METRO 500 Downtown Direct now stops at IAH Terminal E

New curbside location at Terminal E International Departures streamlines downtown access for travelers.

Dec 17, 2025

Travelers using METRO’s 500 IAH Downtown Direct now have an even clearer path between downtown Houston and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

The nonstop bus route’s pickup and drop-off location has moved to the International Departures curb at Terminal E, placing passengers steps from airline check-in and international departures. The update is designed to make the journey between IAH and the George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston more intuitive.

The 500 IAH Downtown Direct launched in April as a fast, affordable connection between Downtown Houston and the airport, operating seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Buses run every 30 minutes and offer a flat $4.50 one-way fare between IAH and the GRB.

The new Terminal E curbside location reflects a broader effort by Houston Airports and METRO to remove friction from the passenger journey and align ground transportation with how travelers actually move through the airport.

The route complements METRO’s existing 102 Bush IAH Express, which continues to make stops at IAH Terminal C while giving downtown-bound riders a nonstop option. From the GRB, passengers can easily connect to METRORail’s Green and Purple lines or use METRO’s Community Connector micro-transit service through the Ride Circuit app at no additional charge.

As Houston prepares to welcome the world for major conventions and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the updated pickup and drop-off location underscores a shared focus on accessibility, affordability and Houston-friendly hospitality.

Plan ahead: Travelers are encouraged to look for METRO 500 signage along the IAH Terminal E International Departures curb and allow time for curbside activity during peak travel periods. For schedules and service details, visit Fly2Houston.com or RideMETRO.org.