All aboard: METRO’s IAH Downtown Direct gains immediate traction

Houston’s new Route 500 connects travelers and boosts airport accessibility—with praise from passengers.

May 6, 2025

Less than a month after its debut, METRO’s 500 IAH Downtown Direct route is a game-changer for passengers traveling between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Downtown Houston. The nonstop express service, launched on April 13, offers a comfortable ride between Terminal C and the George R. Brown Convention Center for $4.50 each way. The new route delivers affordable and efficient transit to business travelers, international visitors and locals.

And early signs show it’s working.

“We’ve seen an immediate positive response,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “The convenience of a nonstop, Wi-Fi-equipped bus between downtown and IAH fills a critical gap in Houston’s transit offerings—and shows Houston is serious about delivering a world-class travel experience.”

Szczesniak, who previously led Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare airports, called the express nature of METRO Houston’s new 500 IAH Downtown Direct “even more convenient than some of the rail options in other major U.S. cities.” For him, the new service is about more than moving people—it’s about positioning Houston as a global hub.

“When Houston is bidding to host conventions, trade shows or major sports events, access to public transportation is always a key question,” he said. “Now we have a stronger answer. This new route adds another win to Houston’s economic toolkit.”

The new route also serves the more than 30,000 people who work at Bush Airport. Szczesniak also sees value in travelers with long layovers or early cruise arrivals who are often stuck waiting at the airport. “Now, they can explore Downtown Houston, grab a bite, walk by Discovery Green, and still make it back to IAH in time for their flight.”

The METRO 500 IAH Downtown Direct runs every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Riders can use METRO’s Q Fare Card, Day Pass, mobile ticketing app or exact cash to board. And with amenities like free Wi-Fi and a direct route with no stops in between, it’s quickly becoming a preferred option for travelers looking to avoid the cost and unpredictability of rideshares.

“A day like today, where I have to catch a flight, this was actually the most convenient way for me to head to the airport,” said Valeria, a METRO bus passenger. “It’s great because there’s a lot of space. I get to work a little bit on the bus while I’m heading to the airport.”

For Houston Airports, it’s another step forward in improving access, experience and connectivity ahead of global events like the World Cup and the World Baseball Classic.

“This service represents the kind of smart, passenger-focused investment Houston needs as we prepare to welcome the world,” Szczesniak said.

LEARN MORE | METRO 500 IAH Downtown Direct