Car Rental
How long does it take to drive from IAH to downtown Houston?
About 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic. During rush hour, the drive may take up to 45 minutes.
Car Rental at Houston Airport, Texas
Start your Houston adventure the right way with U-Save Car Rental at Houston Airport. As soon as you land, you'll be just minutes away from picking up the perfect vehicle to explore everything this vibrant city has to offer. From the bustling downtown to the cultural hotspots and beyond, U-Save makes it easy to dive into your Houston experience. With our convenient location, competitive rates, and a wide range of vehicles, you'll be on the road in no time, ready to discover the heart of Texas. Choose U-Save Car Rental to make the most of your Houston visit.
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Luxury Car
Indulge in opulence and cutting-edge technology with luxury vehicles that redefine elegance and deliver an unparalleled driving experience
Compact
Nimble, fuel-efficient, and perfect for urban life, offering practicality without compromising on style and modern features
Mini Van
Spacious, versatile, and family-friendly, minivans offer comfort and convenience for on-the-go adventures and seamless daily commutes
Standard SUV
Explore the comfort and versatility of standard SUV rentals. Perfect for family trips or any adventure, our reliable SUVs are ready to hit the road
Pickup Truck
Unlock the power of pickup trucks for your hauling tasks. Rent a sturdy pickup truck for versatile cargo transportation. Efficient and dependable
Sprinter
Marrying style with practicality. Great for road trips or business ventures. Spacious, efficient, and highly adaptable. Start your adventure now!
Tips for renting a car at Houston Airport, Texas
Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road
USD is the local currency
Average temperatures are -54°F (12°C) - 84°F (29°C)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the largest airport in Houston, Texas, and one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States. Located approximately 23 miles (37 km) north of downtown Houston, IAH serves as a central gateway to Texas and the American South, offering excellent highway access for road trips across the region. With five terminals and connections to domestic and international destinations, it’s a convenient place to start your journey — whether you're visiting the city itself or exploring Texas by car.
Driving in Houston Texas – Local Rules, Tips & Environment
Driving in Houston is straightforward and familiar for most North American visitors. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and rental cars are typically automatic. IAH connects directly to Interstate 69 (I-69), also known as US-59, and from there to the I-45 and Beltway 8, offering quick access to various parts of the metro area.
Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph):
30 mph in residential and downtown areas
45–55 mph on main city roads and boulevards
65–75 mph on highways and interstates
Houston drivers tend to be fast-moving and assertive, especially on freeways. Watch for lane changes without signaling, congested merging, and construction zones, which are frequent. Use GPS navigation to avoid traffic — apps like Waze are particularly useful due to Houston's frequent road closures and updates.
Toll roads are common in the Houston area, including parts of Beltway 8, Hardy Toll Road, and Highway 99 (Grand Parkway). Most rental cars come with toll transponders, such as TxTag or EZ TAG, and toll charges will be added to your final rental bill.
Fuel is widely available and affordable, with plenty of stations near the airport and throughout the metro area. Most are self-service, and cards are accepted at the pump. If you're traveling from abroad, you may need to enter a ZIP code to activate the pump — in this case, you can pre-pay inside.
Parking in Houston is relatively easy compared to other major cities. Downtown and popular areas offer street parking, lots, and garages, many of which accept card or app-based payments. Parking is typically cheaper than in coastal metros like San Francisco or New York.
Van Rental in Houston Texas
We have a great collections of high-quality cars and vans. Whether you're looking for mini van, a large sprinter, pickup truck, SUV or even e luxury car – we got you!
Choosing the right rental vehicle depends on your travel needs, whether it’s comfort, space, or terrain capability. SUVs are great for long road trips, offering a mix of comfort and versatility, especially if you're traveling through mixed terrains or unpredictable weather.
Vans are ideal for larger groups or cargo transport, perfect for family trips or business needs. MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are a practical choice for urban driving with extra passenger space, making them a great middle ground between sedans and vans.
Pickup trucks excel in handling heavy loads and rugged environments, ideal for work or outdoor adventures. If you're tackling off-road trails or harsh conditions, a 4x4 provides the traction and durability needed for a safe and reliable drive. Choosing wisely ensures a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Check our booking system to see which car types are currently available!
FAQs About Driving & Renting a Car at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Are toll roads common around Houston?
Yes. Beltway 8, Hardy Toll Road, and parts of Highway 99 are toll roads. Especially around Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Many are cashless, so it’s important your rental car includes a toll tag (TxTag, EZ TAG, or similar). Tolls will be billed to your rental account.
Is it easy to drive in Houston?
Yes, if you're used to urban freeway systems. Expect high speeds, frequent merges, and heavy traffic during peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–6:30 PM). Navigation apps are highly recommended.
Can I drive from Houston to Austin or San Antonio in a rental car?
Yes — both are popular road trips. Austin is about 2.5 hours, and San Antonio about 3–3.5 hours by car, depending on your route and traffic.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Houston Texas?
If your license is in English or Roman script, you don’t need an IDP. If it’s in another script (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese), an IDP is recommended.
Are there any special things to know about driving in Houston or Texas?
Yes. While driving in Houston and across Texas is generally straightforward, there are a few state-specific rules and local habits to keep in mind. any major intersections in Texas (especially on highways and frontage roads) include dedicated U-turn lanes, often called "Texas Turnarounds." These allow drivers to make a legal and quick U-turn without needing to wait at a traffic light. On highways, the left lane is for passing, not cruising. While Texas drivers are assertive, it’s customary (and often expected) to make space for vehicles entering the freeway — even though technically, merging traffic must yield.
