George Bush Airport is an international airport located in Houston, Texas. The airport is approximately 23 miles from downtown Houston. You can reach George Bush Airport via the Eastex Freeway and I-45 North Freeway. Hardy Toll Road is also one of the major arteries directly connected to the airport. It takes 30-40 minutes to get from the airport to the city center.
When I first set foot in Houston, what surprised me most was that this city, surrounded by skyscrapers, was filled with lush green parks and art spaces. Walking through the city center, you can suddenly find yourself among theaters and concert venues. In the evening, you can watch the sunset at Buffalo Bayou Park. Space Center Houston, in particular, is a must-visit for NASA enthusiasts. Here, you can see real spacecraft and listen to astronaut stories. For those who want to be alone with nature, Hermann Park offers peaceful walking paths and a Japanese Garden. To feel the energy of the city, you should definitely attend the outdoor events held at Discovery Green. In short, Houston is a much more colorful city than you might imagine.
Houston Airport is one of United Airlines’ largest hubs. There are scheduled flights from the airport to both domestic and international destinations. Houston Airport is Texas’ second busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic. Approximately 48 million passengers use this airport each year.
There are taxi stands at the baggage claim exits of all terminals. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft operate outside Terminal A and Terminal C. The 102 Bush IAH Express route runs from the south exit of Terminal C to the city center. This bus runs every 15 minutes.
Interactive George Bush Airport Map
George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal
There are five terminals at George Bush Airport: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, and Terminal E. There are a total of 121 gates in the terminals. Each terminal serves different airlines. You can walk between Terminals B, C, D, and E. To get to Terminal A from the other terminals, you must use the Skyway train.
All domestic flights except United Airlines depart from Terminal A. American Airlines, Delta, and Spirit use this terminal for domestic flights. This terminal is also used for some international flights. There are 29 gates in this terminal.
Terminal B is dedicated to United Express flights. There are 40 gates in this terminal.
Terminal C is the hub for United Airlines domestic flights. Terminal C is divided into two sections: north and south. The north section has gates C1-C15, and the south section has gates C29-C45.
Terminal D is used for international flights. In addition to European airlines such as Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa, Latin American and Asian airlines also use this terminal. This terminal has the most lounges in the airport. Customs and passport control are located on the ground floor.
United Airlines uses Terminal E for international flights. There are 24 gates in this terminal. The United Club and United Polaris Lounge are located in the central area of Terminal E. This terminal also has duty-free shops and restaurants. The TSA PreCheck registration center is located here.
Each terminal has baggage claim, car rental service desks, taxi and bus stops, and passenger service offices.
Restaurant and store options vary by terminal. Ramps, special transportation, and assistance services for passengers with disabilities are available in all terminals.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport Car Rental
Texas means endless roads and freedom. That’s why I recommend renting a car as soon as you land at George Bush Airport. You can reach NASA’s legendary Johnson Space Center in just a 45-minute drive from the airport. You can reach Dallas from Houston in about 4 hours by car. Austin is 3 hours away from the airport. Within the city, you can reach popular spots such as Space Center Houston, the Galleria shopping center, and the Houston Museum District in 20-40 minutes.
All car rental companies at George Bush Airport are located in the car rental center outside the terminals. To reach the car rental center, you must exit the baggage claim area and proceed to the shuttle waiting area. Shuttles run 24 hours a day, every day of the week, between the terminal and the car rental center. Shuttles depart every 5 minutes.
The car rental center has offices for Aloma, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar, National, Payless, Thrifty, Zipcar, and Sixt. You will save both time and money by making your reservation online in advance. A driver’s license, credit card, and passport are sufficient for renting a car. If you have a lot of luggage and are planning a long trip, I recommend choosing an SUV or minivan.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport VIP Lounge
There is a VIP Lounge in all terminals at George Bush Airport. The United Club Lounge serves most terminals at the airport. In Terminal A, it is located opposite gates A9. This lounge is open between 07:30 and 19:00. The United Club in Terminal C is near gates C1 and C33. There are two United Clubs in this terminal. This lounge is open between 05:10 and 21:00. In Terminal E, there is a United Club branch between gates E11-E12. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The United Polaris Lounge is located near gate E12 in Terminal E. It is open to passengers on transatlantic and transpacific flights.
The American Admirals Club is located near gate A25 in Terminal A. It is open from 04:15 to 19:45.
Terminal D has the KLM Crown Lounge and Air France Lounge. The Air France Lounge is near gate D18 and the KLM Crown Lounge is near gate D15.
The lounge areas offer not only comfortable seating, but also high-speed Wi-Fi, freshly prepared buffets, work areas, and shower facilities.
Hotels in George Bush Intercontinental Airport
If you have a long transit wait or arrive late at night, you can stay at hotels near George Bush Airport. The Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental is the closest hotel to the airport. This hotel is connected to all terminals by the Subway train. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, pool, restaurant, parking, and meeting rooms.
Just outside George Bush Airport are chain hotels such as Hilton, Hyatt Regency, and Sheraton. These hotels also offer free airport shuttle service.
On JFK Boulevard, there are SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott. Almost all of these hotels have free airport service. If you are looking for a slightly more affordable place to stay, you can choose Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston IAH and La Quinta Inn & Suites.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport Location
George Bush Intercontinental Airport Address: 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032, United States.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport IATA: IAH.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport ICAO: KIAH.
Satellite view of George Bush Airport. Click to enlarge
George Bush Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge