George Bush Intercontinental Airport Car Rental Deals

Search and Book with Ease: Use our fast search tool below to find your ideal Houston rental car in seconds. It’s designed to save you money and time, so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Here’s how it works:

• Pick-up Location: Select George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or another nearby location. All rentals at IAH are picked up from a consolidated Rental Car Center accessible by a quick shuttle ride (open 24/7 for all major agencies). You’ll see real-time availability across on-airport and city locations.
• Dates & Times: Choose your travel dates and arrival times. Whether it’s a one-day business trip or a two-week family vacation, we’ll find vehicles that fit your schedule. Pro tip: Book an earlier pick-up if you land late at night, IAH’s rental center operates round-the-clock, so you can still grab your car even on a midnight arrival.
• Vehicle Type & Supplier: Filter results by car category (Economy, SUV, Minivan, Luxury, etc.) or by rental company. With 10+ trusted brands at IAH, you have options from budget-friendly compacts to 12-passenger vans for groups. Compare rates and choose the best deal, all in one place.
• Hit “Search”: Our system will instantly scan Houston’s rental fleet and display the cheapest prices. In seconds, you’ll see everything from compact cars to spacious SUVs, along with any current discounts. It’s fast, easy, and transparent.

Why Rent a Car at IAH with AirportVanRental?

When you rent with AirportVanRental at Houston IAH, you get more than just a car, you get peace of mind and unbeatable value. Here are our unique value propositions:

• Wide Selection & Top Brands: Access all major rental companies at IAH through one platform. This means you can compare a dozen brands at once, ensuring you find exactly what you need, whether it’s an economy runabout or a 12-passenger van (a specialty we’re proud of).
• Low Prices & Exclusive Discounts: We aggregate deals from 100+ nationwide providers to guarantee you the lowest rate. Found a better price? Let us know, we’ll match it. Our platform automatically applies available promotions (weekend specials, free upgrades, etc.), so you often save more with us than by booking direct.
• No Prepayment & Free Cancellation: Reserve now, pay later. Most of our bookings at IAH come with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup and no upfront payment. Plans change? No problem, modify or cancel without penalty on most rentals.
• Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees: The price you see is the price you pay. We clearly display all taxes (Houston’s sales tax ~8.25%) and airport fees upfront. No surprise “energy recovery” fees or bogus add-ons at checkout. Planning a one-way rental from Houston to another city? Any drop-off fee will be shown instantly so you can decide cost-effectively.
• Unlimited Mileage on Most Cars: Drive without limits. Most standard rentals include unlimited miles, so you can cruise all over Texas (or beyond) with no extra per-mile charges. Want to do a Gulf Coast loop or a Dallas round-trip? Go for it, unlimited mileage means worry-free roaming.

Top Houston (IAH) Car Rental Deals

• Economy Car, from $22/day, e.g. Nissan Versa or similar. A fuel-efficient choice for solo travelers or couples zipping around Houston’s downtown and museum district.
• Full-Size Sedan, from $30/day, e.g. Toyota Camry or similar. Smooth and spacious for highway drives between Houston and its suburbs.
• SUV Rental, from $45/day, e.g. Ford Escape or similar (5-passenger). Extra room for family luggage or road trips to Austin and San Antonio.
• Minivan, from $55/day, e.g. Dodge Grand Caravan or similar (7-seater). Ideal for group travel or big shopping trips (hello, Houston Galleria!).

Prices above are base rates excluding tax/fees. They reflect recent lowest found prices at IAH and refresh often. Start a search to get the current rates for your dates!

Driving Tips for Houston Visitors

Navigating Houston by car is the best way to see this sprawling metropolis, but keep these tips in mind:

• Traffic & Timing: Houston is car-centric and known for heavy traffic. Peak rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays) can turn highways like I-45, I-10, and I-610 into slow crawl zones. In fact, Houston drivers spend an extra 29 hours a year in congestion on average. Plan around rush hour when possible, if you must drive then, give yourself plenty of extra time or use HOV lanes (carpool lanes) on major freeways when eligible (usually 2+ people required). A good navigation app will be your friend for live traffic rerouting.
• Toll Roads: Greater Houston has several toll roads (e.g. the Hardy Toll Road, Sam Houston Tollway, and Westpark Tollway) that can save time. No cash? No problem, most tolls are electronic (EZ TAG or TxTag). If you don’t have a toll tag, opt for the rental’s toll program or pay-by-mail where available. We clearly outline each rental agency’s toll policy during booking, so you can make an informed choice about using toll roads. (If you prefer to avoid tolls altogether, you can often toggle “no tolls” on your GPS app to find alternative routes.)
• Parking: Downtown Houston has ample parking garages and surface lots, but rates vary. Generally, evenings and weekends are cheaper or free on-street. Watch for signage, some areas have strict towing rules. If visiting popular spots like the Medical Center or Museum District, consider using paid lots or garages to save the hassle of circling for a spot.
• Weather & Driving Conditions: Houston’s weather is hot and humid in summer, keep water in the car and don’t leave children or pets unattended even for a few minutes. Sudden thunderstorms can flood low-lying streets; avoid driving through standing water (Houston’s flash floods are no joke). In winter, ice or snow is rare, but if it happens the city can shut down, check forecasts if visiting in January/February. Year-round, drive defensively and stay alert: Houston’s freeways have high speed limits (65–75 mph outside the city) and fast drivers. Always buckle up (it’s the law) and keep an eye out for aggressive driving.

Houston Road Trip Ideas from IAH

One of the perks of renting a car at IAH is the ability to embark on some fantastic Texas road trips. Here are three road trip ideas that start from the Houston area, each offering a different taste of Texas and beyond:

Hill Country Getaway (Houston to Austin & Texas Hill Country)

Distance: ~165 miles to Austin (about 2.5 hours nonstop), plus scenic detours.
Route: Take US-290 West out of Houston toward Austin. Along the way, you’ll pass through Brenham (home of the famous Blue Bell ice cream creamery, a sweet stop for a tour or a scoop). Continue into Austin for city sights, then venture west on TX-71 or US-290 to explore Hill Country gems like Johnson City and Fredericksburg.
Highlights: In Austin, enjoy live music and BBQ on Sixth Street or stroll around the Capitol. Heading into Hill Country, the scenery shifts to rolling hills, wineries, and charming small towns. Stop in Dripping Springs for a distillery or winery tour, or detour to Hamilton Pool Preserve (a gorgeous natural swimming hole) if time permits (reservations needed). Fredericksburg offers German heritage and dozens of wineries along Wine Road 290, a great overnight stop. In spring (March-April), wildflowers (especially bluebonnets) blanket the roadsides, a truly Texan spectacle.
Tips: One-way rentals are popular for this route, for instance, pick up in Houston and drop off in Austin if your trip continues there; we often have deals with low or no drop fees. If doing a round-trip, consider a different way back: from Austin, loop north to Waco (visit Magnolia Market for Fixer Upper fans) and back down I-45, or swing through San Antonio to see the Alamo and River Walk before returning to Houston. Beware of weekend traffic on I-10 and I-35 around cities. In Hill Country, watch for deer on rural roads, especially at dawn/dusk. And if traveling in summer, carry water, Texas heat is serious business.

Bayou & Blues Adventure (Houston to New Orleans via I-10)

Distance: ~350 miles (roughly 5–6 hours without stops).
Route: From Houston, hop on I-10 East all the way to New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s a straight shot crossing eastern Texas and the entire width of Louisiana. You’ll pass Beaumont, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and then into NOLA.
Highlights: This drive connects two of America’s great food and music cities. Start early and consider a lunch stop in Lafayette, LA, often called the heart of Cajun country, for authentic gumbo or crawfish étouffée. If you have extra time, detour onto the Creole Nature Trail (south of Lake Charles) for a glimpse of Gulf Coast marshes and maybe some alligator spotting. As you approach Baton Rouge, you’ll cross the mighty Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, an 18-mile stretch of elevated highway over swamps and bayous. Once in New Orleans, reward yourself with beignets at Café du Monde and live jazz in the French Quarter!
Tips: Factor in traffic around Baton Rouge, which can slow to a crawl (try to time that segment outside of rush hour). Be prepared to pay a small toll at the Louisiana border on I-10 (for the Lake Charles bridge). One-way rentals from Texas to Louisiana may incur a drop fee, but we’ve seen promotions waiving it, check with us if planning a one-way. Also, remember Louisiana has unique traffic laws (e.g., speed cameras in some parishes), drive the limit. Finally, humid southern weather means summer thunderstorms; keep an eye on the sky and expect brief heavy downpours where visibility dips (but they usually pass quickly).

Gulf Coast Beach Hop (Houston to Galveston Island)

Distance: ~50 miles (1 hour).
Route: Take I-45 South from Houston and you’ll reach Galveston Island within an hour. It’s a short and sweet trip, perfect for a day trip or overnight getaway.
Highlights: Galveston offers a charming mix of seaside fun and history. Relax on the sandy beaches, walk along the Seawall, or visit the Pleasure Pier for carnival rides over the water. History buffs will enjoy the Strand Historic District’s Victorian architecture or a tour of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA at the Texas Seaport Museum. If you have a full day, consider taking the ferry from Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula, the free 20-minute ferry ride is scenic and you might spot dolphins. On the other side, Fort Travis Park offers coastal fort ruins and picnic spots.
Tips: This is a short trip, but start early on summer weekends, the island gets crowded by midday and parking near popular beach spots can fill up. The Galveston ferry can have wait times during peak hours, so plan accordingly (tip: weekdays or early morning have shorter lines). No tolls on this route, and fuel stations are plentiful. Sunscreen is a must, that Gulf sun is strong. If traveling in hurricane season (June–Nov), check the weather; coastal storms can roll in quickly. And don’t forget to try some fresh Gulf seafood while you’re there!

Quick Houston Car Rental Info (IAH)

• Car Types Available: Everything from economy cars and sedans to SUVs, minivans, and 12-15 passenger vans (great for group trips). Luxury cars and pickups are also available at IAH via select suppliers, book early for specialty vehicles.
• Popular Vehicles & Classes: Economy and full-size sedans are popular for city travelers, while SUVs and minivans are in high demand for families heading to attractions like Space Center Houston or Galveston. AirportVanRental also features passenger vans (8, 12, or 15-seater) which are a top choice for church groups, sports teams, or big family reunions in Houston.
• Best Deal This Week: Economy cars from $22/day and Standard SUVs from $45/day were among the lowest prices found (base rate) for IAH in the past 3 days. These deals tend to appear for weekend rentals or last-minute inventory, check our “Today’s Top Deals” section regularly for updates.
• Distance to Downtown: IAH is approximately 22–23 miles north of Downtown Houston. Driving via I-69 (formerly Hwy 59) typically takes 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. (Pro tip: The Hardy Toll Road is a faster option during peak traffic, though it has tolls.)
• Fuel: Most rentals will be provided with a full tank and should be returned full to avoid charges. There are gas stations on JFK Blvd and Will Clayton Parkway on the way to the airport, prices near IAH can be slightly higher, so consider filling up a few miles out.
• Rental Car Center: All pickups/returns happen at the IAH Rental Car Center (7135 Rental Car Ln). It’s a one-stop facility for all agencies, making comparison and drop-off easy. Shuttles back to the terminals run continuously and take ~10 minutes; factor that in when returning the car before your flight.