George Bush Intercontinental Airport, TX (IAH) IAH: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to George Bush Intercontinental Airport

When arriving to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, it can be unclear how to reach your final destination, or more generally, to the city centre. We, at Omio, have mapped out good things to know, facilities available when flying to George Bush Intercontinental Airport and what to do when you get to the city.

Travel from Houston city center to IAH Airport

Houston is one of the biggest metropolises in the U.S. and boasts of the world's largest medical center. The Texas Medical Center, which has an acreage of more than 1000, hosts 54 medicine related institutions and receives on average more than 7.2million visitors annually. Houston offers accessible and convenient rail services through metrorail which operates within the city center between downtown Houston and Museum District, Texas Medical center NRG Park. To travel from Houston to IAH Airport, one can also use the metroRail system, which offers numerous kinds of bus service to and from Houston city center. The service operates two direct buses which will ferry you to either George Bush Intercontinental Airport or Houston Hobby Airport. Other modes of transit from Houston city center to various parts of the city include ride-sharing services such Lyft and Uber, Jitney service and taxis.

Best Way to get to IAH Airport from Houston City Center

Taking metropolitan Transit Authority (metro) is the best way to access George Bush Intercontinental Airport from Houston city center. The buses are not only convenient, accessible but also quite affordable and operates two direct buses that will ferry you from Houston City Center to Terminal C of IAH Airport. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport has 5 terminals which are all linked by an elevated train (Skyway) and an underground train (subway). Other transportation modes include courtesy vans (operated by companies mostly motels/hotels), shuttle service as well as taxis. The metro bus service operates mostly on city streets making stopovers at all corners alongside its route. 

How far is it from Houston City Center to IAH Airport?

The distance between Houston city center and George Bush Intercontinental Airport is approximately 23 miles (37 kilometers). The IAH Airport is located north of downtown Houston and lies between Interstate 45 and U.S Highway 45 or Interstate 69 within the Houston city limits, adjacent to Humble in the Aldine area. To reach the IAH Airport from Houston city center one can use the bus service offered by the metro public transport company which provides numerous bus routes to and from the airport. There are also readily available airport shuttles and taxis which ply the airport route and are at your disposal 24/7. Most hotels provide complimentary shuttles, although one can purchase a SuperShuttle Ticket which is cheaper than a cab and faster than metro public transport.

Facilities at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a wide variety of facilities which include over 10 airport lounges, majority of which are accessible via airline loyalty programs or premium tickets. The IAH Airport also hosts USO lounge -a facility that is free to use for retired and active US military members and accompanying traveling champions. The airport has numerous shopping opportunities ranging from the automated cosmetic and electronic kiosks to duty-free shops. The  airport is home to more than hundred restaurants, cafes, bars and snack joints where travelers can grab a bite to quell hunger pangs. The airport also offers sit-down restaurants with the most popular being Liquid Provisions and Breakfast Club (Terminal A), Bullritos and El Real in Terminal B and Olio, Ember and Pala in Terminal C.

Accessibility of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport to those with limited mobility

The metro public transportation service offers the best transit means for those with limited mobility. All their buses can be easily accessed to individuals with disabilities and have elevators or ramps, two designated seating areas for the disabled and elderly and solid-square bus poles at all stations. The buses also provide sidewalk links, bus pads which cuts at majority of the metro bus stations, and there are transit centers which connect bus routes in neighboring areas for easy and safe transfers. metroRail have rail vehicles that are the same level with station platforms for ease of accessibility and boarding. The rail vehicles doors automatically open and are fitted with a sensitive edge which prevents sudden closing whenever an object or a person is detected along their path. The metro bus is the best mode of transit to use for people with limited mobility.

Traveling to George Bush Intercontinental Airport like a local

metro bus number 102 is the most practical and easiest route when carrying luggage. Bus 102 handles the route between Houston city center and George Bush Intercontinental Airport and has a schedule which can be accessed at the Houston Ride metro Website. The bus offers a space above the seats for limited luggage. There are plenty of restaurants at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and no need to carry food around. The best ticket to buy is the metro one since it not only offers many payments methods (online, mobile, cash etc.), but also covers most of the routes which crisscross the city.