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IAH

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Houston, United States

Where to start
Uber / Lyft / Pre-Booked Car

There's no train from IAH (the METRORail doesn't serve it), so for door-to-door take rideshare, a taxi, or a pre-booked car — IAH is ~23 miles north of downtown. Rideshare and taxis pick up curbside on Level 1, but you can only request a rideshare from Terminals A, B, C, and E — if you land at Terminal D (international), walk the connector to Terminal E first. The budget option is METRO bus route 102 to the Downtown Transit Center.

Ride Options

Uber

rideshare

Door-to-door to downtown Houston, The Woodlands, and the suburbs

AvailabilityCommonly available; surge at peak
Pickup NoteCurbside on the arrivals level (Level 1), schedulable from Terminals A, B, C, E. From Terminal D (international), walk the connector to Terminal E first.
Convenience
Relative costCost varies
Visit Website

Lyft

rideshare

Alternative rideshare option

AvailabilityCommonly available; surge at peak
Pickup NoteSame Level 1 curb zones as Uber. From Terminal D, walk the connector to Terminal E to request a ride.
Convenience
Relative costCost varies
Visit Website

METRO Bus Route 102

transit

Budget route to the Downtown Transit Center

AvailabilityScheduled service; slower, usually with a transfer
Pickup NoteCurbside METRO stop; route 102 to the Downtown Transit Center. Use the METRO Q card or app.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Licensed Taxi

taxi

No-app door-to-door with a regulated meter

AvailabilityAvailable 24/7 at all terminals
Pickup NoteOfficial stands curbside (small departure surcharge) — Terminal A Door A-115, Terminal C Door C-105, Terminal E Door E-103.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

SIXT Ride — Pre-booked Airport Transfer

Private Transfer

Fixed-rate pre-booked door-to-door transfer

AvailabilityAvailable at Houston Bush Intercontinental — book via SIXT app or website
Pickup NoteDriver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, flight tracking, up to 60 min free waiting.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber/Lyft pick up curbside on the arrivals level (Level 1), but app pickups can only be scheduled from Terminals A, B, C, and E. If you arrive at Terminal D (international), walk the connector to Terminal E to request your ride. Enter terminal + door in the app.

Taxi

Regulated metered taxis at the official stands (small departure surcharge) — Terminal A south side Door A-115, Terminal C south side Door C-105, Terminal E west side Door E-103. Airport staff assist 24/7 at A/C/E.

Shuttle

Hotel and regional shuttles depart from the lower level; use the direct-dial phones / visitor kiosks in baggage claim.

Transit

METRO bus route 102 runs to the Downtown Transit Center — the budget option (slower, usually with a transfer). The METRORail does NOT serve IAH.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked cars and SIXT Ride meet you in baggage claim with a name sign — especially useful for Terminal D international arrivals.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

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Local Tips

  • There's no train from IAH — the METRORail doesn't reach it. Plan for a car: ~25–45 min to downtown off-peak, longer at rush hour.
  • Terminal D (international) can't schedule a rideshare directly — walk the connector to Terminal E first, then request your ride.
  • IAH is ~23 miles north of downtown — budget for the distance and Houston traffic; the Hardy Toll Road is the fastest southbound route.
  • METRO bus route 102 to the Downtown Transit Center is the budget option — far more affordable than a car, but slower and usually with a transfer.
  • The on-airport Marriott connects via a free underground tram — handy for very late or early connections.

Tarmyq local tip

If you arrive internationally at Terminal D, don't stand at the curb trying to order an Uber — it won't let you. Walk the short connector to Terminal E, then request your ride from there.