AirportsExploreAbout
Home/Explore/North America/United States/IAH
IAHHouston·George Bush Intcntl Houston·Houston, United States
How long is your layover?
30 min45 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
Recommended minimum1 hour
Quick Stats
Concourses
5
Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, Terminal E
Max Transit
30m
via train
Avg. Security
20m
~10m with PreCheck
Primary Hub
United Airlines
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45min
Domestic → International
60min
International → Domestic
90min
International → International
90min
Houston skylinePhoto by Adrian Newell on Pexels
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Getting Between Concourses
The Terminal Link automated train connects Terminals A, B, C and the D/E international complex airside, with rides typically taking 5-10 minutes between stops plus walking and waiting time. International arrivals must first pass through Customs and Border Protection in the D/E Federal Inspection Station before any connecting travel, and there is no sterile international-to-international transit corridor, so U.S.-bound international connections always require a full recheck.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Key Facts
Major United hub with heavy connection traffic
Train links domestic terminals efficiently
International arrivals face mandatory customs recheck
Peak morning and evening banks cause congestion
Airlines at IAH
United Airlines
Common Questions
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at IAH?

30 minutes is too tight given IAH's spread-out terminals and frequent gate changes. See full 30 min guide →

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at IAH?

This matches IAH's domestic-domestic MCT, feasible if both flights are in Terminals A-C and no issues arise. See full 45 min guide →

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at IAH?

60 minutes covers most domestic-domestic connections and meets the domestic-international MCT of 60. See full 1 hr guide →

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at IAH?

A solid buffer for domestic-international connections including the train ride and standard security. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at IAH?

Meets IAH's international-domestic and international-international MCT, allowing for customs clearance and bag recheck. See full 1½ hr guide →

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at IAH?

Ample time to clear customs, recheck bags, and reach any terminal even during a busy arrival bank. See full 2 hr guide →

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at IAH?

Generous buffer that comfortably absorbs peak-hour delays in customs or security. See full 2½ hr guide →

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at IAH?

Well beyond any realistic connection need, even for international arrivals during rush periods. See full 3 hr guide →

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at IAH?

More than enough time for any combination of terminals, customs processing, and rebooking if needed. See full 4 hr guide →

Other Airport Guides
ATLAtlantaDFWDallas-Fort WorthORDChicagoDXBDubaiLHRLondon
AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER