George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston, United States
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston's primary international gateway and United Airlines hub.
- ›Named after President George H.W. Bush in 1997.
- ›Covers approximately 10,000 acres, one of the largest airports by land area in the U.S.
- ›The underground Skyway people mover connects all terminals.
- ›Serves as United Airlines' second-largest hub by operations.
- ›Opened in 1969 to supplement and eventually replace Hobby Airport for international traffic.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, opened in 1969 as Houston Intercontinental Airport and renamed in 1997, serves as the primary international hub for Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States. Spread across roughly 10,000 acres in north Houston, it is one of the largest airports in the country by land area and serves as a major hub for United Airlines. The airport handles tens of millions of passengers annually, connecting Houston to destinations across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
- Terminal A — United Airlines domestic hub terminal with extensive gate facilities and concessions.
- Terminal B — Handles United Airlines and partner carrier flights, including select international routes.
- Terminal C — Primary United Airlines terminal featuring the SkyWalk connector and broad dining options.
- Terminal D — International arrivals and departures terminal with customs, immigration, and duty-free shopping.
- Terminal E — Serves additional carriers and overflow flights, located on the south end of the terminal complex.
- METRO Park & Ride bus service connecting IAH to downtown Houston
- SuperShuttle and shared-ride van services to city hotels and neighborhoods
- Taxi and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) available at designated curbside zones
- Rental car center accessible via free inter-terminal bus from baggage claim
- Private car and hotel shuttle services operating from the arrivals level
- Marriott Houston Airport
- Hilton Houston North
- Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Airport
- Crowne Plaza Houston Intercontinental Airport
- Holiday Inn Houston Intercontinental Airport
Inside the terminals, travelers will find a broad mix of national chains such as Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito's Cantina, and various fast-casual options reflecting Houston's diverse food culture. Terminal D offers international-leaning choices suited to long-haul travelers awaiting departures. Outside the airport, the north Houston corridor along JFK Boulevard and Greenspoint features numerous Tex-Mex, BBQ, and international restaurants within a short drive.
- Allow extra time between terminals — IAH is extremely large and inter-terminal transfers via the SkyWalk or bus can take 15–20 minutes.
- TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available at IAH, making security significantly faster during peak hours.
- International travelers should account for lengthy customs and immigration queues in Terminal D, especially on wide-body arrival banks.
- Parking at IAH can be expensive for extended trips — off-site parking lots with shuttle service along JFK Boulevard offer significant savings.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a major U.S. hub, located 23 miles north of downtown. A key United Airlines hub, it offers nonstop flights to 180+ destinations. With five terminals, top dining, and global connectivity, IAH is a key gateway for international and domestic travel.
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the main international airport in Houston, Texas, United States, serving the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport upon its opening in 1969, it was renamed in honor of George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and a resident of Houston, in 1997. It is also commonly called Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport.
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