Skip to content
FiyatList Cost data

Travel & Leisure Cost guide

Houston Airport Parking Cost: Prices, Fees & Ways to Save

Updated  4 sources

Terminal garage daily rate

$25/day

Parking in the terminal garages at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) tops out at $25/day, according to Fly2Houston. Valet and Hobby (HOU) rates are listed below.

Houston has two commercial airports that most travelers use, Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU), and the Houston Airport System sets parking prices at both. The terminal garages are the closest option to the gate, so they carry the highest rates, and they are the ones most trip planners are asking about when they search for airport parking.

The figures here come from the airport system's own parking pages, which do not show a revision date. Rates can change, and the operator warns that garages can fill up and move to reservation-only access. Before you leave home, confirm the current rate and availability at fly2houston.com.

Daily rates

Item Price
HOU terminal garages, daily rate $24/day
IAH valet, 24 hours $30/day
HOU valet, 24 hours $30/day

Sources: Fly2Houston: HOU terminal parking; Fly2Houston: IAH valet parking; Fly2Houston: HOU valet parking

IAH terminal garage rates by the hour

The terminal garages at IAH charge by time band until they reach the daily rate. The table shows the rate with tax for each band, so a short pickup costs far less than a full day.

IAH terminal garage hourly rates (with tax)

Item Price
0-10 minutes $1
11 minutes to 1 hour $5
1 to 2 hours $6
2 to 3 hours $8
3 to 5 hours $10

Source: Fly2Houston: IAH terminal parking

Notice how quickly the hourly charges climb toward the daily rate. A stay of several hours in a terminal garage already costs a good share of a full day, so if you are only dropping someone off, a short stop at the curb is cheaper than parking. The first ten minutes are priced at the lowest band, which helps for a quick drop-off inside the garage.

Terminal garage versus valet

Valet at both airports is listed at $30/day for IAH and $30/day for HOU, and the listing covers a full 24 hours. At IAH, that is more than the terminal garage's daily rate of $25/day. At HOU, the terminal garage rate of $24/day is lower than valet.

Valet buys you convenience. You hand over the car near the terminal and skip the garage search, which matters when you are traveling with small children or heavy bags. If you only need a place to leave the car, self-parking in the garage costs less.

What changes the price of airport parking in Houston

Several things move what you pay beyond the posted daily rate.

  • How long you stay. The posted rates are daily, so a long trip multiplies the cost. Check how the daily rate applies to a full trip before you commit to the closest garage.
  • Booking ahead. The airport system says you can save by reserving parking online. The discount can vary, and holiday periods may be excluded, so read the terms on the reservation page.
  • Which airport. IAH and HOU have separate rate listings, and the terminal garage rates are not the same at each.
  • Garage versus other lots. Farther lots and shuttle lots usually cost less than terminal garages, though they add shuttle time. The airport system lists current rates for those lots on its site.

Cheaper ways to get to the airport

Parking at the terminal is not the only option. Off-airport lots that run a shuttle often charge less than terminal garages, but each has its own rates, shuttle schedule, and cancellation terms, so compare them directly. Rideshare or a ride from a friend can come out cheaper than parking for a short trip, since you pay only for the ride and skip the daily rate.

Whatever you choose, plan for the return leg too. A late flight can change which option makes sense, because shuttles and some lots have limited overnight service.

Houston airport parking FAQ

How much does it cost to park at Houston airport?

The terminal garage rate at IAH is $25/day, and at HOU it is $24/day. Valet is $30/day at IAH and $30/day at HOU. Confirm the current rate on the airport system's site before your trip.

Is it cheaper to park at IAH or Hobby?

In the terminal garages, HOU lists a lower daily rate than IAH. Valet is listed at the same rate at both airports. Other lots differ by airport, so check each listing.

Can I reserve airport parking in Houston?

Yes. The airport system offers online reservations and says they can save money and guarantee a space, especially when garages near capacity limit entry to people who booked ahead.

Do I pay tax on top of the posted rate?

The hourly bands for IAH are listed with tax. The daily and valet rates are also shown as with-tax amounts, but confirm on the booking page before you pay.

Are there cheaper options than the terminal garage?

Economy and shuttle lots generally charge less, as do off-airport operators, but their rates and availability change. Look up current figures on the airport system's site and compare them with the cost of a rideshare.