IAH Airport Guide: Food, Lounges & Terminal Info In Houston

Elissa Schiller 18 May 2025

Ever found yourself navigating the bustling corridors of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, and wondered how to make the most of your travel experience? From hidden culinary gems to efficient navigation strategies, IAH offers a surprisingly diverse range of amenities designed to cater to every traveler's needs.

Understanding the layout, the available amenities, and the connectivity options is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. IAH, with its expansive terminals and numerous services, can be a complex place to navigate, but with the right knowledge, it can be a surprisingly pleasant experience.

Let's delve into the specifics of each terminal, exploring the dining options, the shopping experiences, and the services that make IAH a unique and functional airport.

Terminal D and Beyond

Terminal D, for example, is home to the Annie Cafe & Bar. Here, you'll discover details about its layout, amenities, and connectivity options, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Terminal E: The Gateway to International Travel

Terminal E at Houston Intercontinental Airport is primarily dedicated to handling United Airlines' international flights. For travelers heading to destinations across the globe, Terminal E is a key point of embarkation and arrival. The terminal is equipped with a variety of amenities to cater to international travelers, including currency exchange services, duty-free shops, and comfortable waiting areas.

Restaurants and Food at IAH

IAH offers a wide variety of dining options. Passengers can savor everything from gourmet sandwiches and exotic cuisine to traditional American foods and cool drinks, whether dining in or out of the airport. From quick bites to sit-down meals, the airport has something to satisfy every craving.

Terminal E Dining Delights

Terminal E offers some of the best food near IAH, ensuring a satisfying dining experience before your flight. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a more refined dining experience, Terminal E has many choices, catering to diverse palates. Cibo Express Texas BBQ is also an option for those craving some Texas-style barbecue.

Here's a glimpse into the dining options available:

George bush airport terminal e restaurants.

Exploring Terminal C

Terminal C at Houston Intercontinental Airport is a hub for United Airlines, primarily handling domestic flights. This terminal is equipped with 29 gates, catering to a large volume of United's domestic operations.

Terminal C Levels

Houston iah airport terminal c is divided into the north and south sides.

The north part is connected with terminal d, while the south side is linked to terminal e. The building of iah terminal c has 4 levels:

Level ll serves as an exit to the subway that lets travelers reach other iah terminals and the hotel

The United Polaris Lounge in Terminal E

Located in Terminal E, this lounge is open from 5:45 am to 9:00 pm seven days a week and is located between gates E11 and E12. This is the largest United Club at Bush Intercontinental Airport and includes an entrance on the departures level then an elevator or escalator upstairs to the main lounge area. It offers a sanctuary for premium travelers to relax, work, or refresh before their flights.

Navigating the Terminals

For those unfamiliar with IAH, the airport can seem overwhelming. However, the terminals are designed to facilitate easy navigation, with clear signage and helpful staff to guide travelers. You can find maps and detailed information about each terminal's layout online or at information kiosks.

Faster Connections for TSA PreCheck Passengers

Houston airports has unveiled a new lane and signage at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) that directs some TSA PreCheck passengersthose arriving from international destinationsstraight to expedited screening in terminal E.

Shopping and Amenities

IAH offers a wide range of shopping options for travelers. Learn the list of stores and fashion outlets at IAH! From duty-free shops to bookstores and souvenir stores, there are plenty of opportunities to shop for last-minute gifts or travel essentials.

Terminal e shops.

Name location before / after security opening hours telephone;

3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House:

Terminal B: A United Express Hub

Terminal B at Houston Intercontinental Airport is dedicated primarily to handling United Express flights. This terminal is equipped with 40 gates, including 30 hardstands, making it a significant hub for regional and domestic travel under the United Express banner. Passengers can also enjoy amenities such as the 3rd bar oyster & eating house in terminal b at george bush airport

The Unsung Heroes: Airport Custodians

These unsung heroes work tirelessly from curb to gate, maintaining a pristine environment that enhances the passenger experience. With over 270 dedicated custodians at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), our team is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the airport and the terminal.

Finding Comfort and Convenience

For people who've found themselves stuck in George Bush Intercontinental Airport, there are several places to find food, drinks, and respite. From a quick coffee at Katz Coffee and Bistro to the Pappas options, IAH aims to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for all its passengers.

Maps and Resources

To familiarize yourself with the building structure and facilities, open up the map of Terminal E at Houston George Bush Intc Airport to familiarize yourself with the building structure and its facilities for easy navigation. You can tap or click on the image or button to choose your terminal or locate parking facilities.

Service at IAH

Services at iah in Houston.

Airport Feature	Details
Terminals	A, B, C, D, E. Each terminal serves different airlines and flight types (international, domestic, United Express, etc.).
Terminal E Focus	Primarily handles United Airlines international flights. Features dedicated amenities for international travelers.
Terminal C Focus	Handles United Airlines domestic flights.
Terminal B Focus	Primarily handles United Express flights.
Dining Options	Wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, and eateries offering diverse cuisines. Specific dining options vary by terminal.
Shopping	Various stores including duty-free shops, bookstores, souvenir shops, and fashion outlets are available.
Amenities	Lounges (e.g., United Polaris Lounge), currency exchange, information kiosks, TSA PreCheck lanes.
Navigation	Clear signage, maps, and airport staff assist with navigation. Subway access between terminals.
Custodial Services	IAH employs a large team of custodians to maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the airport.
TSA PreCheck	Dedicated lanes and signage for expedited screening of TSA PreCheck passengers, including those arriving from international destinations in Terminal E.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers a multifaceted experience designed to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From its diverse culinary scene and convenient shopping options to its efficient navigation and commitment to cleanliness, IAH is a hub that strives to meet the needs of every traveler.