
Complete Guide: Transportation From IAH to Downtown Houston, Galleria & Medical Center
Publish Date: Nov 21st 2025
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is 20–27 miles from Downtown Houston, The Galleria, and the Houston Medical Center. Choosing the right transportation option can save you time, stress, and money, especially if you're traveling during peak hours, with luggage, or after a long flight. This guide compares all transportation options with estimated prices, duration, routes and highlights why AAdmirals private airport car service in Houston is the most reliable and comfortable choice.
Best Transportation Options from IAH:
We will compare all available options for:
- IAH to Downtown Houston
- IAH to Galleria Houston
- IAH to Houston Medical Center & MD Anderson Cancer
1. Private Car Service (Best, Most Reliable & Most Comfortable)
Private car service is the top-rated, most dependable, and most comfortable way to travel from IAH to any major district in Houston.
AAdmirals Travel & Transportation provides:
Professional chauffeurs:
- Modern Sedans, SUVs, Sprinters, and Minibus for group of 16 people, and coaches for big groups.
- Meet-and-greet at baggage claim
- Luggage assistance
- All- Inclusive Fixed pricing (no surge)
- 24/7 operating
- Clean, spacious vehicles.
Travel Times & Estimated Rates
IAH → Downtown Houston: 35–40 minutes — $100–$140+
IAH → Galleria Houston: 40–50 minutes — $110–$155+
IAH → Texas Medical Center: 45–55 minutes — $115–$160+
Houston Galleria Transportation
Private car service is the only option that combines comfort, reliability, and professional service without surge pricing.
2. Rideshare (Uber Black / Uber SUV/Lyft)
Rideshare apps are convenient, but prices surge frequently.
Estimated Costs (2025- 2026)
IAH → Downtown: $90–$140+
IAH → Galleria: $100–$160+
IAH → Medical Center: $100–$160+
Pros:
✔ Easy app booking
✔ Door-to-door service
Cons:
✘ Surge pricing (bad weather, events, peak hours)
✘ Unpredictable vehicles/drivers
✘ No luggage help
✘ Walking out of the terminals to the pick-up areas.
✘ Long time of waiting for your car to get at the pick-up area.
3. Taxi Service
Taxis are available at all terminals, 24/7.
Flat Rates (Approx.):
IAH → Downtown: $70+
IAH → Galleria: $75+
IAH → Medical Center: $75+
Pros:
✔ Always available
✔ Regulated fares
Cons:
✘ Older vehicles
✘ No baggage assistance
✘ Longer wait times
4. METRO Bus (Budget Option)
Buses depart from Terminal C – Baggage Claim Level.
This is the most affordable option but waiting time could be longer than schooled, spent long time on the way, not a good option for families, and not luggage-friendly.
Routes
Route 500 (IAH → Downtown): $4.50 — 45+ minutes
Route 102 (IAH → Downtown Transit Center): $1.25 — 50–90 minutes
⚠️ Drivers do not handle luggage.
⚠️ No direct routes to Galleria or Medical Center—requires transfers.
Cost: Varies
Travel Time: 60–90 minutes
Destination Notes:
Downtown: Direct possible
Galleria: Usually requires transfer
IAH Transportation Comparison
Routes From IAH to Houston Districts
To Downtown: I-69 / US-59 South
To Galleria: Beltway 8 → I-610 West
To Medical Center: Hardy Toll Road → I-610 South
Choose AAdmirals for IAH to Downtown, Galleria & Medical Center Transfers
AAdmirals Travel & Transportation provides:
- Door-to-door service
- Professional chauffeurs
- Clean & modern fleet
- Fixed rates
- 24/7 support
- 24/7 support
- Free waiting time
- Easy online booking
Let AAdmirals make your airport arrival stress-free, comfortable, and punctual.