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 VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
Federal Reserve Bank visiting ENC
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

Fed Leaders Highlight Growth, U.S. Manufacturing at ENC

The visit is part of the SF Fed's ongoing engagement with major employers and industries across Southern California and, more broadly, the western U.S. to better understand regional economic conditions and business outlooks.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
A Valley Metro bus
Managementby StaffApril 28, 2026

Keolis Contract Extended for Valley Metro's East Valley Fixed-Route Bus Service

Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Des Moines DART bus
Busby StaffApril 28, 2026

Iowa DART Prepares for June Bus Network Launch

The new network reflects extensive input from riders and the community through Reimagine DART on what matters most in public transit — and those priorities are reflected in the changes ahead.

Read More →
A Route 8 bus travels on Denny Way in congested traffic.
Busby StaffApril 24, 2026

Seattle Speeds up Service on Denny Way

A new bus lane project aims to improve reliability on one of King County Metro’s busiest and most congestion-prone corridors.

Read More →
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Managementby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A WMATA bus underneath a cherry blossom tree
Busby Alex RomanApril 24, 2026

Bus Coalition Leaders Push to Protect Transit Funding in Critical Reauthorization Year

Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.

Read More →