Temporary closure of IAH Subway train

The temporary closure of the IAH Subway train is needed so Houston Airports can continue making significant progress on the new international terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. 

February 1, 2023
subway at IAH

 

Houston Airports is making significant progress on the new international terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. A major piece of the new construction is the International Central Processor (ICP), which will house new ticket counters, baggage claims and a modern 17-lane security checkpoint that will be one of the largest in the country. A single, central processor will enhance the international passenger experience through a state-of-the-art design that is convenient, simple, functional and intuitive.  

For Houston Airports to move forward with its largest-ever capital improvement project, which is on time for substantial completion in late 2024, it must temporarily shut down Subway train service for up to seven days beginning at 12:30 a.m. Monday, February 6th. Passengers will not be able to use the Subway, which connects to all five terminals.  

Houston Airports thoughtfully selected this timeframe because it will be the least impactful to the guest experience.  

Beginning Feb. 6, the Subway train controllers, which have been in place for nearly 40 years, will be relocated to accommodate the reinforcement of critical support infrastructure for the new ICP.  

The Skyway will remain operational to move guests between all five terminals. Passengers may pass through TSA security at any Terminal and utilize the Skyway train to transit between terminals.  The tunnel walkway, in which the Subway train operates, will remain open to allow passengers to walk from terminal to terminal with average walk times of 6 minutes between station stops. Escalators, stairs and elevators will remain accessible.  

Houston Airports is designating ecopark buses to serve as inter-terminal shuttles that will run on a continuous loop:
 
Terminal A 
Terminal B 
Terminal C 
Marriott Hotel 
Terminal D 
* Shuttle will NOT stop at Terminal E 

ecopark bus with sign that reads "subway train"
Digital signage on the ecopark buses will read “subway train."

Houston Airports encourages passengers to arrive early at the airport. Those picking up passengers are encouraged to arrive early and use a cellphone lot to safely park, until the passenger can call/text to communicate their exact pick-up location.  

For passengers using rideshare services:

  • Rideshare drivers can pick up at Terminals A, B, C, E and the Marriott Hotel. 
  • Rideshare services DO NOT pick up at Terminal D, but DO drop off at Terminal D.  

What if I am an international passenger departing from Terminal E?  

  • Because of the construction of the new IAH international terminal, international passengers should arrive early at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.  
  • The Terminal D/E garage is permanently closed. 
  • The Terminal E check-in lobby is permanently closed.  
  • Passengers flying out of Terminal E should use the Terminal C lobby to check in to flights departing Terminal E.  
  • Once checked in at Terminal C, passengers may use the Skyway to access Terminal E. 

What if I am an international passenger arriving at Terminal E? 

  • Passengers arriving in Houston from international destinations will need to exit U.S. Customs and retrieve their luggage. 
  • Passengers can be picked up at the Terminal E curbside by private vehicles, taxis and rideshare drivers.  
  • Passengers needing to access rental cars, hotel shuttles or other parking options will go down to the tunnel where they will walk an estimated 3 minutes to Terminal D. 
  • From Terminal D, passengers can access hotel, parking and rental car shuttles.  
  • If a passenger parked in the Terminal C garage, they have the option of using the tunnel to walk an estimated 6 minutes from Terminal D/E to Terminal C.  

What if I am a passenger departing from/arriving to Terminal A? 

  • Passengers accessing Terminal A can be dropped off and picked up at the curb, they can also access hotel and rental car shuttles, parking lot shuttles and rideshare services. 
  • United Airlines Passengers need to use the Terminal B lobby to check in for flights departing Terminal B and Terminal A.  
  • Post security, passengers can use the Skyway, which connects Terminal B to Terminal A. 
  • Passengers can also walk an estimated 4 minutes from Terminal B to Terminal A via the tunnel. 
  • Passengers can also exit the Terminal B lobby and take shuttle services from Terminal B to Terminal A.  

What if I am a passenger departing from/arriving to Terminal B? 

  • Passengers accessing Terminal B can be dropped off and picked up at the curb, they can also access hotel and rental car shuttles, parking lot shuttles and rideshare services. 
  • No temporary detour is needed for passengers arriving or departing Terminal B.  

What if I am a passenger departing from/arriving to Terminal C? 

  • Passengers accessing Terminal C can be dropped off and picked up at the curb, they can also access hotel and rental car shuttles, parking lot shuttles and rideshare services. 
  • No temporary detour is needed for passengers arriving or departing Terminal C.  

What if I am parking at the Terminal C parking garage?  

  • Those parking at the Terminal C garage to greet an international arrival should use the shuttle service to connect with the terminal needed. Those parking at the Terminal C garage can simply exit the garage at street level and catch the shuttle, curbside. 
  • Those parking at the Terminal C garage to fly out of IAH should check in to their flight, clear the security checkpoint and then use the Skyway to reach their specific terminal. Those parking at the Terminal C garage to fly out of IAH can also access the shuttle, should they have luggage that needs to be checked at another terminal. 

What if I am a passenger departing from/arriving to Terminal D? 

  • Rideshare services DO NOT pick up at Terminal D, but DO drop off at Terminal D.  
  • Private vehicles can pick up and drop off at Terminal D.   
  • Passengers can also access hotel and rental car shuttles and parking lot shuttles.