Houston Airport ParkingGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is United Airlines' second-largest hub worldwide, handling 48.5 million passengers in 2024. It's the primary international gateway for Houston and the Gulf Coast region, with five terminals connected by the Skyway people mover (above ground, inside security) and underground Subway train (outside security). Originally opened in 1969 and renamed for President George H. W. Bush in 1997.

IAH parking is among the cheapest at any major U.S. airport. Terminal Garages cap at $25/day. Even more impressive: ecopark uncovered runs ~$6.47/day and ecopark covered ~$8.31/day with free 24/7 shuttle. Valet is $30/day.

Off-airport parking through Triply starts at around $3.99/day pre-booked — savings of up to 84% compared to terminal garages. For a 7-day trip for 2 travelers, off-site parking saves $119–$147 vs the Terminal Garage.

PreFlight Airport Parking — The cheapest at around $3.99/day pre-booked (7-day rate). 24/7 shuttle. 2.4 miles out on Greens Road. Best value for long-term parking.

Comfort Suites Houston IAH Airport — Around $6.95/day pre-booked. Hotel parking 3 miles out. Park-sleep-fly packages also available.

Fine Airport Parking — Around $6.99/day pre-booked. 24/7 shuttle every 5–7 minutes — best frequency at IAH. 20 EV charging spaces. Both self-park and valet options. Free luggage assistance.

Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Bush IAH — Around $7.95/day pre-booked. Hilton brand quality. 3.5 miles out.

Fast Park & Relax — Around $7.95/day pre-booked. All covered parking — important for Houston's extreme heat (95°F+ summer days). 24/7 staffed.

The Parking Spot — Around $8.75/day pre-booked uncovered (or $11.25/day covered). 3 IAH locations on JFK Boulevard. 24/7 shuttle every 15 minutes. Spot Club rewards earn free parking. National brand reliability.

IAH is one of the most parking-friendly major airports in the country. Two standout features:

Free EV charging — Blink stations across ecopark, ecopark 2, Terminal A/B Garage Level 4, Terminal CDE Garage Level 4, and valet parking areas. 50+ EV charging ports total, all free. Need a Blink InCard or scan QR code on the charger touchscreen for guest access.

Covered parking matters in Houston — Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C). Uncovered cars can hit 130°F+ inside. Covered options worth the small premium:

• ecopark covered: $8.31/day

• Fast Park & Relax: $7.95/day pre-booked (all covered)

• The Parking Spot covered: $11.25/day pre-booked

For winter travel, Houston's main weather risk is fog (December–February) and rare ice events. The 2017 Hurricane Harvey shut down both Houston airports for days — travel insurance is recommended for hurricane season (June–November).

IAH is in the middle of major construction. Two key projects passengers should know about:

• Terminal B Ticketing Lobby — CLOSED through late 2026 for United Airlines' $2.6 billion expansion (the largest single-airline terminal project in the U.S.). All Terminal B passengers must check in at Terminal C and take Skyway to B gates. Allow extra time. Terminal B North redevelopment concourse projected complete late 2026.

• Terminal Redevelopment Program ($1.46B) — Wrapping up early 2026. Final phase: baggage system certification at Terminal E (February 2026). International Central Processor ticketing hall and security checkpoints nearly complete.

• Terminal D-West Pier — COMPLETED October 2024. Six new wide-body gates and 16 new dining/shopping options.

• Terminal E Ticketing Lobby — COMPLETED February 2025. New departures curb. Terminal E passengers no longer need to check in at Terminal C.

The airport remains fully operational throughout. The Skyway people mover and underground Subway train both run 24/7 connecting all five terminals.

• Pre-book PreFlight for $3.99/day — Pre-booking the 7-day rate at PreFlight is one of the best parking deals at any major U.S. airport. 24/7 shuttle.

• Free EV charging via Blink — Charge your EV for free while you travel. Available in ecopark, ecopark 2, terminal garages, and valet areas. Blink InCard or QR code required.

• Terminal B passengers check in at Terminal C — Terminal B ticketing is closed through late 2026. Check in at Terminal C and Skyway to your B gate. Allow extra time.

• Skyway is the fastest way between terminals — Free, every 2–4 minutes, 24/7, inside security. Use this if connecting between airlines. Subway runs outside security.

• Route 500 to downtown — At $4.50, the new IAH Downtown Direct express bus to George R. Brown Convention Center is the best public transit option. Runs every 30 minutes 5:30 AM–8 PM. Beats the slower $1.25 Route 102 bus.

• Watch for hurricane season — June–November. Travel insurance recommended.

• Houston Hobby (HOU) is a separate airport — IAH is the international hub. HOU is Southwest's domestic hub, 33 miles southwest of IAH. They're not interchangeable.