George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA code: IAH) is also known by its previous name, Houston Intercontinental, and is an international airport in Houston, Texas, United States. From the airport, a number of airlines provide scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations.
The airport is located 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59. From the airport, there is direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
Houston Intercontinental is owned by the City of Houston and is the second-largest passenger hub for American Airlines, United Airlines. IAH is a hub for Atlas Air, a private charter and cargo carrier, which has a crew and maintenance base at the airport. IAH is also a focus city for Spirit Airlines.
If you'd like to fly from Houston but are not sure what your options are, please take a look at our guide on flights from Houston to anywhere.
Did you know that you can buy lounge passes for George Bush Intercontinental Airport with Alternative Airlines? You can purchase them for KLM Crown Lounge and Air France Lounge.
The airport has five terminals, with 130 gates. The distance between Terminal A and Terminal D is 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
Terminal A serves all direct domestic and Canadian operations, as well as a number of United Express domestic and international operations. Terminal A has a total of 20 gates, with 10 gates in the North Concourse and 10 gates in the South Concourse.
Terminal B has 30 gates. As of 2017, United Express is the only airline operating from Terminal B. United Express operates both domestic and international departures.
Terminal C is also known as the Lewis W. Cutrer Terminal and serves as United Airlines' main base of domestic operations at the airport. The recently renovated terminal is home to 14 gates, a modern United Club, and numerous passenger amenities.
Terminal D is also known as the as Mickey Leland Terminal and serves all non-United international operations, as well as some United Express international arrivals. Terminal D is a common-use facility, meaning airlines share gates, ticket counters, and terminal equipment.
The terminal has 12 gates and several international lounges, including two British Airways Galleries Lounges (First and Club), a KLM Crown Lounge, an Air France Salon Lounge, and an Executive Lounge available for use by eligible Singapore, Emirates, Qatar, and Lufthansa passengers.
Terminal E is United Airlines' main terminal for international operations. It is the airport's latest terminal, with a total of 30 gates. United operates a large, three-floor lounge, United Club, between Gates E11 and E12.
There are two people movers that can be used to move between terminals at the airport. The Skyway provides Airside connections between all five terminals and the International Arrivals Building.
The Subway also provides Landside connections between the five terminals and the nearby airport hotel.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international airlines.
On the domestic front, carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate extensive networks connecting Houston to numerous cities across the United States.
Internationally, IAH is served by airlines including Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, offering flights to destinations worldwide.
Notably, United Airlines maintains a significant presence at IAH, utilising it as a primary hub for both domestic and international operations.
IAH is served by the Houston METRO public bus 102. The bus runs between the south side of Terminal C, on the baggage claim level, to/from the downtown Metro station.
The airport's Ground Transportation staff, which can be found on the ground floor outside of each terminal, will help hail a cab. You will be charged a flat rate if travelling within city limits.
SuperShuttle is a shared ride service provider, authorised to operate to/from IAH by the airport authority. The service operates a door-to-door shared ride, or exclusive ride service, between the airport and popular destinations in the Houston metropolitan area. Rides can be pre-booked online, or arranged upon arrival at the airport.
If you or a passenger on your booking require a special service to make the journey easier (such as wheelchair assistance or special medical equipment), we're here to help. Contact us today to discuss adding special services to your booking.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
