IAH is United's second-largest hub and the primary international gateway for the US Gulf Coast, serving around 46 million passengers a year across five terminals. It's the main US springboard to Mexico and Latin America, which gives it an unusual double-peak: heavy early-morning domestic banks plus a strong late-evening international push. The five terminals are far apart — terminal changes here take real time.
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Typical range
$8–28
per day, near IAH
Vs. drive-up
Save 30-70%
Terminals & Airlines
Terminal A
American, Delta, Alaska, Frontier, SpiritThe main non-United terminal. Security is usually calmer than the United terminals.
Terminal B
United Express (regional)Regional jets dominate. Gates are split across two sides — check B-North vs B-South.
Terminal C
United (domestic)United's domestic core. Busiest 5-8 AM as the first bank pushes out.
Terminal D
International carriers (Lufthansa, Emirates, Air France, etc.)All non-United international departures. Evening long-haul bank means 4-7 PM crowds.
Terminal E
United (international + some domestic)United long-haul home. Connected to C airside — walkable without re-clearing security.
Security & TSA Tips
- •TSA PreCheck available at Terminals A, C, D and E
- •CLEAR available at Terminals A, C and E
- •The 5-8 AM United domestic bank is the heaviest security window of the day
- •Terminal D international check-in counters open ~3.5 hours before long-haul departures and queue early
- •Connecting between terminals? Stay airside and ride the Skyway — exiting to landside means re-clearing security
Average Security Wait Times
Low
10-15 min
Medium
20-30 min
High
35-50 min
Extreme
60+ min
Parking & Transportation
Parking Options
💡 Ecopark 2 shuttles run more frequently than Ecopark 1. Terminal garages fill by mid-morning during spring break and holidays.
Public Transportation
- •Skyway (airside train): connects all terminals after security — use it instead of exiting
- •Subway (pre-security underground walkway): connects terminals and the on-site Marriott
- •METRO Bus Route 102: to downtown Houston (about 50 minutes, $1.25)
- •Rideshare/Taxi: about 30-45 minutes to downtown depending on traffic
Dining & Food
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Terminal E • Cajun/Seafood
The Houston institution — worth planning a connection around
Killen's BBQ
Terminal C • Texas BBQ
Legit Texas barbecue from the Pearland pitmaster
El Real Tex-Mex
Terminal A • Tex-Mex
Solid breakfast tacos before the morning bank
Common Bond
Terminal D • Bakery/Café
Houston favorite for pastries and coffee
Amenities
Nearby Hotels
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