METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Houston METRO Launches Direct Route to George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Passengers can now catch a non-stop ride directly to and from the George R. Brown Convention Center and IAH Terminal C for just $4.50 one way. The route will operate seven days a week, from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with buses departing every 30 minutes.

April 11, 2025
Houston METRO Launches Direct Route to George Bush Intercontinental Airport

The launch of the route is part of the METRONow plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving mobility and delivering safe, clean, reliable, and accessible transit options to the region.

Photo: Houston METRO

2 min to read


Houston METRO launched a new route directly to George Bush International Airport (IAH) — the 500 IAH Downtown Direct.

Passengers can now catch a non-stop ride directly to and from the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) and IAH Terminal C for just $4.50 one way. The route will operate seven days a week, from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with buses departing every 30 minutes.

Ad Loading...

METRONow Coming to Life

The launch of the route is part of the METRONow plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving mobility and delivering safe, clean, reliable, and accessible transit options to the region.

“This is a clear example of the METRO that people will choose to use because it’s easy, comfortable, the most cost-effective at only $4.50, and truly the best option,” said METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “People needing to get to and from the airport can take this route that offers reduced travel time with a non-stop trip, shaves off time dealing with parking, and saves people money.”

The new service arrives at a critical time as Houston prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the George R. Brown Convention Center undergoes a $2 billion transformation into a walkable, convention and entertainment district. 

The 102 Bush IAH Express will continue to serve the airport, but the introduction of the IAH Downtown Direct provides a travel option for riders needing to reach downtown without additional stops.

Ad Loading...

For customers needing to complete their journey from GRB to other downtown destinations, the Convention District Station, which services the Green and Purple METRORail lines, is immediately adjacent to the 500 IAH Downtown Direct bus stop.

Customers may also download the Ride Circuit app to catch a ride on METRO’s Community Connector for no additional charge. The on-demand, clean energy microtransit service allows riders to reach other METRO services or essential destinations within the downtown zone.

More Bus

A photo of a San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit zero-emission bus.
Busby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025

A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.

Read More →
A picture of a San Diego MTS railcar and bus at a transit station.
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps

The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.

Read More →
A Fresno Area Express bus refurbished by Complete Coach Works.
Busby StaffApril 17, 2026

Complete Coach Works Completes 11 CNG Bus Refurbishment Project for Fresno Area Express

The project was awarded under the Washington State Contract, enabling FAX to streamline its procurement processes while ensuring value and quality from an experienced transit solutions provider, said officials.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A MARTA 60-foot articulated bus.
Busby StaffApril 16, 2026

MARTA Set to Launch Next Gen Bus Network

The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.

Read More →
A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.
Busby StaffApril 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Read More →
A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →
A blurry TransLink R2 rapid bus
Managementby StaffApril 8, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown

Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Complete Parts logo
Busby StaffApril 1, 2026

Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities

Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.  

Read More →