Choosing the best way to get to George Bush Airport depends on your personal priorities. For savings, the bus is best; for speed and comfort, a taxi; and for flexibility, a rental car. It is also worth remembering that for some domestic flights, it may be more convenient to use the city's other airport — William P. Hobby Airport, located closer to the southern part of Houston.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is one of the largest and busiest aviation hubs in the USA, consisting of five passenger terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. Terminals A, B, and C primarily serve domestic flights, while D and E specialise in international destinations. For passenger convenience, an automated Skyway train (in the sterile airside zone, post-security) and an underground Subway train (in the public landside zone, pre-security) run between all terminals, making movement around the airport fast and intuitive.

Each terminal has its own distinct features. Terminal A is mainly used for domestic flights by airlines not affiliated with United Airlines. Terminal B serves United Express regional flights, so it is smaller in size and designed for smaller aircraft. Terminal C is one of the main hubs for United Airlines domestic flights. Terminal D, also known as the Mickey Leland International Terminal, handles the majority of international flights from other airlines. Finally, Terminal E serves as the main international hub for United Airlines and is distinguished by its modern design and wide selection of shops and restaurants.

The airport structure is standard for major transport hubs: departure areas with check-in counters and security checkpoints are located on the upper levels, while arrival areas and baggage claim are on the lower levels. Transferring between terminals after passing security control (airside) is best done via the Skyway train, which runs every few minutes and allows you to quickly reach the required gate. If you need to move between terminals before check-in or after collecting luggage (landside), use the Subway train, which connects all terminals and the Marriott hotel parking.

When planning your trip, allow sufficient time to complete all procedures. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — at least 3 hours prior. Time for check-in and security screening can vary greatly depending on the terminal, day of the week, and time of day. To avoid confusion, check in advance which terminal your flight departs from, and use the interactive map on the official airport website or its mobile app to plan your route.

The history of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a story of growth and ambition, reflecting the development of Houston itself. The airport opened in June 1969 under the name Houston Intercontinental Airport. Its creation was driven by the need to relieve the old William P. Hobby Airport, which could no longer cope with the growing volume of jet traffic and could not accommodate new, larger aircraft.

From the very beginning, the airport was designed with future expansion in mind. Initially, it consisted of two terminals — A and B. In 1981, Terminal C was added, and in 1990, the international Terminal D opened, named in honour of Mickey Leland. A significant event in the airport's history was its renaming in 1997 in honour of the 41st President of the USA, George H.W. Bush, who was a long-time resident of Houston.

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by further modernisation. In 2003, the new modern Terminal E was opened, significantly increasing the capacity for international flights. The airport has always been a key hub for Continental Airlines, and following its merger with United Airlines in 2010, it became one of the main hub airports for United. This cemented its status as one of the busiest and most important aviation centres in the country.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting the presence of two automated train systems at IAH. Underground runs the Subway — a train connecting all terminals in the pre-security zone. Above ground, in the "sterile" zone, operates the elevated Skyway train, which allows for quick movement between terminals without leaving the departure zone. Today, the airport is not only a record holder for the number of destinations to Mexico but also serves as the main gateway for travel to Latin America, continuing its history of continuous development and innovation.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers passengers a full range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. The terminals house a huge number of restaurants, lounges, and cafés to suit every taste — from popular fast-food chains to establishments with exquisite cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, numerous stores are open, including Duty Free, boutiques of famous clothing and accessory brands, as well as souvenir shops.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a more tranquil atmosphere, premium lounges and VIP halls are available. They offer complimentary snacks and beverages, comfortable seating, showers, and work zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous stations with power outlets and USB ports are provided for charging gadgets.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport thanks to the presence of ATMs and currency exchange points. First aid stations are available for emergencies. For travellers with children, mother and child rooms and family restrooms are equipped, and some terminals feature small play areas.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchair assistance services are provided, and accessible toilets, elevators, and ramps are available. It is recommended to book special services in advance through your airline.

If you have a long layover, you can stay at the Houston Airport Marriott hotel, which is located directly on the airport grounds and connected to the passenger terminals. Additionally, many other hotels offering free shuttles are located in the immediate vicinity. For business travellers, business centres and conference rooms are available where you can work or hold a meeting.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers passengers an impressive selection of establishments for every taste and budget, reflecting the rich culinary diversity of Houston. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full dinner, you will easily find a suitable option in any of the terminals. Most restaurants and cafés are located in the `airside` zone, i.e., after passing security control, so it is recommended to plan your meal once inside the sterile area.

The main highlight of the airport is the opportunity to taste authentic Texan cuisine. Do not miss the chance to enjoy real barbecue at Q (Terminal C), taste famous Tex-Mex dishes at Pappasito's Cantina (Terminals B, C, E), or have a hearty breakfast at the iconic The Breakfast Klub (Terminal A). These establishments allow you to immerse yourself in the gastronomic atmosphere of the southern USA without even leaving the airport.

For those who prefer finer dining, high-class restaurants operate at the airport. For example, the steakhouse Ember (Terminal C) offers American cuisine in an elegant setting, while Hugo’s Cocina (Terminal D) introduces modern Mexican cuisine. If there is no time for a full lunch, numerous options for a quick snack are at your service: from popular burger joints like Shake Shack (Terminal C) to Starbucks coffee shops, which are present in almost every terminal.

Passengers with special dietary needs will also not go hungry. Many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes — simply check the menu or ask the staff. The price range varies from budget fast food to premium restaurants, allowing everyone to find an option within their means. Most establishments operate according to flight schedules, opening early in the morning and closing late at night, while some beverage and snack outlets are available 24/7.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one of the busiest in the USA, so plan your time with a margin. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before departure, and for international flights — at least 3-4 hours prior. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening without unnecessary haste. To save time, check in for your flight online and save the boarding pass on your smartphone.

Security screening in Houston complies with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards. Remember the rule for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Large electronics, such as laptops, must be removed from bags for screening. If you fly frequently, consider participating in the TSA PreCheck programme, which allows for expedited screening.

IAH consists of five terminals (A, B, C, D, E), connected by the elevated Skyway train (in the sterile zone after screening) and the underground Subway (in the public zone). If you have a transfer, be sure to check which terminal your next gate is in and allow enough time for movement. When transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will generally need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and check it in again at the transfer desk.

When arriving from another country, be prepared to pass passport and customs control. Keep your passport, visa, and other necessary documents ready. To speed up the process, citizens of eligible countries can use Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks or the official Mobile Passport Control (MPC) mobile app.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats are good for those who enjoy beautiful views or plan to sleep, while aisle seats are for those who value the freedom to stand up easily. For a quick exit from the plane, choose rows in the front part of the cabin. To avoid unpleasant surprises, use specialised websites that show aircraft cabin layouts and reviews of specific seats.

To save a little money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. You can also save on parking by booking a spot online in advance, or use public transport services instead of a taxi.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and possible options — for example, rebooking on another flight. Learn about your rights as a passenger: in some situations, you may be entitled to meal vouchers or even hotel accommodation. Fortunately, Houston Airport has plenty of restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi to brighten up the wait.