George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — Terminals, Lounges & Travel Tips
Houston, TX, United States · IAH
Terminal Guide
| Terminal | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Terminal A | United domestic |
| Terminal B | United domestic and connections |
| Terminal C | United domestic |
| Terminal D (International) | United international, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Aeromexico |
| Terminal E | Domestic carriers: American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit |
Getting There — Ground Transportation
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft from designated zones on the lower level outside baggage claim. Expect $35–55 to downtown Houston (~25 miles).
- Taxi: Metered. Expect ~$55–70 to downtown Houston depending on traffic. Available at lower-level exits.
- GO Airport Shuttle: Shared shuttle service to downtown hotels and the Medical Center from IAH.
- METRO Bus: METRO Route 102 Express connects IAH to Downtown Houston. Inexpensive but slower (~75 min, $1.25).
- Car Rental: On-site rental facility accessed by shuttle from the ground transportation level.
Airport Lounge Directory
| Lounge | Location | Access |
|---|---|---|
| United Club – Terminal B | Terminal B | United Club membership, United MileagePlus Club card |
| United Club – Terminal C | Terminal C | United Club membership, United MileagePlus Club card |
| United Club – Terminal D | Terminal D | United Club membership, United MileagePlus Club card |
| United Polaris Lounge | Terminal D | United Polaris Business class on eligible long-haul international |
| Air France/KLM Lounge | Terminal D | AF/KLM Business class, SkyTeam Elite Plus |
Pro Tips for IAH Travelers
- IAH is far from downtown Houston (~25 miles) with no rail link — budget 45–60 minutes by rideshare during peak hours.
- United dominates IAH; if you're not flying United, you'll be in Terminal E, which is serviceable but not as well-equipped.
- The underground train between United's Terminals A, B, C, and D is fast — use it for connections rather than walking the full terminal length.
- Terminal D's international lounge options are among United's best, including the flagship Polaris Lounge.
- Houston weather is severe in spring and summer — afternoon thunderstorms cause ground stops regularly; book early-morning departures when possible.
- If driving, US-59 (Southwest Freeway) or I-45 North are the main routes; allow extra time during Houston's notoriously heavy rush hours.
- IAH has a strong set of direct routes to Central and South America — often a better choice than connecting through Miami or Dallas.
Know Before You Land — IAH Checklist
Review these before your flight so you hit the ground running at Houston.
- Confirm which terminal your airline uses — George Bush Intercontinental Airport has 5 terminals and inter-terminal transfers may require re-clearing security.
- No direct rail link — rideshare is the most flexible option. Uber and Lyft from designated zones on the lower level outside baggage claim. Expect $35–55 to downtown Houston (~25 miles).
- Renting a car? On-site rental facility accessed by shuttle from the ground transportation level.
- IAH has 5 lounges — access is via airline status or card membership only.
- United Airlines hub: expect higher flight frequency and stronger upgrade/standby availability for United Airlines elite members.