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Compare rental cars from top brands at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Grab your keys at the airport's 24/7 rental car center, hop on the five-minute shuttle from any terminal and you'll be cruising toward downtown Houston in about 30 minutes.
The airport offers a dedicated rental car center with multiple advantages and considerations.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| IAH Consolidated Rental Car Center | • All major rental brands in one facility • Open 24/7 for most companies • Free shuttle from all terminals • Large vehicle selection • Loyalty program benefits (counter bypass) |
• Airport fees and surcharges (10-15%) • Long waits possible during peak times • Busy periods (especially Thursday afternoons) • Higher rates than off-airport locations • Shuttle required from terminals |
| Nearby Off-Airport Options | • Lower rates possible • Fewer airport fees • Sometimes less crowded |
• Requires transportation from airport • Limited hours compared to airport center • Smaller vehicle selection • Less convenient for international arrivals |
| Hotel Shuttle + Downtown Rental | • Avoid paying for unused rental days • Lower rates without airport fees • Convenient for downtown-focused trips |
• Requires coordination of hotel shuttle • Additional transportation time • Limited evening/weekend hours at downtown locations |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals at Houston George Bush Airport cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $14 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Rentals at IAH cost about 18 % more than downtown. If you can wait, rideshare to the city and start the clock on your rental there.
Lock in, then re-shop: Book a refundable rate now and check again 7-10 days before arrival—prices often dip outside Rodeo (Feb–Mar), summer and holiday rushes.
Tweak dates & classes: Moving pick-up/return by a day or switching from compact to SUV (or vice-versa) can expose flash deals in Houston's huge fleets.
Go weekly when possible: A 7-day booking often undercuts 5–6 daily rates. Even if you bring it back early, the math usually works out cheaper.
After leaving IAH, you'll need to know about your options for leaving your car and local driving rules.
| Area | Options | Local Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| IAH Airport Area | • Terminal lots • Economy lots • Off-airport lots offering shuttles |
• Follow airport signage carefully • 45 mph speed limit on airport roads • Watch for multiple terminal exits |
| North Houston/Greenspoint | • Free spots at most businesses • Hotel lots for guests |
• Higher security areas, keep valuables hidden • Multiple lane changes needed for freeway interchanges • Watch for service roads alongside freeways |
| Downtown Houston | • Street meters (rates vary) • Garages (rates vary) • Weekend special rates in many lots |
• One-way street grid system • Light rail on Main Street • Watch for pedestrians in business district |
| Returning to IAH | • Follow "Rental Car Return" signs • Refuel at stations 5-10 miles (8-16 km) from airport for better rates |
• Allow 30-45 minutes for rental return process • Return 3 or more hours before international flights • Shuttle timing varies by terminal (5-10 minutes) |
Important Local Regulations:
Get a car rental so you can easily:
Downtown Houston – museums, sports venues
Texas Medical Center – hospitals, appointments
The Galleria & Uptown – shopping, dining
NASA Space Center – exhibits, visitor center
Galveston – beaches, cruise terminals
The Woodlands – concerts, shopping
How long does it take to get from the terminal to the rental car center? The shuttle ride from any IAH terminal to the rental car center takes about 5-7 minutes. You should allow 10-15 minutes in total for waiting for the shuttle and getting on board. During busy times, or if you are arriving on an international flight and need to go through customs, plan for 30-45 minutes to get from your plane to the rental counter.
What is the busiest time at the IAH rental car center? The rental car center is usually busiest on Thursday afternoons between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. You might have to wait 20-30 minutes then. If you go in the early morning (before 9 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM), you'll usually wait less than 10 minutes.
Is it better to rent at IAH or downtown Houston? If you need a car right when you arrive or have a very early or late flight, renting at IAH is more convenient. It usually costs about 18% more, though. If you are staying downtown first and don't need a car right away, you can save money on the rental and airport fees by renting from a downtown location.
Can I return my IAH rental to a different location? Yes, many people rent a car at IAH and return it to a different place. About 17% of renters do this. Austin and Dallas are the most popular places to drop off the car. Companies usually charge a one-way fee of $50 to $100, depending on where you're going.
Do I need a special pass for toll roads from IAH? Most rental companies have toll programs you can sign up for. They will charge you a daily fee of about $6 to $15, and you will also pay for any tolls you use. The Hardy Toll Road is a direct route to downtown from near the airport, but you can also take free roads like I-45. If you want to avoid tolls, you can set that option in your navigation app.
What happens if my flight is delayed but the rental counter is closed? Most major rental companies at IAH are open 24/7. If you rent from a smaller company that isn't open all night, you should call them directly to tell them about your delay. If you let them know ahead of time, many companies will arrange for you to pick up your car late. Sometimes they use a lockbox so you can get your keys after the counter closes.
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