George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a large, spread-out airport that can feel overwhelming on a long layover — especially if you’re tired, delayed, or stuck overnight. While it isn’t a destination airport, there are a few ways to pass the time, grab a decent meal, or get some real rest if you plan carefully.
This guide highlights practical things to do at Houston Intercontinental Airport, including where to find local Texas food, quieter spots to relax, live music and art programs, short-stay sleep options, and realistic sightseeing ideas if you have enough time to leave the airport. Expectations matter here: availability varies by terminal and time of day, and many amenities close overnight — but with the right information, a long layover at IAH can be more manageable.
1. Eat like a local
Houston’s airport dining scene does a better-than-average job of reflecting local Texas flavours, especially compared to many large U.S. hubs. Across the terminals, you’ll find Tex-Mex, barbecue-inspired dishes, Southern comfort food, and Texas-based restaurant brands alongside familiar chains.
Look for Pappasito’s Cantina, a Houston-born Tex-Mex favourite known for fajitas, tacos, and margaritas, or Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, another solid option for classic Tex-Mex flavours. Landry’s Seafood House, part of a Houston-based restaurant group, offers Gulf Coast-style seafood and a quieter sit-down experience in some terminals.
For lighter meals or snacks, markets and cafés sell Texas-themed snacks, packaged sweets, and grab-and-go items that work well if you’re short on time. Coffee drinkers will find multiple cafés throughout the airport, though many dining spots are not open 24 hours, so late-night options can be limited.
Food quality and availability vary by terminal and time of day, but if you want a taste of Texas without leaving the airport, IAH is a reasonable place to try it.
2. Relax in a lounge
Pop into an airport lounge for a peaceful environment with food and drinks, news and TVs, WiFi, and comfortable seating. The Air France Lounge and KLM Crown Lounge are open to all travellers, regardless of airline or flight class – so you don’t have to fly First or Business to get in. Pre-purchase a lounge pass or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. Several more lounges cater specifically to travellers flying United Airlines. [ read more ]
3. Go shopping
Shopping at IAH is practical first, with a light dose of Texas personality mixed in. Alongside convenience stores, bookstores, and duty-free shops, you’ll find stores selling Texas-themed souvenirs, local snacks, and last-minute gifts.
Look for Texas-branded apparel, hats, and novelty items featuring the Lone Star State, as well as local candies, jerky, hot sauces, and packaged treats that are easy to pack in carry-on luggage. These make popular gifts for travellers heading home or onward internationally.
While this isn’t a destination shopping airport, it’s a decent place to pick up region-specific souvenirs you may not find elsewhere once you leave Texas — especially useful if Houston is your final U.S. stop.
4. Enjoy live music and local art
Houston Intercontinental regularly features live music performances as part of its Harmony in the Air program, an airport-organized initiative showcasing local musicians. Performances rotate through different terminals and typically include jazz, blues, acoustic, country, and other Texas-influenced styles. Schedules vary, so you may or may not catch a performance during your layover — but when you do, it can be a pleasant break from the usual airport noise.
In between performances, travellers can also spot rotating public art exhibits throughout the terminals. These include murals, sculptures, photography, and mixed-media pieces, many created by Houston or Texas-based artists. Art displays are placed along walkways and seating areas, making them easy to enjoy while stretching your legs or waiting at the gate.
This isn’t a formal concert or museum experience, but together the music and art add a bit of local character and can make a long wait feel less monotonous.
5. Go sightseeing
Suppose you want your layover to feel less like waiting for hours in an airport, considering sightseeing in Houston. If you’ve got at least 7-8+ hours between flights, you can pop into this diverse city for some culture or a good meal. Your fastest option is hiring a taxi, which will have you downtown in about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. METRO bus route 102 connects Terminal C’s southside with the downtown Metro station in about an hour, but it’ll certainly be your cheapest option.
Stroll around Downtown, home to a range of local restaurants, and get some fresh air (and your steps in) at Discovery Green, Market Square Park, and Sam Houston Park. Tour the Toyota Center, home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, or see the MLB Houston Astros’ home at Minute Maid Park. In the Museum District, south of Downtown, you can visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Instagram-worthy Rothko Chapel.
Leave plenty of time to make it back to the airport, especially if traffic is at its rush-hour worst. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Houston.
6. WiFi
IAH offers free Wi-Fi — useful for catching up on messages, streaming, or planning your next move while you wait.
7. Sleep
Spend your layover catching up on sleep, though your experience depends on your terminal. Travellers most often recommend Terminals C and D for private sleep corners. Throughout the airport, most seats include armrests, and the seating often isn’t sufficient for the number of travellers. An extra layer or a mat makes floor sleeping slightly more comfortable. [ read more ]
If you need real rest, Houston Intercontinental offers a few practical options beyond trying to sleep in a chair. Minute Suites, located airside in select terminals, provide private rooms with a daybed, soundproofing, and a quiet space to rest, work, or nap. They can be rented by the hour and are a popular choice for long layovers or missed connections. Use Promo Code SIASUITES to save 15% off a Suite Rental or Overnight Stay when you book online.
Prefer spending cash for a hotel? The Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental is directly connected to the terminals via the underground TerminaLink train, meaning you don’t need a shuttle or taxi to reach it. Several additional airport hotels are also located nearby and typically offer free shuttle service, with ride times of around 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Our Houston Intercontinental Airport Guide has the details. [ read more ]
Updated 12 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Houston Airport. Visit our Houston Airport Guide for more details on airport services and facilities, including nearby airport hotels, luggage storage, showers, transportation into the city, and more.