Houston Airport (IAH) Taxis

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States of America, and is the largest airport in the state of Texas. Its passengers mainly come from (or are travelling to) areas within the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Metropolitan, which is the fifth largest metropolitan in the country. The airport sees an average of around forty million passengers per annum. It is also named after the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush and has been allocated the IATA code of IAH. The airport taxis are a popular form of ground transportation, and are available at all hours. The airport taxis are also reasonably priced, often working with set fare rates to various destinations within the city of Houston.

Passengers will arrive at one of the five terminal buildings of the George Bush Airport, depending on the origin of their flight and the airline company that they have chosen. The terminals are referred to as A, B, C, D and E, and Terminals D and E are the two newest of airport constructions. Terminal A and B are considered as the original terminals of the airport. Terminals D and E are used for international flights, although only United Airlines arrives at Terminal E besides a few domestic flights. Domestic flights mainly arrive at the other three terminals (United Airline flights at Terminal C). The arrival areas are found on the first floors of the airport buildings, as well as the ground transportation centres that are useful for information regarding the airport’s taxi and bus services. Information Centres are also found on the baggage claim levels of Terminals A, B and C.

The George Bush Intercontinental taxis can be found by passengers outside the arrivals area of each terminal building, and they are generally available at all hours of the day, but especially when flights are due to arrive at the airport. An advanced reservation is therefore not required for a taxi, however, passengers are always welcome to contact an airport taxi company before their arrival. The facilities at the Houston Airport are generally very well signposted, therefore passengers should have no trouble in finding the ground transport levels or the airport taxis. There are also Ground Transport employees outside of each terminal that can assist with the arrangement of a taxi.

Although under usual circumstances a taxi does not require an advanced reservation, it is often recommended to make an advanced enquiry for a special vehicle that is equipped to transport a disabled person. At most airports in the United States, there are special vehicles able to accommodate a wheelchair, the disabled person and three or four family members or friends who also require transport. By contacting the airport, passengers can find out further details regarding transport for persons with reduced mobility challenges.

The charges for a taxi ride from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport will either be in accordance to the flat Zone Rate or the meter rate, whichever is less. Several, more popular locations travelled from the airport have set rates – some of which include North Houston, 610 North ($45.00), Downtown ($52.50), Kingwood ($34.00), Willowbrook ($41.00), Galleria, Greenway Plaza, Medical Centre, Memorial and River Oaks ($60.00), Reliant ($65.00), the William P. Hobby Airport ($73.00), West Memorial and Bear Creek ($81.00), Ellington Airport and Westside ($87.50) and NASA, Space Centre Houston ($104.50). The taxi rates just mentioned are applicable for travelling during day-time hours, which are considered as the hours from 06:00am to 08:00pm. Although in some countries taxis are much more expensive when travelling at night, the Houston Airport taxis will only cost an extra $1.00 when they are used after 08:00pm and before 06:00am. All other destinations will be charged according to the rate shown on the meter of the taxi, which is the device that records the length of the journey. A certain amount will be charged for each 1/8 mile travelled.

By airport taxi, passengers can reach the Deerbrook Mall in Humble and the Greenpointbusiness District within just fifteen minutes, and a forty-five minute ride will enable passengers to reach the Houston Museum District, the Galleria and the city arboretum.

In addition to the extra fee charged for night-time journeys, passengers will be required to pay a $2.75 departure fee, and there may be extra charges for excessive luggage loaded and more than four passengers in a vehicle. Passengers who are concerned about the cost of their journey can make enquiries at the Ground Transportation Centres of the airport, or may ask their taxi driver to explain all charges before leaving the airport. The drivers are usually considered to be friendly and efficient, and willing to provide assistance. A taxi driver can also be a useful source of information about the area, as they are generally familiar with tourist attractions, hotels, major shopping centres and the best restaurants in town.

The airport taxis accept all major credit cards, and offer a regular credit card service should the customer not accept TAXIPASS. There is an additional $4.50 voucher fee applicable when using TAXIPASS. Further information regarding taxi payments is available at 281-740-2585. Any customer who feels they have been unfairly charged for their journey, or mistreated in any way, may send a copy of their receipt, along with the cab company name, driver’s name and ID number to Ground Transportation, Senior Superintendent, P.O. Box 60106, Houston, TX 77205 (contact number 281-230-3180). Complaints can also be referred to the City of Houston’s Revenue and Regulatory Affairs Division at 281-233-7860 (fax: 281-233-2052).

Companies providing limousine services are also available from George Bush Intercontinental for passengers who require a more elegant form of transport.

The George Bush Airport taxi lots are fondly nicknamed as ‘Cabbieville’ by airport employees and passengers, and are served by taxi drivers from around the world. By airport taxi is considered as a convenient way to travel to any nearby destination, although a taxi will often be more expensive than the bus services available.