HOUSTON – Over the weekend, METRO moved its 500 IAH Downtown Direct drop-off from Terminal C to Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The move is part of the METRONow plan to enhance the customer experience and provide fast, affordable, and reliable airport service. Terminal E places riders closer to baggage claim and arrival areas while offering a covered driveway, a designated bus lane, and improved wayfinding.
The route, which runs every 30 minutes, seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. — takes riders directly from the George R. Brown Convention Center to IAH for just $4.50 each way. The ride includes free Wi-Fi, space for luggage, and ADA accessibility.
KPRC 2’s Re’Chelle Turner rode the route Monday and spoke with first-time riders and frequent users who say the service is saving them both time and money.
Many travelers said they discovered the route online and wanted to see if it lived up to the promise of a simple, stress-free ride.
Adham Sherkawy, who Ubered to the GRB before boarding, said avoiding airport parking fees was a major reason he wanted to test it out.
“It is my first time taking the bus, so, you know, just wanted to check it out and see if it’s going to be easy, efficient, and we’ll see,” he said.
Parking at IAH ranges from $25 to $30 per day, depending on the terminal. The METRO ride costs under $5.
Another first-time rider, Miss Denise, was trying the service ahead of an international trip.
“I’ll need to take this bus to Australia so I’m just doing a trial run to make sure I don’t mess up during the time that I need to leave,” she told KPRC 2’s Re’Chelle Turner.
She said the cost savings were significant.
“It would’ve cost me $120 by Uber to come up here from Webster,” she said.
For airport worker Novah Washington, the 500 route has become part of her daily commute. She previously relied on the 102, which makes multiple stops, but now uses the direct service for a faster, more predictable ride.
“It definitely saves from having to commute back and forth on gas. It’s very efficient, especially to, like, help not pay for parking, because parking can be expensive,” Washington said.
She says the savings help her family, too.
“I have three daughters, so I’m going to try to raise opinions wherever I can. And you’ve been doing this for a month, no issues? No issues at all,” she said.
METRO tells KPRC 2 the route has served 53,822 riders since launching on April 13, 2025.
Officials say they are also evaluating whether to expand airport connectivity across the region including potential service to Hobby Airport and more pickup locations downtown. Those plans are still in discussion under the METRONow initiative.