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
While the airport is open 24 hours, it only remains open to ticketed passengers already within the terminal who have been stranded or arrived late at night and await connecting flights in the morning.
Remember that airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to 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
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones; however, informal spots with padded benches area available. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
When bad weather and mass cancellations happen at Houston Intercontinental Airport, cots are available for stranded passengers who opt against getting a hotel room. To find them, ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone to reach someone with access to this information.
Houstonsleeper informed us that free sleeping cots were available on the airside near c14. This may change according to flight cancellations. (July 2024)
Importantly, you cannot reserve these cots in advance, and the cots are only available for travellers stranded at the airport because of cancelled flights, not because you’ve chosen to stay for the night before an early morning 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
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Houston Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there is a micro-hotel on the airside offering both short-term and overnight rates. On the landside (public area), many nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles.
Hotel inside Houston Airport
Minute Suites – Location: Terminal C (near GateC14). 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.
Hotels at the airport
Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental – Also accessible from all terminals by 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
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Admirals Club – Location: Terminal A, Airside, near Gate A25. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Air France Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, opposite Gate D12. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, near Gate D6. Showers are available. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- Executive Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, near Gate D5. Lounge Access: Business or First class ticket with Air China, Emirates, EVA Air, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways. Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM.
- KLM Crown Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, near Gate D8. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- United Club – Multiple Locations – (1) Terminal A, (1) Terminal B, (2) Terminal C and (1) Terminal E. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
Airline Lounges
- British Airways – Location: Terminal D, Airside, near Gates D7/8. Lounge Access: Business/First Class ticket, Elite frequent flyer status.
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.
Related Pages: Houston Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Touch-display water bottle refill stations are available free of charge. Locations: throughout the terminals. Near Gate D7, you will also find a hot water dispenser.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the terminals operate on varying schedules, with many open as early as 5:00 AM. At the time of this update, no restaurants are open 24 hours. A few 24-hour grab-and-go options, including drinks and snacks, are available:
- CIBO Express Gourmet Market – Location: Terminal B, Airside, Gate B20.
- Texas Monthly News – Location: Terminal A, Airside, near Gates A17-24
- Vending machines are available in all terminals.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Free power stations are located in all terminals. Rapid Charger Machines offer super fast charging and USB ports for a fee. Fuel Rod chargers are also available in all Terminals. Purchase a portable Fuel Rod, which includes the cable, charge your device and swap the empty charger for a full one. Unlimited swapping is included in the upfront cost.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower at these 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 daily scheduled live music shows are available throughout the terminals.
Chapels – The Airport Interfaith Chapel offers a quiet place to collect your thoughts. Two locations: Terminal C, airside, near Gates C29-33 • Terminal D, airside, near Gate D7. Open: 24 hours.
Courtesy Phones – White courtesy phones are available throughout the terminals.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Most restrooms (ladies, men and family) include changing tables.
- Lactation Rooms/Mothers Rooms – Private nursing rooms can be found in these locations: Terminal A, between Gate A1 and The Breakfast Klub and near Gate A17 • Terminal B, near Gate B21 • Terminal C, near Gate C34 and across from Gate C4 • Terminal D, across from Gate D15/D16 • Terminal E, near Gate E11. Alternatively, Mothers can reserve a 30-minute stay in a Minute Suites location to nurse their child or pump at no cost. Their suites are cleaned after every guest and are engineered to be a quiet and restful place to retreat away from the airport terminals. Location: Terminal C (near Gate C14).
- Nursery – A nursery with a crib, rocking chair, and private washroom can be found in Terminal D, across from Gate D15/16).
Information
- Information Desk – Visitor Information Centers offer airport and local tourism information and assistance daily from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Four locations: Terminal A, landside, Baggage Claim • Terminal C, landside, Baggage Claim • Connector between Terminal D and E • Terminal E, Landside, International Arrival level. Airport Volunteer Ambassadors can be spotted around the terminals in their red shirts.
- Interactive Visitor Kiosks – Learn more about the airport amenities at one of the 14 interactive visitor kiosks.
- Traveller’s Aid – Traveler’s Aid is a non-profit organization that assists stranded and distressed passengers. Volunteers assist passengers with general airport and destination queries, such as transportation assistance, lost or stolen money, wiring money, emergency housing, etc. Location: Unknown. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Luggage
- Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available in the baggage claim and drop-off areas of all terminals. Rate: unknown, but cash (no coins) and credit cards are accepted.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags and get them securely wrapped. Services are available in Terminals A and D ticketing areas. Fees: unknown.
Massage Chairs – Sit back and enjoy a 5-minute deep-tissue massage for a small fee. Locations: Terminal A, food court and near Gates A1, A8, A12, A28, A24 • Terminal B, near Gates B76 – B83, B85 – B88 • Terminal C, near Gate C33A • Terminal D, near Gate D7 • Terminal E, security checks area, near Gate E10, and International Arrivals.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside (five locations) and Airside (12 locations).
- Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange offers services at six locations in Terminals B, C, D and E. Hours vary by location, with most opening at 8:00 AM and the D Gates locations closing at 12:30 AM at the latest.
Pet Relief – Service animal pet relief areas are located in these locations: Terminal A, Airside, Gate A 12 • Terminal B, Airside, Gate B1 • Terminal C, Airside, Gate C2 • Terminal D, Airside, Gate D12 • Terminal E, Airside, E12.
Postal Services – MailSafe Express provides delivery services. Locations: Terminals B and C. You can also send your last-minute postcards from the U.S. mailbox in Terminal A on the Departures Level.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in all Terminals except Terminal C. In addition to the airport’s retail shops, various items can be purchased 24/7 from automated kiosks placed throughout the airside areas of the airport.
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. You must use designated smoking areas outdoors at least 25 feet from exit doors at designated locations.
Telephones – Pay phones can be found in all terminals.
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.
Last updated: 2025-03-06
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.
