Bush Airport code is IAH — not HOU
George Bush Intercontinental Airport uses IAH as its three-letter passenger airport code. This guide also explains KIAH, the five-terminal layout, the current Terminal B construction issue, Terminal E international processing, parking, pickup and downtown transportation.
What is the Bush Airport code?
IAH is the IATA airport code for George Bush Intercontinental Airport. It is the code travelers normally see in airline searches, confirmation emails, boarding passes, baggage tags and flight-status tools.
KIAH is the four-letter ICAO identifier used in aviation operations. At this airport, the FAA location identifier is also IAH.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
George Bush Intercontinental
Houston’s large north-side international airport, about 22 miles north of downtown.
William P. Hobby Airport
A separate Houston passenger airport southeast of downtown. Always verify the three-letter code before paying for transport or parking.
The airport opened in 1969 as Houston Intercontinental Airport and was renamed for President George H. W. Bush in 1997. The long-established IAH identifier remained after the name change.
Check these official IAH sources before leaving home
Static facts such as the IAH code and street address rarely change. Operational details—especially Terminal B routing, flight gates, security waits and parking capacity—should be checked on the day you travel.
Where is George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
IAH is approximately 22 miles north of downtown Houston. The official passenger-airport address is 2800 North Terminal Road, Houston, TX 77032.
Main approaches include John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Will Clayton Parkway, with access from I-45, I-69/US-59, Hardy Toll Road and Beltway 8. Once you reach airport property, follow terminal signs rather than relying only on the generic airport map pin.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
2800 North Terminal Road
Houston, TX 77032
Two IAH terminal changes can invalidate an older guide
Gates are operating, but B check-in remains closed
Houston Airports’ current parking reservation system says the Terminal B check-in area remains closed until late 2026. Gates B3–B31 remain open.
Construction guidance has directed passengers using B gates to process at Terminal C and then use the post-security Skyway. Because reopening timing is now close, confirm the current routing with Houston Airports and your airline before driving to a terminal.
Terminal E is fully operational
Houston Airports announced Terminal E fully operational in May 2026. Foreign-flag airline check-in moved from Terminal D to E, with terminal curbs, TSA lanes and the new baggage system in service.
Your gate can still differ from your check-in terminal, so verify the operating carrier rather than assuming every international flight checks in at D.
IAH terminals A, B, C, D and E
At IAH, the ticketing terminal, departure gate, arrival gate and baggage-claim terminal are not always the same. That is especially important for United flights, international arrivals and the Terminal B construction period.
Terminal A
Handles a mix of domestic carriers. United baggage from a Terminal A arrival is routed to Terminal C.
Terminal B
United B gates remain active, but normal landside check-in is affected by the transformation project.
Terminal C
A major United domestic hub and the current processing workaround for many Terminal B departures.
Terminal D
International gates and lounges remain important. International arrivals from D are processed through the Terminal E arrivals system.
Terminal E
Fully operational international check-in, TSA and international-arrivals processing hub.
Skyway vs Subway: use the right IAH train
IAH has two free terminal-connection systems. The simplest way to choose is to ask whether you have already passed through TSA security.
Use Skyway
The above-ground Skyway connects all five terminals on the secure side. Houston Airports says trains depart about every two minutes and the A-to-D/E station trip takes roughly 4 minutes 15 seconds.
Use Subway
The underground Subway connects Terminals A, B, C and D/E plus the Houston Airport Marriott before security. It normally operates from 3:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m., so do not assume it runs all night.
Immigration, bags and connections at IAH
International flights arrive at gates in Terminal D or E and use the adjoining Federal Inspection Services process unless the flight completed U.S. preclearance before departure. Passengers ending their trip in Houston emerge into the Terminal E International Arrivals Hall.
Follow signs to immigration
Stay in the secure international-arrival corridor and proceed to passport control/Federal Inspection Services.
Collect checked baggage
After immigration, go downstairs to the international baggage area and collect bags as directed.
Clear customs
Complete the required CBP customs process before exiting the international-arrivals area.
Recheck bags if connecting
International connecting passengers can use the designated recheck area when eligible. Separate-ticket travelers may have to go to the onward airline’s landside counter.
Pass TSA again when required
After U.S. entry processing, connecting passengers are subject to security screening before returning to the secure gate area.
Your IAH arrival gate may not match your baggage terminal
This matters for passenger pickup. Houston Airports routes some United baggage to Terminal C even when the aircraft arrives at A, D or E, while international bags are handled through Terminal E international arrivals.
| Aircraft arrival | Airline / trip | Published baggage destination |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | United | Terminal C baggage claim |
| Terminal A | Other airlines | Terminal A baggage claim |
| Terminal C | United | Terminal C baggage claim |
| Terminal D | United domestic | Terminal C baggage claim |
| Terminal D | International arrivals | Terminal E international arrivals |
| Terminal E | United domestic | Terminal C baggage claim |
| Terminal E | United international | Terminal E international arrivals |
IAH TSA checkpoint hours and the Terminal B exception
Houston Airports publishes standard checkpoint hours, but notes that schedules can change with airline operations. Airline check-in and checked-bag deadlines are separate from TSA opening hours.
| Checkpoint | Standard published hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A North | 3:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | PreCheck is published for a shorter window. |
| Terminal A South | 3:30 a.m.–12:30 a.m. | Useful for very early or later A departures, subject to change. |
| Terminal C North | 4:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. | Current Terminal B construction can make C relevant to B-gate passengers. |
| Terminal C South | 4:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | Check the live airport page for same-day operation. |
| Terminal D | Varies by day | Do not assume D is the correct landside entry for an international carrier. |
| Terminal E | Published international-terminal schedule | Terminal E is fully operational; verify the live hours for your departure date. |
Current published IAH parking rates
Houston Airports publishes separate terminal, economy and valet options. Rates below include tax where the airport publishes an after-tax amount and should be rechecked before booking because online discounts and availability can change.
| Parking option | Current published maximum | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
| A/B Garage | $25 per 24 hours | Garage remains open during Terminal B construction. |
| C/D/E Garage | $25 per 24 hours | Terminal C parking may be practical for current B processing. |
| ecopark uncovered | $10 per 24 hours | Economy option with airport shuttle. |
| ecopark covered | $12 per 24 hours | Covered economy parking. |
| ecopark2 covered | $12 per 24 hours | Reservation-only policy has applied since June 1, 2026. |
| Valet | $30 per 24 hours | Highest-convenience official airport option. |
Where to meet a passenger, Uber/Lyft or rental-car shuttle
IAH curb space is active loading space, not a waiting area. Private drivers should remain in a free Cell Phone Lot until the passenger has collected baggage and reached the correct pickup point.
Passenger pickup
Current general pickup guidance lists A-113, C-102 and Terminal E arrivals locations. International passengers arriving at D exit through the Terminal E International Arrivals Hall.
Uber / Lyft zones
Current airport guidance lists A-114, C-103/C-104 and Terminal E Level 2 Zone 5. Terminal B South ride-app passengers are directed to use Skyway to A or C.
Consolidated center
The Rental Car Center is at 17330 Palmetto Pines. Airport shuttles serve A, C and E and the ride is approximately five minutes under normal conditions.
METRO 500 vs Route 102 from IAH
Houston METRO currently gives airport travelers two useful public-transit choices. Route 500 is the direct downtown option; Route 102 is cheaper but makes local stops.
| Route | IAH stop | Fare | Frequency | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Downtown Direct | Terminal E Level 2, Door E-201, near signs 6A/6B | $4.50 one way | About every 15–30 minutes; published core schedule commonly every 30 minutes | Nonstop downtown trip with luggage-friendly buses and Wi-Fi |
| 102 Bush IAH | Terminal C, outside Door C-105 | $1.25 local fare | About every 15–30 minutes | Lowest-cost public option when local stops are acceptable |
Who to contact for assistance at IAH
Wheelchairs and flight-related mobility assistance are managed by the airline, so arrange those needs with the operating carrier. Houston Airports separately provides accessible airport infrastructure, sensory rooms, accessible parking and other traveler-support services.
Wheelchair assistance
Contact your airline in advance or request assistance at its ticket counter. Do not rely on the airport information desk to manage airline boarding assistance.
Quiet spaces
IAH has sensory rooms in Terminals A and D. Houston Airports lists 281-230-1300 for the access code.
Free Wi-Fi
Free airport Wi-Fi is available in terminals and parking garages. The airport currently lists the SSID as Free Airport WIFI.
Nursing and family needs
Houston Airports lists Mother’s Rooms, Mamava spaces and family restrooms around the terminal system. Use the live airport map to find the nearest location from your gate.
Accessible parking
Accessible spaces are available on all levels of terminal garages and at ecopark facilities. Houston Airports says ecopark shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs.
Bush Airport travel-day checklist
- Confirm the booking says IAH, not HOU.
- Check the operating airline and current check-in terminal.
- Recheck Terminal B status if your boarding pass shows a B gate.
- Verify the live departure gate before driving to a terminal.
- Check current TSA hours and your airline’s bag-drop cutoff.
- Reserve parking if traveling during a busy period.
- Add shuttle time for ecopark or a rental-car return.
- Use Skyway after security and Subway before security.
- Allow extra time for immigration and baggage on international arrivals.
- Send a pickup driver your actual baggage terminal and door/zone.
- Arrange wheelchair or special assistance with the airline in advance.
- Keep ID, medication and valuables in cabin baggage.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport phone numbers
| Need | Contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| General information / paging | 281-230-3100 | Airport information and paging |
| TTY | 281-230-3089 | TTY airport contact |
| Parking customer service | 281-233-1729 | Official airport parking support |
| Airport Lost & Found | 833-253-2940 | Items lost in airport public areas |
| Airport Operations Center | 281-230-1300 | Published sensory-room access contact |
Verify other U.S. airport codes
Bush Airport code and IAH travel FAQs
What is the Bush Airport code?
Is IAH the same as George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
Is IAH the same airport as HOU?
What is the address of George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
How many passenger terminals does IAH have?
Is Terminal B check-in open at IAH?
What is the difference between the IAH Skyway and Subway?
Where do international arrivals clear immigration at IAH?
How much is terminal parking at IAH?
How do I get from IAH to downtown Houston by public transit?
Where does Uber or Lyft pick up at IAH?
Where should drivers wait when picking up at IAH?
Official sources used for this IAH update
Stable airport-code facts are separated from operational details that can change. For terminal entry, parking capacity, TSA operation, bus departures and curb zones, the live source should win over a cached search result or older article.