One of the biggest tasks passengers find while taking a trip out of town isn’t just the airfare cost, it’s finding a way to the airport. But fret no more. A brand new service introduced this summer will give George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) passengers the latest customer service option. METRO Airport Direct, a non-stop, premium service provided by METRO will give passengers a convenient way to fast track their ground transportation between the international airport and downtown Houston. This brand new service will be a first for both IAH and METRO that will benefit customers and provide an extra layer of customer service.

© Houston Airport System The METRO Airport Direct bus route will add an extra layer of customer service at IAH.

“It’s very important for our travelers, especially business travelers to have easy access to downtown from Bush Intercontinental,” says Richard Vacar, Houston Airport System director. “Bush Intercontinental was recently named the second best airport in North America for overall customer satisfaction in a survey conducted by Airports Council International. I believe this new service will enhance customer satisfaction.”

METRO Airport Direct is a daily, non-stop service between Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal C and the Airport Direct Passenger Plaza in downtown Houston, located at 815 Pierce.

This is an ideal downtown Houston location due to the close proximity to many Houston businesses. It is also located within walking distance to METRO’s light-rail system that provides convenient service to the Texas Medical Center and the Reliant Center.

Buses will depart every 30 minutes and the trip will take approximately 30 minutes to reach each destination via Highway 59, depending on road and traffic conditions. Round trip fare is $30 and one-way fare is only $15.

The other alternative is taking METRO’s 102 Bush IAH Limited bus route that makes over 60 stops and takes over an hour and a half each way.

Even local Houstonians are impressed with the new route and are making it part of their regular travel plans.

“There are times when I have to be out on the road for up to three weeks and the parking can get pretty expensive, so I think this new service will definitely come in handy,” says Michael Garcia, media producer and busy traveler. “The convenience of being dropped off right in front of the terminal when arriving to the airport and the convenience of being able to use the METRORail when I get downtown will make my trips much easier.”

Passengers can catch the bus heading northbound from downtown to IAH, from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and southbound from IAH to downtown from 6:10 a.m. to 8:40 p.m., allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the city and to catch flights in a timely manner.

Customers can pay for the bus route by cash, credit card, METRO Money or by using the METRO Q.

If you’re visiting Houston for business or leisure, METRO will even notify your hotel of your arrival to the Airport Direct Passenger Plaza to allow for a timely pick up. For your departure, simply arrange transportation to the Passenger Plaza via your hotel. For more information on this new service and other ground transportation options to and from Houston’s airports, visit our website at www.fly2houston.com.

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