How much is a taxi from IAH to downtown Houston?

Taxi fares: about $55–$70. The ride takes 30–45 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from IAH?

Airlines at IAH include United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Air Canada, Aeroméxico, Volaris, Copa Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), EVA Air and Air New Zealand. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave IAH on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h 30 min: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to downtown Houston, an hour there and getting back through security.

Are there lounges at IAH?

United Clubs and Polaris Lounge (Terminal E); Amex Centurion Lounge (Terminal D).

Is there a hotel at IAH?

Houston Airport Marriott, on the airport between the terminals.

How long do I need to connect at IAH?

We recommend at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our IAH connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at IAH?

EcoPark lots with shuttles, the cheapest. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at IAH?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection. International flights arrive at Terminals D and E.

How do I find cheap flights from Houston?

Add IAH as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from Houston drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Houston · airport guide

IAH Airport guide

Q: Do I have to go through security again if I change terminals at IAH?

No. The Skyway train connects all terminals inside security, so you can change terminals without another TSA check.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport has Terminals A, B, C, D and E. The quickest way from IAH to downtown Houston is the METRO bus 102 (about 60 minutes, $1.25).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown Houston

60 min

METRO bus 102, $1.25

Taxi

30–45 min

about $55–$70

Connecting here

50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h 30 min+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from IAH to downtown Houston is the METRO bus 102 (about 60 minutes, $1.25). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include United, American, Delta, Southwest and Alaska.

Terminals: Terminals A, B, C, D and E
Taxi: 30–45 min, about $55–$70
Connecting: At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
Lounges: United Clubs and Polaris Lounge (Terminal E); Amex Centurion Lounge (Terminal D)
Hotel: Houston Airport Marriott, on the airport between the terminals

Getting from IAH to downtown Houston

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

METRO bus 102to downtown Houstonabout 60 min$1.25
Taxi or rideshare30–45 minabout $55–$70

Inside IAH

Terminals and connections

The Skyway train connects all terminals inside security, so you can change terminals without another TSA check.

How long a layover you need at IAH

Lounges

•United Clubs and Polaris Lounge (Terminal E)
•Amex Centurion Lounge (Terminal D)

Sleep, showers and hotels

•Houston Airport Marriott, on the airport between the terminals

Parking at IAH

•EcoPark lots with shuttles, the cheapest
•Terminal garages

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check IAH's official site.

IAH tips

•United flies mostly from Terminals B, C and E.

Can you leave IAH on a layover?

With at least 3 h 30 min between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To downtown Houston and back, the fastest way1 h
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h 30 min

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at IAH

Major airlines that fly from IAH (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
Aeroméxico Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
Volaris Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
Copa Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 10 in Bag fees
Avianca Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
Lufthansa Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
Air France Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
KLM Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
Turkish Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
Emirates Carry-on 55 × 38 × 20 cm Bag fees
Qatar Airways Carry-on 50 × 37 × 25 cm Bag fees
Singapore Airlines Carry-on 115 cm total Bag fees
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
EVA Air Carry-on 56 × 36 × 23 cm Bag fees
Air New Zealand Carry-on 118 cm total Bag fees

IAH airport FAQ

The quickest option is the METRO bus 102 to downtown Houston: about 60 minutes for $1.25. A taxi takes 30–45 min (about $55–$70).

Cheap flights from Houston (IAH)The latest fare drops we've found from IAH.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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