Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a large multi-terminal airport, and first-time visitors are often surprised by how spread out it is. Knowing which terminal you need before you leave home saves real stress. Our IAH airport shuttle serves IAH around the clock; this guide covers the terminal basics and pickup logistics.
IAH terminal basics
IAH has five terminals lettered A through E, linked airside by the Skyway train and landside by the subway shuttle system. Domestic and international carriers are spread across them, so your terminal depends on your airline, not your destination city. Always confirm the terminal on your boarding pass the night before — showing up at the wrong one means a landside ride to the right building.
Terminal transfers
Connecting between terminals inside security is done on the Skyway; outside security, the inter-terminal subway moves passengers landside. Both are free and frequent, but neither is instant during peak banks. Pad tight connections with extra minutes, especially if you need to re-clear security at the new terminal. Full service details are on our IAH airport shuttle page and our Houston shuttle service city page.
Meeting your shuttle at IAH
After baggage claim, follow ground-transportation signs to the signed pickup areas outside each terminal. Pre-booked shuttles stage in marked zones; your driver confirms the exact meeting point when you book and builds Houston traffic into your pickup time. Driving yourself means terminal parking fees plus the shuttle-bus ride to the curb anyway — a reserved IAH airport shuttle pickup skips all of that.
FAQ
How many terminals does IAH have?
Five, lettered A through E, connected by the Skyway train airside and a subway shuttle landside.
How do I get between terminals at IAH?
Inside security use the Skyway; outside security use the inter-terminal subway. Both are free.
Which terminal do I need at IAH?
It depends on your airline. Confirm the terminal on your boarding pass before leaving for the airport.
Where does my shuttle pick me up at IAH?
In the signed ground-transportation pickup zones outside your terminal; your driver confirms the exact spot at booking.
