Houston Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026
Five terminals, two train systems, 130+ gates. Everything you need to navigate George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — Terminals A through E, the Skyway, Subway, security checkpoints, Houston airport parking and ground transport.
Houston Airport Map
The Houston Airport map below shows the full layout of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH/KIAH). IAH handled approximately 48 million passengers in 2025, including 12.4 million international travellers, making it one of the 15 busiest airports in the United States. It is the primary hub for United Airlines and a focus city for Spirit Airlines, with 27+ carriers serving over 187 destinations across five continents.
As the Houston Airport map shows, IAH uses five separate terminals — A, B, C, D and E — spread across more than 15 square miles. Two automated train systems link all terminals: the Skyway (inside security, above ground) and the Subway (outside security, underground). Study the IAH airport map before you travel so you know which terminal your airline uses.
Click image to view full size
Houston Airport Location Map
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is located approximately 23 miles (37 km) north of downtown Houston. The Houston Airport location map below shows IAH’s position relative to the city. The airport sits between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/US-59, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road. JFK Boulevard and Will Clayton Parkway are the two main roads into the terminal loop. Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway) provides bypass access from western and eastern suburbs.
Houston Airport Terminals — Overview
IAH has five terminals labelled A through E, each with its own ticketing, security and gate areas. Terminals A, B and C handle primarily domestic flights, while Terminals D and E serve international routes. Unlike many airports with a single central terminal, each IAH terminal functions independently — so arriving at the correct terminal saves significant time.
Terminal Levels
Houston Airport Security Checkpoints
Each terminal at IAH has its own security checkpoint. Because the terminals are separate buildings, you must enter through the checkpoint at your departing terminal (or the designated alternate during construction). The Skyway connects all terminals inside the secure area, so you do not need to re-clear security when transferring between terminals for a connection.
Skyway & Subway — Getting Between Terminals
Houston Airport Terminal A
Terminal A at Houston Airport serves most non-United domestic carriers plus Spirit Airlines’ international departures. It has 29 gates split between a North Concourse (gates A1–A3H) and a South Concourse (gates A17–A30), each with its own security checkpoint.
Check your gate carefully — the North and South concourses have separate security checkpoints. Getting this wrong can cost significant time. CLEAR Plus is available at both checkpoints.
Houston Airport Terminal B — United Express
Terminal B handles United Express regional jet flights. The terminal lobby is closed for a $2.5 billion rebuild through late 2026, but gates B3–B31 remain operational. All Terminal B passengers must check in and clear security at Terminal C.
Check in and clear security at Terminal C, then ride the Skyway (Level 3) or take the United shuttle bus to Terminal B gates. A walkway from near gate B85 also connects to Terminal C inside security. The new Terminal B North Concourse with 22 gates, the world’s largest United Club (54,000 sq ft) and modernised South Concourse gates are expected to open in late 2026.
Houston Airport Terminal C — United Airlines Domestic
Terminal C is United Airlines’ main domestic terminal at IAH, with 30 gates across North and South concourses. It is also the current check-in point for all Terminal B passengers during the renovation.
Terminal C is the busiest terminal at IAH. Luggage storage is available near the baggage claim area. METRO Route 500 express bus picks up and drops off on the south side of Terminal C, Level 1.
Houston Airport Terminal D — International
Terminal D (Mickey Leland International Terminal) is IAH’s primary international terminal for non-United carriers. It has 18 gates including the new D-West Pier (gates D1–D6) that opened in October 2024 with six widebody-capable gates. Terminal D shares its arrivals hall with Terminal E.
Some airlines are transitioning check-in from Terminal D to the new Terminal E International Central Processor — confirm your check-in location with your airline before arriving. Gates D1–D6 on the new D-West Pier can handle A380-size widebody aircraft.
Houston Airport Terminal E — United International
Terminal E is operated exclusively by United Airlines for international and some domestic flights. It features 23 gates, the United Polaris Lounge and the newly opened International Central Processor (ICP) with a modernised ticketing lobby and a 17-lane TSA checkpoint.
Terminal E’s International Central Processor features 30 self-service check-in kiosks, 12 self-service bag drops and a new stacked roadway with a 9-lane arrivals curb and 10-lane departures curb. All international arrivals (Terminal D and E) clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Level 1 of Terminal E.
Connecting Between Terminals on the Houston Airport Map
IAH is one of the few US airports with two separate passenger train systems. The Skyway operates above ground inside the secure area, connecting all five terminals on Level 3 with departures every two minutes. If you have a connecting flight in a different terminal, take the Skyway — you will not need to re-clear security.
The Subway runs underground outside the secure area on Level LL, connecting all terminals plus the on-site Marriott hotel. It operates from 3:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. with trains every three minutes. Use the Subway if you need to switch terminals before clearing security or if you are visiting the hotel.
Connection Times Between Terminals
On the Skyway, Terminal A to Terminal D/E takes approximately four minutes. Allow at least 30–45 minutes for connections between far-end gates in different terminals, especially during busy periods. United also operates a free shuttle bus between Terminal B gates, Terminal C and Terminal E as an alternative to the Skyway during the Terminal B renovation. Walking is possible between Terminal B (near gate B85) and Terminal C inside security.
Getting to Houston Airport
Ground transport picks up from Level 1 (arrivals) at each terminal. For detailed directions and real-time updates, check fly2houston.com.
Houston Airport Parking
Pre-book Houston airport parking at fly2houston.com for savings and guaranteed availability. Free EV charging is available at terminal garages and both ecopark lots via Blink stations.
Houston Airport Map — Arrivals
If you are arriving at Houston Airport or meeting a passenger, the arrivals area is on Level 1 of each terminal. After landing, passengers proceed to Level 1 for baggage claim and ground transportation. Domestic passengers exit directly to the arrivals hall. International passengers arriving at Terminal D or Terminal E clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Terminal E international arrivals facility before reaching the public arrivals area.
Ground Transportation from Arrivals
Baggage claim carousels are on Level 1 of each terminal. From there you can access taxis, ride-shares, rental car shuttles, METRO buses and hotel shuttles. METRO Route 500 picks up on the south side of Terminal C. Hotel and off-airport parking shuttles serve Terminals A, C, D and E. If picking someone up by car, use one of the two free cell phone waiting lots and collect your passenger from the Level 1 arrivals curb.
Houston Airport Map — Departures
Departing passengers should proceed to Level 2 of their airline’s terminal for curbside drop-off and ticket counters. After checking in and dropping bags, clear security at your terminal’s checkpoint, then proceed to your gate. If connecting to a different terminal, use the Skyway on Level 3 — no need to re-clear security.
Recommended Arrival Times
Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. During periods of reduced TSA staffing or peak travel (spring break, FIFA World Cup 2026, holidays), allow additional time — security wait times can vary significantly. Check estimated TSA wait times at fly2houston.com before leaving home. Gate assignments are displayed on screens throughout each terminal and on your airline’s app.
Insider Tips
Houston’s heat and humidity are intense from May through October — dress lightly and stay hydrated. The Skyway is the fastest way between terminals inside security; the Subway is useful if you need to reach the Marriott hotel or switch terminals before clearing security. Terminal D has the strongest lounge selection for premium travellers (Centurion Lounge, Air France, KLM Crown, British Airways). If flying United, the Polaris Lounge in Terminal E is one of the best in the network. During the Terminal B renovation, budget an extra 15–20 minutes if your gate is in Terminal B. Houston will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches (June–July) — expect higher passenger volumes during this period.
Houston Airport Map — FAQ
How many terminals does Houston IAH Airport have?
Five terminals: A, B, C, D and E. Terminal A handles most non-United domestic airlines. Terminals B and C serve United Airlines. Terminal D is the international terminal for non-United carriers. Terminal E is United international and domestic. Two train systems (Skyway and Subway) connect all five.
How do I get between terminals?
The Skyway (above ground, Level 3) runs inside security every ~2 minutes and connects all terminals. The Subway (underground, Level LL) runs outside security every ~3 minutes from 3:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Terminal A to Terminal D/E takes ~4 minutes on the Skyway.
Which airlines fly from each terminal?
Terminal A: American, Delta, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier. Terminal B: United Express. Terminal C: United domestic. Terminal D: British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Aeromexico, EVA Air. Terminal E: United international and domestic.
Where is security at Houston IAH in 2026?
Each terminal has its own checkpoint. Terminal A has two (North and South). Terminals C, D and E each have one. Terminal B security is closed during renovation — use Terminal C instead. CLEAR Plus available at Terminals A (North and South), B (closed) and C. TSA PreCheck at all checkpoints.
How far is Houston IAH from downtown?
About 23 miles north. METRO Route 500 express bus: ~30 min ($4.50). METRO Route 102 local: 50–90 min ($1.25). Taxi: 30–45 min (~$57). Ride-share: similar time, $35–$60.
Where can I find Houston airport parking?
Terminal garages at each terminal ($25/day). Valet ($28–$30/day). Ecopark and Ecopark2 economy lots ($6–$8/day with free shuttle). Two free cell phone lots for pick-ups. Pre-book at fly2houston.com.
Is the Terminal B lobby open?
No. The Terminal B ticketing lobby closed in January 2025 for a $2.5 billion United Airlines rebuild. It will remain closed until late 2026. Gates B3–B31 are still operational. All Terminal B passengers check in at Terminal C and ride the Skyway to B gates.
What does the Houston Airport map show?
The Houston Airport map shows all five terminals (A through E), the Skyway and Subway train routes, security checkpoints, terminal parking garages, ecopark economy lots, the Marriott hotel, the rental car facility, JFK Boulevard and Will Clayton Parkway access roads, and ground transport pick-up areas.
Do I need to re-clear security when changing terminals?
No. The Skyway operates entirely inside the secure zone. If you have a connecting flight in a different terminal, take the Skyway on Level 3 and you will not need to go through security again.