Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Houston Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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the announcements are incredibly annoying…all night long. The security woke me up by kicking my backpack (which was my pillow). -wezzard
IAH Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Houston George Bush International Airport.
What to Expect
Houston George Bush International Airport (Code: IAH) consists of five separate terminals: Terminal A (non-United domestic/international), Terminal B (United Express domestic), Terminal C (United domestic), Terminal D (international), and Terminal E (United international). The terminals are interconnected by a Subway (Landside) and the Skyway (Airside), allowing passengers with inter-terminal connections to transit without having to re-clear security. Perhaps due to its large size and busy nature, many reviewers describe the airport as dirty, chaotic, inefficient, and having long lines, limited seating, and rude airport/airline staff. While plenty of shops and eateries exist throughout the different terminals, many close early in the evening. The airport offers free WiFi, and all terminals have charging areas and/or outlets for charging mobile devices. For additional comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to use one of the first-class airport lounges.
Sleeping in Houston Airport
The seating in this busy airport is disappointingly limited. If you can grab a seat or two, it will likely have armrests, making a comfortable sleep position nearly impossible. Overnight, you might be able to get away with pushing some seats together for makeshift beds. Your best bet is to seek out a quieter corner or nook and lie on the floor for some shuteye. Travellers recommend Terminal D the most often, as it’s often unused at night, so it’s much quieter. Terminal C is likely the next-best option. Announcements run 24 hours, making earplugs or headphones a helpful item in your overnight sleep kit. Bring an extra layer for warmth and cushion, especially for floor sleeping.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
In Terminal A, there may be some comfortable chairs in the food courts or the hallway that connects the two sides of the terminal.
- Landside, near the Subway
- Airside, Gates D1-3 are in a hallway that sees little foot traffic, so if you’re good with floor sleeping, you may be able to squeeze into some carpeted nooks that are darker and quieter than other areas.
- Airside, Gate D5 is often quiet because it’s typically used for evening international departures.
- Airside, Gate E24 has a side nook that is reportedly quieter than other areas at night and is carpeted.
In Terminal C:
- Landside, Terminal C’s baggage claim area is reportedly relatively comfortable and quiet. There may be some relatively comfortable chairs near carousel C7.
Spots to avoid: Sleep in the two chapels or the massage chairs scattered throughout the airport at your own risk. Many travellers report that airport staff don’t allow people to sleep in these locations.
For uninterrupted sleep, there is an airport hotel connected to all terminals via the Subway and numerous other hotels within a quick shuttle ride away. See locations in the Airport Hotels section below.
Good to Know
Travellers report that although the massage chairs throughout the airport look comfortable, security staff do not let people sleep in them.
Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Houston Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Houston Airport is open 24 hours. Airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary by carrier, so confirm directly with your airline.
TSA security screening hours vary by terminal:
Terminal A North: 3:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Terminal A South: 3:30 AM – 12:30 AM
Terminal B: 5:00 AM – 9:05 PM
Terminal C North: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Terminal C South: 4:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Terminal D: 4:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Terminal E: (Temporarily closed) 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM
What this means for airport sleepers:
While the airport operates 24 hours, overnight access is limited. Only ticketed passengers who have already cleared security — typically those arriving late or stranded due to delays — are permitted to remain airside overnight. All other passengers will need to remain landside until morning when airline check-in and baggage drop-off reopen.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping rooms, quiet rooms, or official rest zones. That said, travellers report finding a few informal spots with padded benches scattered throughout the terminals. Comfort and availability vary widely depending on the time of night, terminal, and passenger volume. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
During periods of severe weather or widespread flight cancellations, temporary cots may be provided for stranded passengers who are unable (or unwilling) to book a hotel.
Availability is limited and not guaranteed. To ask about cots, speak with an airline representative, airport staff, or use a courtesy phone.
Houstonsleeper reported that free cots were available airside near Gate C14 during cancellations (July 2024). Locations and availability can change depending on conditions.
Cots cannot be reserved and are generally offered only to passengers affected by cancellations — not to those choosing to stay overnight before an early flight. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
If sleeping in a chair or on the floor isn’t appealing, Houston Airport offers several indoor and nearby hotel options. Travellers on a layover can access a micro-hotel inside the secure/airside area, while landside travellers have access to multiple shuttle-served hotels nearby.
Hotel inside Houston Airport
Minute Suites – Location: Terminal C (near Gate C14). Minute Suites provides private suites for travelers needing to relax, work, or sleep during a layover or flight delay. Each suite has a daybed that sleeps two, fresh pillows and blankets, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa to provide a sound-masking system. Here are the rates as of February 2025: US$ 65 per hour. US$ 215 (overnight – eight hours, after 9:00PM til midnight). Showers are $20 for 30 mins (added on to a minimum 1 hour stay) or $30 for 30 mins without a suite rental. Showers are available at this location. Discounted rates for military/1st responder, crew, and more. Use Promo Code SIASUITES to save 15% off a Suite Rental or Overnight Stay when you book online.
Hotels at the airport
Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental – Accessible from all terminals via free underground tram service. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport with free shuttles
- Courtyard by Marriott » Check Rates
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Intercontinental Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn & Suites » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Houston NE – Bush Airport Area, an IHG Hotel » Check Rates
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Houston Bush IAH South » Check Rates
- SpringHill Suites Houston Intercontinental Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Houston Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Whether you’re looking to relax, work, or refresh before your flight, Houston Airport offers a variety of lounges to enhance your travel experience. From premium airline lounges to accessible public lounges, there are options for every traveller. Access is available through multiple methods, including pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, lounge membership programs, or complimentary entry for eligible airline passengers and frequent flyers.
Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, Mezzanine level, near Gate D12. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($50 for non-Platinum/Centurion cardholders, subject to availability) • Credit card rewards programs.
HAS Executive Club – Location: Terminal D, Airside, near Gate D5. Hours: 1:00 PM – 1:45 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from $45) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs (Diners Club) • First or business class passengers on select airlines.
KLM Crown Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, near Gate D7. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($50) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Business class passengers on KLM or SkyTeam airlines with Standard or Flex fares • Flying Blue Ultimate, Platinum, or Gold members • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
United Club – Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($59, subject to availability) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs (United Club membership, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club) • United or Star Alliance first or business class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members • Active U.S. military personnel on United or Star Alliance flights.
- (Terminal A) – Location: Terminal A, Airside, near Gate A9. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:15 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Terminal B) – Location: Terminal B, Airside, near Gate B17. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:15 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Terminal C, North) – Location: Terminal C, Airside, North Concourse, near Gate C1. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:15 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Terminal C, South) – Location: Terminal C, Airside, South Concourse, near Gate C33. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:15 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Terminal E) Location: Terminal E, Airside, near Gate E11. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:15 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
United Polaris Lounge – Location: Terminal E, Airside, near Gate E11. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:15 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (daybeds in private rest areas). Lounge Access: No pay-at-the-door or prepaid pass access • Lounge membership programs (United Club membership for eligible passengers) • United Polaris business or first class passengers on international or select transcontinental flights • Star Alliance international first or business class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members on international flights.
Airlines Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. Walk-in or pay-at-the-door access is not available at these lounges. For more information, check the airline’s website.
British Airways First Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, near Gates D7/D8. Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First class passengers on British Airways or oneworld airlines • oneworld Emerald members.
Military Lounges
USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal D, airside, near Gate D2. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: No pay-at-the-door or prepaid pass access • No lounge membership programs • Active duty, guard, reserve, or retired U.S. military personnel and their dependents with valid military ID.
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Touch-free water bottle refill stations are available throughout the terminals. Near Gate D7, travellers will also find a hot-water dispenser.
Food & Drinks
Food outlets operate on varying schedules, with many opening around 5:00 AM. A limited number of locations remain open late or operate 24 hours:
- Terminal A (Airside) – Blaza Pizza (Level 2, near Gate A7) • Mockingbird (Level 2, Near Gate A15) • Texas Monthly News (near Gates A17)
- Terminal B (Airside) – CIBO Express Gourmet Market (Gate B20)
- Terminal D (Airside) – Bayou City Bar (Level 2, near Gate D16) • Einstein Bros. Bagels (Level 2, near Gate D1) • Hugo’s Cucina (Level 2, Near Gate D12)
- Terminal D (Landside) – Byte: Fresh Grab and Go Meals (Level 2)
Vending machines are available in all terminals.
[ read more ]Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Free power outlets and charging stations are available throughout the terminals. Paid rapid-charging kiosks and Fuel Rod portable chargers are also available, allowing you to swap depleted chargers for fully charged ones.
Showers
Showers are available at the following locations:
- Centurion Lounge (Terminal D)
- United Polaris Lounge (Terminal E)
- Minute Suites (Terminal C).
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Houston Airport. Connect to the “Free Airport WIFI” network.
Security & Safety
Generally, airport staff tolerate overnight sleepers as long as you’re not disruptive or sleeping in inappropriate areas.
We have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Houston Intercontinental Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Art in the Airport – Art exhibitions and scheduled live music performances are featured throughout the terminals, adding some visual and cultural interest during a layover.
Chapels – The Airport Interfaith Chapel provides a quiet place for reflection, prayer, or a mental break from the terminal chaos. Two airside locations are available, and both are open 24 hours.
Courtesy Phones – White courtesy phones are available throughout the terminals for local and airport-related calls.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Most restrooms — including men’s, women’s, and family washrooms — are equipped with baby changing tables.
- Lactation Rooms/Mothers Rooms – Private nursing rooms are available across multiple terminals. As an alternative, nursing mothers can reserve a short stay at Minute Suites to nurse or pump in a quiet, private space at no cost.
- Nursery – A dedicated nursery equipped with a crib, rocking chair, and private washroom is available in Terminal D.
Information
- Information Desk – Visitor Information Centers provide airport and local tourism assistance daily. Airport Volunteer Ambassadors can also be found throughout the terminals and are easily recognized by their red shirts.
- Interactive Visitor Kiosks – Interactive kiosks located throughout the airport provide information on terminal services and amenities.
- Traveller’s Aid – Traveler’s Aid is a non-profit organization that assists stranded or distressed passengers with issues such as transportation questions, lost funds, or emergency housing. Hours are limited, and location information may vary.
Luggage
- Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available in baggage claim and curbside areas of all terminals. Payment methods vary.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping services are available in select terminals near ticketing areas.
Massage Chairs – Coin- or card-operated massage chairs are available throughout the terminals for short, paid massage sessions.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available both landside and airside. Fees may apply, so travellers should check with their bank before travelling internationally.
- >Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available in multiple terminals. Hours vary by location.
Pet Relief – Designated service animal relief areas are available airside in all terminals.
Postal Services – Mail and delivery services are available in select terminals. A U.S. mailbox is also available for sending last-minute postcards or letters.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in most terminals, along with a variety of retail stores. Automated retail kiosks offering snacks, electronics, and travel essentials are available airside 24/7. [ read more ]
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – Smoking is not permitted inside the terminals. Designated outdoor smoking areas are located away from terminal entrances.
Telephones – Public pay phones are available in all terminals.
Related Pages: 7 things to do on a layover at Houston Intercontinental Airport
Bus Service – Houston Metro
IAH Airport is served by Houston METRO public bus 102, which runs between the south side of Terminal C (baggage claim level) and the downtown Metro station. For fares and route information, visit the Houston METRO website.
Car Rentals
On-site car rental agencies operate from the Rental Car Center, a separate building east of JFK Blvd. Shuttles depart every five minutes (7:00 AM – 11:00 PM) or every ten minutes (Hours: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM) in Terminals A, B, and C. In Terminal D, the shuttle service is available until 9:00 PM only. The following agencies are located on-site in the facility: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty • Zipcar.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels offer airport shuttle service: Best Western Intercontinental Airport Inn • Comfort Suites Bush Intercontinental Airport • Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Houston Intercontinental Airport South • Doubletree Houston Intercontinental Airport • Hampton Inn & Suites Houston – Bush Intercontinental Airport • Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Bush Intercontinental Airport • Holiday Inn Express Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport East • Holiday Inn Houston Intercontinental Airport • La Quinta Inn & Suites Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport East • Marriott Houston Airport at George Bush Intercontinental • Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental • SpringHill Suites Houston Intercontinental Airport • Super 8 Intercontinental Houston.
You can use the courtesy telephones to request airport pick-up in the baggage claim area. Pick-up locations are outside Baggage Claim on the Arrivals Level: Terminal A, South Side, Door A-115 • Terminal B, South Side, Door B-103 • Terminal C, South Side, Door C-105. Follow the “Hotel Shuttles” signs.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
All five terminals are connected by an above-ground people mover (Skyway) and an underground train (Subway). Both are available free of charge.
The Skyway departs every 2 minutes from the Skyway stations in each terminal (Airside). The total travel time from Terminal A to Terminal D is 4 minutes 15 seconds.
The Subway departs every 3 minutes from the Subway stations in each terminal (Landside) and the Airport Marriott. Hours: 3:30AM – 12:30AM. The travel time between stations is 3 minutes.
Ride Apps
Ride Apps currently serving IAH are Alto • Lyft • RideTEGO • Uber • Wingz. Pick-up areas are sign-posted “Ride Apps” outside the Baggage Claim on the Arrivals Level of each terminal. A ride to Downtown Houston will cost you about $25.
Taxis
Taxi pick-up locations are outside the baggage claim of each terminal. All rides within Houston city limits are charged a flat rate or assessed by metre, whichever is less. A flag drop fee of $2.75 is added to the trip, along with a late-night surcharge of $1 per trip if applicable (8:00 PM – 6:00 AM). Two or more passengers ride on the same fare, and senior citizens receive a 10% discount. At the time of this update, an average one-way fare between the airport and Downtown is $57.
Related Pages: 7 things to do on a layover at Houston Intercontinental Airport
Last updated: 2026-01-15
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.
