George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

International passengers arrive at Terminal D or Terminal E and follow standard U.S. border entry procedures before retrieving baggage and passing customs.

• Follow international arrival overhead signage towards U.S. Customs and Border Protection control.
• Present passport, travel documents, and visa/ESTA clearance at the immigration control desk.
• Proceed to the international arrivals baggage claim area to retrieve all checked luggage.
• Pass through customs baggage and agriculture inspection before exiting to the public area.
• Follow signage for ground transport, terminal transit trains, or connecting flights.

• Train

  Public Bus (METRO Route 102)

  Board at the baggage claim level of Terminal C; service runs directly to Downtown Houston Transit Centre.

  Time:

  roughly 50-75 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $1.25

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Queues are located outside the arrivals zone of each terminal; flat rates may apply to downtown destinations.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $45-$65

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

  Designated pick-up points are located outside the baggage claim doors of Terminals A, B, C, and E.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $35-$60

• Car rental

  Rental Car

  Consolidated Rental Car Facility is accessed via free airport shuttle buses operating from all terminal curbs.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes to downtown

  Typical cost:

  varies by vehicle type and rental period

Inter-terminal transfers are facilitated by two distinct automated train systems running above and below ground.

• The Skyway is an airside elevated train connecting Terminals A, B, C, D, and E post-security.
• The Subway is a landside underground train connecting all five terminals and the airport hotel pre-security.
• Passengers arriving on international flights must collect baggage, clear customs, and re-screen via TSA security before connecting to a domestic flight.
• Allow at least 60-90 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 2 hours for international transfers.

Free public Wi-Fi access is available throughout all passenger terminals.

• Connect your device to the network broadcast name 'Free Airport WIFI'.
• Open a web browser to view and accept the user terms on the landing page.
• No account registration or fee payment is required for general internet access.

Banking services, automatic teller machines, and currency exchange kiosks are positioned across the airport.

• ATMs supporting major card networks operate both pre- and post-security in all terminals.
• Currency exchange counters are available in Terminals D and E near international departure gates.
• Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all shops, restaurants, and transport kiosks.

A wide variety of dining outlets, ranging from quick-service outlets to sit-down restaurants, operates airside.

• Major food courts are situated post-security in Terminals C, D, and E.
• Regional Texas dining and standard international chain choices are available.
• Grab-and-go kiosk options remain available during off-peak and overnight hours.

Multiple airline-operated and independent passenger lounges are available within the secure area.

• United Club lounges are located in Terminals A, B, C, and E.
• Terminal D hosts multiple international airline lounges alongside independent lounge options.
• Access depends on cabin class, elite frequent flyer status, or valid lounge membership passes.

An on-site hotel is connected to the terminals, with additional hotel properties located near the airport perimeter.

• The Houston Airport Marriott is located on airport grounds and accessible via the landside Subway train.
• Off-site hotels provide complimentary shuttle services picking up from terminal arrival curbs.
• Courtesy phone boards for hotel shuttle bookings are located in the baggage claim areas.

Baggage reclaims are situated on the lower level of each terminal building.

• Check flight status displays in the arrivals hall for the allocated carousel number.
• Luggage carts can be rented for a small fee near the carousel zones.
• Airline baggage service desks are located within the baggage claim area of each respective terminal.

Facilities for travellers with young children are located throughout the terminal buildings.

• Private nursing rooms equipped with seating, power outlets, and changing counters are available in all terminals.
• Family restrooms with pushchair accessibility are located pre- and post-security.
• Select gate areas feature small play zones for young children.

• Interfaith Chapels
• Nursing Rooms
• Service Animal Relief Areas
• Automated External Defibrillators
• Currency Exchange Desks
• Consolidated Rental Car Facility

Local emergency number: 911

• Dial 911 from any telephone for immediate emergency, fire, or police assistance.
• Uniformed airport police and emergency medical staff are present across all terminals.
• If you mislay your passport, notify airport security and contact your home country's consulate in Houston.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Houston Airport System - Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
• U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionGovernment source
• Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)Official transit source
• Ready.gov - U.S. Emergency InformationGovernment source