Renting a car at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a convenient way to explore Houston and other destinations across Texas. Major rental car companies operate from the Rental Car Center (RCC), a facility separate from the passenger terminals that houses rental counters and vehicle pickup and return areas. Passengers can reach the center using free shuttle buses that operate 24 hours a day.
The essentials in 30 seconds- Rental car center: Rental Car Center (RCC), 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston, TX 77032.
- Rental counters and vehicles: located at the RCC, separate from the passenger terminals.
- Shuttles: free, operating 24 hours a day; every 5 minutes from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM and every 10 minutes overnight.
- Pickup stops: designated arrivals areas at Terminals A and C; for other terminals, follow the current Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttle signs.
- Travel time: approximately 5 minutes by shuttle, excluding waiting time.
- Returns: at the Rental Car Center, following Rental Car Return signs from John F. Kennedy Boulevard or Will Clayton Parkway.
Book in advance
During busy travel periods, booking your rental car in advance is recommended. Check the total price, your rental company’s operating hours, and pickup and return conditions, especially if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning.
Rental Car Center location
The IAH Rental Car Center is a separate facility that accommodates the airport’s major rental car companies.
- Address: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston, TX 77032, United States.
- Location: outside the passenger terminal complex, within the airport grounds.
- Access: free shuttle buses identified as Rental Car Shuttle.
- Operating hours: the center operates 24 hours a day, although individual rental counters have their own schedules.
Rental companies have service counters and parking areas within the complex. After completing the rental procedures, passengers can proceed to their designated vehicle pickup area.
How to reach the Rental Car Center from the terminals
The airport provides free shuttle transportation between the terminals and the Rental Car Center.
The buses are blue and white and display the Rental Car Shuttle identification.
The journey takes approximately five minutes, although passengers should allow additional time for waiting and walking from baggage claim to the shuttle stop.
Terminal A
After collecting your baggage, proceed to the arrivals level (Baggage Claim / Arrivals), follow the Ground Transportation signs, and locate the Rental Car Shuttle stop.
- Location: south side of the terminal.
- Exit: Door A-115.
Terminal C
Passengers can board the shuttle outside the arrivals level by following the signs for Ground Transportation.
- Location: south side of the terminal.
- Exits: Doors C-105 or C-106.
Terminals D and E
International passengers arriving at Terminal D proceed through immigration and customs before entering the international arrivals area of Terminal E.
From there, follow the Ground Transportation / Rental Car Shuttle signs to the designated pickup stop.
Check the Terminal E shuttle stopThe airport publishes different pickup locations for the Rental Car Shuttle at Terminal E. Its general rental car page identifies E-101, while the dedicated shuttle page lists E-203 on the departures level. To avoid unnecessary walking, follow the current airport signs or ask ground transportation staff for assistance before leaving the terminal.
Terminal B and access changes
Terminal B is undergoing a major transformation. Although its new North Concourse began operating in October 2026, some terminal access and check-in arrangements remain affected by construction.
The airport’s rental car directory does not identify a dedicated Rental Car Shuttle stop at Terminal B.
If you arrive at this terminal, follow the Ground Transportation signs and ask airport staff for directions to an operating shuttle stop, taking into account the connections with Terminals A and C.
Shuttle frequency and operating hours
- 7:00 AM–11:00 PM: approximately every 5 minutes.
- 11:00 PM–7:00 AM: approximately every 10 minutes.
- Service: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Travel time: approximately 5 minutes, excluding waiting time.
The shuttle service operates continuously, but not all rental car counters are open 24 hours a day.
Rental car companies at IAH
The Rental Car Center accommodates the major rental car companies serving George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The following ten traditional rental car companies appear in the official Houston Airports directory. The phone numbers are those published by the airport.
Zipcar and car sharing
The airport’s official directory also lists Zipcar among its associated operators.
Unlike traditional rental car companies, Zipcar operates a car-sharing service with its own membership, booking, and vehicle use requirements.
- Phone: +1 866-494-7227.
- Website: Zipcar.
Before using this service, check vehicle availability at IAH and the specific pickup instructions.
Check your rental company's operating hoursAlthough the Rental Car Center and its shuttles operate 24 hours a day, each company sets its own counter hours. Some allow after-hours returns, but pickup and return conditions are not necessarily the same.
Vehicle pickup and return
Pickup
Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center, locate the counter or service area of the company listed on your reservation.
The usual procedure is:
- Present the documentation required by the rental company.
- Confirm your reservation details and complete the rental agreement.
- Review the security deposit, insurance coverage, and fuel policy.
- Proceed to the designated parking area to collect your vehicle.
- Inspect the vehicle and report any existing damage before leaving.
Some companies offer advance check-in or streamlined pickup procedures, depending on the reservation.
Return
For vehicle returns, use the following general address:
IAH Rental Car Center — 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston, TX 77032.
Signs for Rental Car Center / Rental Car Return provide access from the airport’s main approach roads, particularly John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Will Clayton Parkway.
- Follow the signs to the Rental Car Center.
- Locate the return entrance for your rental company.
- Park the vehicle in the designated area.
- Complete the return process and keep your receipt.
- Take the free shuttle back to your departure terminal.
Rental companies may use specific addresses or entrances within the complex. If your reservation provides a different address, follow your company’s instructions.
Returning to the terminals
After returning your vehicle, proceed to the Rental Car Center’s shuttle boarding area.
Return shuttles display their terminal destinations. Check the destination sign on the front of the bus before boarding.
If your flight departs from Terminal B, follow the current access instructions during the ongoing construction work.
After-hours returns
Some companies allow vehicle returns when their rental counters are closed, using specific procedures.
For example, Enterprise and SIXT publish after-hours return options for their IAH locations.
However, these arrangements should not be assumed to apply to all companies. Before traveling, confirm where to park, how to return the keys, and when your responsibility for the vehicle ends.
Where to refuel before returning your car
If your rental agreement requires a full tank upon return, it is advisable to locate a gas station before entering the Rental Car Center.
Several service stations are located along the airport’s access roads and may be convenient depending on your route.
Shell — John F. Kennedy Boulevard
- Address: 15811 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Houston, TX 77032.
- Hours: open 24 hours a day.
- Fuel: regular, midgrade, and premium gasoline, as well as diesel.
- Information: official Shell station listing.
Shell — International Plaza Drive
- Address: 15955 International Plaza Drive, Houston, TX 77032.
- Hours: open 24 hours a day.
- Fuel: regular, midgrade, and premium gasoline.
- Information: official Shell station listing.
The most convenient station will depend on your direction of travel and the airport access road you use.
Tip: check your rental agreement’s fuel policy, keep your refueling receipt, and allow enough time to return your vehicle and take the shuttle to your terminal.
Documents, insurance, and rental conditions
Rental requirements may vary depending on the company, vehicle category, and reservation details.
Before renting a car at IAH, it is advisable to review:
- Driver’s license: must be valid and accepted by the rental company. International visitors should check whether additional documentation is required.
- Identity document or passport: generally required to verify the driver’s identity.
- Credit card: many companies require a card in the main driver’s name, although some accept debit cards under specific conditions.
- Minimum age: requirements vary by company, and young-driver surcharges may apply.
- Security deposit: check the amount of the hold and when it will be released.
- Insurance: review included coverage, exclusions, and possible deductibles.
- Additional drivers: check eligibility requirements and applicable fees.
- Fuel: review the fuel level required when returning the vehicle.
- One-way rentals: returning the vehicle to another location may result in additional charges.
The total rental price may also include taxes, airport fees, optional services, or charges for additional equipment.
Review the total rental priceBefore confirming your reservation, check the full breakdown of charges and keep a copy of the rental agreement. Pay particular attention to deposits, insurance coverage, additional-driver fees, and cancellation conditions.
️ Electronic toll roads in Houston
Houston has several toll roads, including Sam Houston Tollway and Hardy Toll Road, which may be part of certain routes to or from the airport.
Texas uses electronic toll collection systems such as EZ TAG, and some toll roads or entrances do not accept cash payments.
Rental car companies may offer toll payment programs using electronic devices or systems linked to the vehicle’s license plate.
Depending on your rental agreement, these services may include:
- The amount of the tolls incurred.
- Administrative or processing fees.
- Daily charges or fees associated with using the toll payment program.
Using toll roads is not necessary for every journey around Houston. Your route will depend on your destination and travel preferences.
For information about local toll roads, visit the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA).
Before leaving the Rental Car Center, ask your rental company how tolls will be billed and whether additional charges apply when using or declining its toll payment program.
Frequently asked questions about car rental at IAH
️ Official information
For rental car companies, the Rental Car Center address, and access instructions, visit the official George Bush Intercontinental Airport rental car information.
You can also review the official Rental Car Center shuttle instructions and the airport’s operational alerts, particularly if your journey involves Terminals B or E.