Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the corrected route name.

Officials with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County announced they are launching a new nonstop bus route that will take passengers from downtown Houston directly to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Beginning April 13, METRO will take passengers from the George R. Brown Convention Center to IAH Terminal C, according to a news release. METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said in a news release that the route, 500 IAH Downtown Direct, will cost $4.50 one way.

“People needing to get to and from the airport can take this route that offers reduced travel time with a nonstop trip, shaves off time dealing with parking and saves people money,” Brock said.

The 500 IAH Downtown Direct route would run every 16-30 minutes on weekdays, according to METRO. A more detailed map of the route is available here.

Digging deeper

The new route is part of the organization’s METRONow plan, a new regional mobility plan that began in 2024 focusing on improving customer-centric services, increasing transit ridership, and addressing issues such as safety, cleanliness, accessibility and reliability.

METRO’s new airport route at George R. Brown Convention Center comes as Houston officials unveiled a master plan in March that aims to transform Downtown Houston into a more walkable convention and entertainment district.

The first phase of the development, dubbed GRB Houston South, will include a 700,000-square-foot expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

“This is a clear example of the METRO that people will choose to use because it’s easy, comfortable, the most cost-effective at only $4.50 and truly the best option,” Brock said.