IAH Terminals

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one of the largest international hubs in the United States, serving Houston and acting as a key gateway to Latin America, Europe and Asia.

IAH is very large. Always allow extra time for connections between terminals.

History & Development

Opened in 1969, IAH was designed to replace older Houston airports and quickly became a major international hub. It has expanded significantly with modern terminals and infrastructure.

Cartell Houston Airport
Houston IAH Airport.

Terminals Overview

Houston IAH Airport Terminal Map
Source: airportmaps.com – Houston IAH Airport terminal map

Terminal A

Houston Airport Terminal A hosts all domestic and short-haul flights from and to the airport, excepting those by Canadian, United and even some United Express domestic international departures.

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Terminal B

Houston Airport Terminal B is exclusively used by United Express domestic flights and international departures.

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Terminal C

Houston Airport Terminal C stands for United Airlines domestic terminal.

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Terminal D

Terminal D is the main gateway for international flights, excepting those operated by United, and some United Express International Arrivals.

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Terminal E

Houston Airport Terminal E is the main terminal for the international flights for all other terminals. 

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Use the Skyway train (airside) for faster connections.

Popular Routes from IAH

Destination Duration Airlines
New York 3h 30m United, Delta
Los Angeles 3h 20m United, American
Mexico City 2h 30m United, Aeromexico
London 9h 30m United, British Airways
Madrid 10h United, Iberia

Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi across all terminals
  • ATMs and currency exchange
  • Luggage services and storage
  • Charging stations and work areas

Family & Accessibility Services

  • Baby changing rooms and family restrooms
  • Wheelchair assistance available
  • Accessible elevators and transport systems

Security & Baggage Control

Security checkpoints are located in each terminal. Waiting times vary depending on traffic and time of day. TSA PreCheck is available.

Tip: Morning and evening flights have the longest queues.

Check-in & Boarding

  • Check-in opens 2–3 hours before departure
  • Online check-in recommended
  • Boarding starts 30–50 minutes before departure

Lost & Found

Lost items should be reported to the airport Lost & Found office or your airline.

Estimated Processing Times

Process Average Time Peak Time
Check-in 10–20 min 30 min
Security 15–25 min 40–60 min
Immigration 20–30 min 60+ min
Gate walking 5–15 min 20 min

Transfer between terminals

At Houston Airport it is possible to transfer between terminals either by the underground train (Subway) or the elevated train (Skyway), since they are connected one each other by these means of transport:

- Subway: Available in the Level LL of all terminals.
- Skyway: Available in the third level of all terminals.

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Location Map

Walking Tour