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Guide to George Bush Airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is located in Houston, Texas, and serves the Greater Houston metropolitan area. With close to 45 million passengers passing through each year, IAH is the 10th-busiest airport in North America in terms of total passenger numbers. In 2006, it was named the fastest growing of the top 10 airports in the US by the United States Department of Transportation.

Location of George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Situated 23 miles (37 kilometers) north of Downtown Houston, between Interstate 69/US Highway 59 with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road Expressway, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is within easy reach of a thriving metropolitan area and its shops and amenities. It is well-connected to Downtown Houston by reliable public transport links.

Travelling from the airport to Downtown Houston on the METRO Bus 102 is easy. The bus can be caught from the Baggage Claim Area (Terminal C, South Side) and you can purchase your ticket onboard. There are also buses that run to Beaumont/Port Arthur, College Station and Galveston. There is also a useful shuttle service operating from IAH, as well as courtesy vans and taxis that charge according to the flat zone rate or the meter rate.

History of George Bush Intercontinental Airport

A group of Houston businessmen purchased the site for George Bush Intercontinental Airport in 1957 to preserve it until the city of Houston could formulate a plan for a new airport as a replacement for William P. Hobby Airport.

IAH, under its original name, Houston Intercontinental Airport, was opened in 1969. All scheduled passenger airline services that previously operated from William P. Hobby Airport were moved to IAH upon its completion. The airport was named after the 41st President of the United States in April 1997.

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Airport facilities

George Bush Intercontinental is a huge airport with a total of five terminals and, as such, is full of exciting things to keep you entertained while you wait for your flight. Smarten up for your business trip with the airport’s shoe shine service (available in all terminals), relax on a massage chair, grab a bite to eat, do a spot of shopping or even enjoy a bit of culture with the daily live performances in Terminal A.

Facilities at IAH include:

• Toilets

• Disabled access

• Baby change facilities

• Information desk

• Short-stay parking

• Long-stay parking

• Valet parking

• Telephones

• ATMs

• Baggage carts and wrap

• Mailbox

• MailSafe Express

• Pet Relief Area

• Defibrillators

• Rapid charger machines

• TTY phones

• Shoe shine services

• Water bottle filling stations

• Vending machines

• Massage chairs

• Foreign currency exchange

• Nursery

• Chapel

• Power charging stations

• Public access videophone

• Wheelchair assistance

• Free WiFi

• Smoking areas

• Live art/music

• Lounges/club rooms

• Shopping

  • Newsagents

  • Duty free

  • Jewelry and watches

  • Cosmetics

  • Vacation essentials

• Food

  • Italian

  • BBQ

  • Mexican

  • Burgers

  • Sandwiches

  • Fast food

  • Donuts

• Drinks

  • Cafés

  • Bar

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George Bush Airport hotel and parking

George Bush Intercontinental Airport has its own hotel located on-site. The Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental is located between Terminals B and C. A good option for passengers in transit or flying early in the morning, this four-star hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. It is also connected with underground access to the free airport tram service.

Other hotels near the airport, all of which are less than five miles (8 kilometers) away, include the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, the Staybridge Suites Houston, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites and La Quinta Inn. These hotels offer access to the free airport shuttle bus service and free WiFi, while some even have their own outdoor pools for that added touch of extravagance.

Staybridge Suites Houston is highly recommended as a pet-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool and fitness center, as well as family rooms, free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen cable televisions in every room.

IAH boasts a 'Park, Sleep, and Fly' scheme, whereby you can leave your vehicle at a nearby hotel while you go on vacation, with some great value deals available. The nearby Hampton Inn Houston doesn't charge for the use of its 'Park, Stay and Go' facility, which allows you to book accommodation and leave your car for the duration of your vacation, while the other hotels mentioned above offer complimentary parking but only for the nights you stay in them.

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Top things to do in George Bush Airport

Take in the creative brilliance of Texas

IAH has one of the largest collections of public art in the state of Texas. Artworks including everything from sculptures to photographs, predominantly by Texas-based artists, can be found throughout the airport’s terminals and grounds. Terminal A in particular boasts an impressive collection of artworks, though there are beautiful installations in all of the terminals and by various gates, as well as in the executive lounges and in the grounds of the airport. There are few airports in the world that have the facilities to allow passengers to enjoy such a rich cultural experience while they travel, so be sure to make the most of the stunning collections at IAH.

Feel the harmony in the air

Harmony in the Air performing arts program at IAH is aimed at creating a stress-free, happy atmosphere for passengers and visitors through live performance. Featuring a diverse repertoire of classical, contemporary classical, smooth jazz and international music, the program is designed to help your traveling experience to be more peaceful, relaxing and entertaining. Developed to celebrate the warmth of the Texan people and promote their rich cultural heritage, these live performances typically take place in Terminal A and Terminal B and the schedule can be seen on the airport’s website. Check it out so you don’t miss some of the best musicians Texas has to offer.

Pamper yourself

There are a number of different ways to feel truly pampered at IAH. The airport offers a selection of massage chairs to renew and energize even the weariest of passengers. These chairs offer a five-minute, deep tissue massage that will relax you before your flight for a small fee. IAH is also home to some world-class designer fashion retailers and makeup counters, such as Chanel, Mac and L’Occitane. You can have your makeup done by a professional at the airport - what better way to start your trip?

Kick back in a club room

Every terminal of George Bush Intercontinental Airport comes equipped with at least one club room or lounge - though there are actually five in Terminal D alone.

Club rooms inject a little bit of luxury into the time you spend at the airport and come with extra treats such as complimentary bar services, snacks, newspapers and reading materials, as well as televisions. If you’re lucky enough to be in Terminal D’s Centurion Lounge, specifically reserved for American Express Card Members, you’ll be treated to locally-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails and a full premium bar, high-speed WiFi and private showers. IAH is a luxurious airport full of amenities and culture, but its lounges offer an extra touch of comfort for those passengers who like the finer things in life.

Keep in touch

Whether you’re already missing the friends and family members you’ve just visited or you want to tell someone you are on your way and about to board, IAH has the facilities you need. Not only does the airport have an array of public telephones and charging ports in every terminal, but it also has public access video phones, so you can dial up the smiles of those you cherish easily and conveniently whilst you wait for your flight.

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Top things to do near George Bush Airport

Discover DiverseWorks

DiverseWorks is a non-profit art center in Houston, dedicated to presenting new visual, performing and literary art. One of the leading US contemporary art centers, DiverseWorks is known for its groundbreaking artistic education programs and it is committed to helping artists who are exploring inventive pathways through their work. DiverseWorks serves as an open venue for artists, a training ground for future arts administrators and a model for arts centers across the country. If you want a real slice of the Texas art scene, you can get it here only 30 minutes’ drive from IAH.

Discover Houston's heritage

Located just 23 minutes away from IAH by car, The Heritage Society is the city of Houston’s only outdoor, interactive historic museum and park. Hidden amongst 10 acres (four hectares) of lush green parkland in the heart of downtown Houston, this museum boasts nine historic structures dating from 1823 to 1905. Founded in 1954 in order to save the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition, The Heritage Society’s founders had one goal in mind: preserve the quickly disappearing past of Houston for the education of future generations.

Become a bookworm

The Houston Public Library system serves the city’s culturally diverse community by offering a broad program of free educational, informational and recreational activities through a central complex and neighborhood branch libraries. The library system is composed of a Central Library Complex, including the Houston Metropolitan Research Center and Clayton Center for Genealogical Research, as well as 36 branch libraries. The Central Library Complex is a great place to learn, access innovative technology and have some educational adventures whilst you’re in Houston.

See skate culture in action

The Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark in Downtown Houston is a much-loved local spot, away from the standard tourist trail in Houston. Whether you want to use a board, BMX or blades, you can give Houston’s street sports scene a go at this state-of-the-art, 30,000 square foot (2,787 square meter) skate park. It is the first world-class, in-ground skate park in the region and it certainly gives some of the best skate facilities in the world a run for their money.

Sip a locally brewed beer

Get a real taste for Downtown Houston and the brews it produces at Brock Wagner’s Saint Arnold’s Brewery. With Houstonians heading there in droves for air-conditioned tastings, you’re guaranteed the chance to sample some of the best beers the city has to offer, all housed in a beautiful three-story location.

Settle in for the show

The Wortham Theater Center is home to both Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera and features two theaters and more than 3,500 seats. Since its opening in 1987, this place has entertained more than five million people and the calendar of events is always wonderfully diverse.

Combine architectural and literary history

After nearly three years of work, the historic Julia Ideson Library in Downtown Houston has reopened to the public. This Spanish Renaissance-style library dates back to the late 1920s and is a three-story, 66,000 square foot (6,131.6 square meter) library of grand proportions, named after Houston’s first professional librarian. New elements include a state-of-the-art archival footage wing and work areas, plus an outdoor garden and reading room that complement the original, historic structure. Now a venue for exhibits, meetings and special events, it also doubles up as a place for research and work with an impressive and valuable collection of photographs that includes 4.5 million images of historic events and everyday life in Houston.

Dive into the deep blue

The Downtown Aquarium is a great day out in Houston for all the family. Part-visitor center, part-restaurant, the aquarium is a 500,000-gallon (1.89 million-liter) multi-functional complex that boasts a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, a white tiger exhibit and a restaurant. The spectacular aquarium is a sight to behold and its restaurant caters for adults and children alike. With a menu boasting silky lobster bisque as well as more child-friendly dishes such as popcorn shrimp and ‘sand dollar’ pizza, the Downtown Aquarium is a sure-fire hit for families.

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Which terminal?

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a gargantuan airport that serves almost 50 million passengers a year and acts as a hub for both Atlas Air and United Airlines. The airport is currently used by 29 scheduled passenger airlines to serve hundreds of destinations worldwide.

The airlines currently offering public flights to and from George Bush Airport can be found on the George Bush Airport website.

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How to get to George Bush Airport

Car

For those travelling to IAH by car, it is accessible from Interstate 45, US Highway 50 (Interstate 69), the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8).

The primary routes to IAH are John F. Kennedy Boulevard from either Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8) or the Hardy Toll Road and Will Clayton Parkway from US Highway 59 (Interstate 69).

The airport's address is
800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032
Visit the airport’s website to get directions from your address to the airport itself.

Buses and shuttles

IAH is served by regular bus and coach services from Downtown Houston and other local areas. The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) offers a local bus service that runs to and from IAH. The METRO Bus 102 serves the airport and its vicinity with multiple stops and continues to the METRO station downtown. The journey to Downtown Houston takes roughly 1.5 hours. Pick-up and drop-off is at the METRO Bus Stop on Baggage Claim Level on the south side of Terminal C. Passengers may stow luggage in the baggage compartment accessed from the outside of the bus, though the drivers will not assist you.

The pick-up area is outside Baggage Claim/Arrivals Level at Terminals A, B, C and E. There are drop-off zones at every terminal at the departures level. To request a hotel shuttle from IAH, direct dial phones and Interactive Visitor Kiosks are available in Baggage Claims in Terminals A, B and C and on the Arrivals Level of Terminal E.

The IAH SuperShuttle also picks up outside the Baggage Claim/Arrivals Level of these terminals and ticket counters for the SuperShuttle are in the Baggage Claim areas of Terminals A, B and C and the Arrivals Level of Terminal E, though advanced reservations are highly recommended.

Taxi

At IAH, the taxi stands are located outside the Baggage Claim/Arrivals Level of Terminal A, B, C and E. Airport personnel are available from 7am until midnight and will assist passengers with hailing taxis. All taxis picking up passengers from the airport are fully licensed and drivers must complete a training course in safe driving, customer service and assisting passengers with disabilities. You may request assistance for taxi services between midnight and 7am by calling 1-281-743-3970.

Senior citizens are eligible for a 10 per cent discount on fares, but an additional surcharge applies for late-night journeys.

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Useful tips

Take a book

Queues for customs and security checks can be long and time-consuming at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Passengers have reported that queueing time can be in excess of 2.5 hours, so taking a book or an iPod to keep yourself entertained while queueing is a good idea.

Prepare well for security checks

There isn’t much signage at IAH to inform passengers of the protocol for passing through security, so it is best to prepare yourself while queueing to avoid rushing at the baggage x-ray machine. It is advisable that you empty your pockets, remove electronics from your bag, remove your shoes and belt and be ready to answer any questions the security staff might have about your luggage.

Take a packed lunch for special dietary needs

Though the eateries at IAH are wide-ranging, few of them cater for vegans. If you are a vegan or have special dietary requirements, it is advisable that you take a packed lunch or some snacks in case the restaurants cannot satisfy your needs.

Make your suitcase stand out

It is common for the luggage from multiple flights to be unloaded onto one conveyor belt at IAH, which can make your bag harder to find than usual. Luggage for certain flights can sometimes end up coming out on a different carousel to the one indicated on the airport's screens. It is a good idea, therefore, to personalize your suitcases so that they can be easily spotted from a distance.

Print out an airport map

IAH is a sprawling airport with five terminals and a complex inter-terminal transportation system. It’s easy to lose your way here and a wrong turn could make the difference between missing and catching your flight. To avoid this problem, print a map of IAH and plan your route through the airport.

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George Bush Airport FAQs

How much is parking at George Bush airport?

Daily parking lot charges at George Bush airport can range from $8 to $15 dollars. To get the best price and avoid on-the-day prices, we always recommend pre-booking your airport parking lot space. To do this simply enter your details above and we will guarantee the best price for your travel dates.

Where to park at George Bush intercontinental airport?

George Bush Intercontinental airport has both terminal and economy parking lots available. Terminal parking options are specific to the terminal you are flying from, whereas economy parking has access to all terminals at the airport. Terminal parking is often the most expensive of the two. To get the cheapest pre-book price for Terminal or Economy parking, make sure to use the Looking4.com quote form above and we will search many different options available at George Bush airport to get you the best price.