Houston Airport, also known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport, was opened in 1969 with the current two terminals A & B. Terminal C opened in 1981, Terminal D in 1990 and the newest Terminal E in 2004. Currently Terminal E is the only one that deals with non-US carriers international flights. With the exception of Terminal A, that also hosts Canadian flights.
The airport isn't far from Houston, a vibrant American city that is full of culture and history. Visiting Houston is a must on anyones schedule, especially if you plan to do some shopping. The city has a lot to offer in terms of retail therapy, from small family-run shops to large multinationals. A quick drive to the city won't leave you disappointed.
If you're thinking of getting a car hire at Houston Airport, then contact Auto Europe and find out how we can be of assistance. With a large selection of car makes at competitive prices and the added advantage of local knowledge - contact us today. Read the car hire reviews in Houston section to see what past clients have thought.
Houston Airport (IAH)
Official Name: George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport
Address: 2800 North Terminal Road, Houston, Texas 77032 U.S.A.
Location: Houston Airport is located approximately 23 miles (37kms) north of Houston City Centre.
Airlines operating at Houston Airport: Aero Mexico, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Alaska, ANA, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Eva Air, Frontier Airlines, Interjet, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Spirit, Turkish Airways, United domestic & international, Vacation Espress, Viva Aerobus, Volaris and WestJet.
A total of five terminal buildings exist at Houston Airport - named A, B, C, D & E. The terminal layouts are similar between all five terminals, with ground floor level being dedicated to arrivals - housing everything required for a successful arrival (Baggage reclaim, customs, passport control, etc). The first floors are dedicated for departures - housing everything required for a stress-free journey (Check-in desks, security control, passport control, lounges, boarding gates, etc).
Terminal D however, is slightly different, with an additional mezzanine level that hosts "The Centurion Lounge".
All terminals have a lower level which allows for an underground service between terminals. Likewise a third floor level exists which allows for the Skyway service (Monorail style train service) between Terminals A, B, C and D. From Terminal D it is possible to reach Terminal E via a passenger walkway.
The terminals also contain numerous stores, such as, Chanel, Brookstone, Sunglass Hut, Hugo Boss, iStore, Jo Malone, and others, including cafes and restaurants for all tastes and desires.
Car hire at Houston Airport is all under one roof. A specific "Rental Car Centre" has been set up to make picking up and dropping off your car hire easier. The Car Rental Centre is located around 5 minutes by shuttle bus from the airport terminal. The shuttle can be caught from outside the baggage reclaim area.
On collecting your car hire, make sure that all your documents are in order. The basic required documents include a valid driving licence, car hire voucher and a credit card with enough limit for a deposit. Please take the time to read all the terms and conditions, taking note of any excess, insurances and policies.
Once at the car, please inspect the vehicle and note any damage on the pick-up form before driving off. When you return, please make sure you leave enough time for a member of the car hire agency to inspect the car for any new damage.
Company | Opening Hours |
Advantage | Sunday-Saturday 6am-11:59pm |
Alamo | Sunday-Saturday 24 hours |
Avis | Sunday-Saturday 24 hours |
Budget | Sunday-Saturday 24 hours |
Dollar | Sunday-Saturday 5am-1:30am |
Enterprise | Sunday-Saturday 6am-11:59pm |
Hertz | Sunday-Saturday 5am-2:00am |
National | Monday-Friday 12am-1:00am & 4am-11:59pm Saturday 12am-1:00am & 4am-11:59pm Sunday 12am-1:00am & 4am-11:59pm |
Payless | Sunday-Saturday 6am-11:00pm |
Thrifty | Sunday-Saturday 5am-1:30am |
Zip Car | Sunday-Saturday 24 hours |
As an international hub, Houston Airport provides along with free Wi-Fi, multiple other essential services such as; ATM machines, baggage wrap machines, battery charging points, courtesy phones, AED units, currency and financial services, interactive directories, baby feeding rooms, a lost and found office, a post office, mail safe express, a nursery, water bottle filling stations, visitor information center, vending machines, TTY & standard telephones, a tax rebate office, showers, shoe shine services, an animal relief area, a mobility impaired area and smoking rooms.
By Car
Houston Airport is well connected to the local road network. If driving, access to the airport can be gained via Interstate 45 & 69 (US Highway 59), in addition via Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8) and Hardy Toll Road.
By Taxi
The taxi rank is located outside the Baggage Claim area, on arrivals level, Terminals A, B, C and E. Fares are around $53 for downtown, not including tips. A surcharge exists of $2.75 as a departure fee and $1 between 8pm until 6am. A limousine service exists, although this is on a pre-booked basis and thus no drivers are allowed to solicit this service on location.
By Bus*
There is a bus service Nº 102 with on-route stops from Houston Airport to central Houston. The cost is around $1.25 and takes around 1.5 hours. Drivers do not provide change, therefore please make sure you have the correct fare. Luggage can be stored within the baggage hold, accessible from outside the bus. The bus stop is located outside Terminal C, south side, baggage claim level. There are additional bus serivces to Beaumont/Port Arthur, Jack Brooks Regional Airport, College Station, Easterwood Airport and Galveston, Texas.
All five Houston Airport terminals have garaged parking available, including valet parking. Other parking options exist and are as follows: SurePark, a private members car park located at Terminal C, level 3, C-East Garage and EcoPark & EcoPark2, cost effective parking located at Houston Airport. Additional service include corporate parking, which provides benefits to business users, EV charging bays and parking plus, which allows users to gain air miles or free parking when you park at EcoPark or EcoPark2.