Flying out of CLT Airport? Traveling could be fun if you know what to expect at the airport. Our Ultimate Guide to Charlotte Airport has all the details, including TSA timing, restaurants, nearby hotels, ground transportation, and more.
About Charlotte Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, or CLT, is about 9.7 miles from downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. It serves over 53 million annual passengers and ranks among the top ten largest and busiest airports in the country. It is also one of the busiest airports in the world.
CLT Airport covers about 5,558 acres, with three runways. The airport houses a single terminal with five concourses and 124 gates. Charlotte is the major hub for American Airlines. Other airlines are Air Canada, Contour Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Southwest, Spirit Airlines, Swift Air, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Vacation Express, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris.
It also supports military operations and is the operating base for Charlotte Air National Guard base and the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing.
CLT Airport History
Charlotte Douglas International Airport began as Charlotte Municipal Airport in 1935. It was used by the U.S. military during World War II. In 1954, the airport was named Douglas Municipal Airport, and later, in 1982, it underwent another name change to Charlotte Douglas International. After U.S. Airways merged with American Airlines in 2013, Charlotte became the airline’s second-largest hub.
The airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations throughout its time, including the construction of a new terminal, runways, and concourses. Recent developments include the “Destination CLT” plan, which involves a $2.5 billion investment in infrastructure improvements, such as terminal expansions and renovations, new concourses, and a massive air traffic control tower.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is undergoing significant expansion plans. To accommodate future growth, the airport is constructing a new runway and expanding several concourses. Additionally, the airport will have a light rail station to provide convenient transportation to and from the airport.
Where Is Charlotte Airport?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is in Charlotte, North Carolina, about 6 miles from the city’s central business district. It is located at 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208.
Charlotte Airport Map
CLT Parking & Transportation
CLT Airport offers onsite parking at Express Deck Preferred, Express Deck Self-Parked, Hourly Deck, Daily Decks, Daily North Lot, Long Term Lot 1 & 2, and Valet. Onsite parking rates tend to be on the higher side, and parking can get tedious due to high passenger volume. An alternative option is to park at the nearby lots, where the rates are relatively cheaper than the onsite lots. Additionally, offsite parking also offers a stress-free parking experience. Visit Global Airport Parking.com for the cheapest parking rates.
Transportation: Public transportation, cars, taxis, and rideshare services are available modes of transportation to and from CLT Airport.
Public Transportation
CATS Sprinter bus service runs between CLT and other parts of the city. For your convenience, the routes are color-coded. Green buses have services to the city and neighborhood. Red buses have express routes.
On weekdays, the bus is available every 20 minutes, and on weekends, every 30 minutes. Buses operate on holidays as per the weekend schedule. Please check the schedule beforehand.
Rideshare
App-based rides like Uber and Lyft are available at CLT Airport. A ride from the airport to downtown Charlotte will cost an average of about $22 in UberX and take about 20 minutes. The cost of each ride varies depending on the location, type of ride, and time.
Pick up & drop off location: Lower Level (Zone 4), on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level.
Taxi
CLT Airport’s authorized taxi companies are City Cab, Crown Cab, Green Cab, and Yellow Cab. A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Charlotte will cost about $32.
Pick up Location: Arrivals/Baggage Claim level Curbside.
Drop off Location: Departures/Ticketing Level (Upper Level) Curbside
Chartered Services
All chartered services, including limousines and shuttles, must be pre-booked.
Rental Cars
Rental Car Facility is on the Lobby of Level 2 at Hourly Deck. The car rental companies at CLT Airport are:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Sixt
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Hotels
Hilton Charlotte Uptown
📍222 E 3rd St, Charlotte, NC 28202
☎️ +1- 04-377-1500
Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Lake Pointe
📍4119 S Stream Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
☎️+1-704-357-8555
Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport / Billy Graham Parkway
📍2950 Oak Lake Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States
☎️+1-704-423-9931
Hampton Inn By Hilton & Suites Charlotte Airport Lake Pointe
📍2227 Cascade Pointe Boulevard, Charlotte, NC, 28208, United States
☎️+1-80 0040 2670
SpringHill Suites Charlotte Airport
📍3055 Scott Futrell Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
☎️+1- 704-405-6061
Aloft Charlotte Airport
📍33928 Memorial Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28217
☎️+1-980-279-5550
The Dunhill Hotel
📍237 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
☎️+ 704-332-4141
Aloft Charlotte Uptown at the EpiCentre
📍210 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
☎️+1- 704)-333-1999
AC Hotel Charlotte City Center
📍220 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
☎️+1-704-348-4002
A.C. Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne
📍14819 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277
☎️+1- 704-752-0013
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CLT Airport Lounges
| Lounges | Location |
| American Airlines Admirals Club | Concourse B, between Gates 3 & 5 |
| Concourse C, at the intersection of Concourse C and D | |
| American Express Centurion Lounge | Between Concourses D & E, Mezzanine level. |
| Delta Sky Club | Concourse A |
| The Club | Concourse A, near Gates A22 and A21 |
| Gameway | Concourse E, Gate 36. |
| Minute Suites | Concourse D, at D/E connectors, near Gate D1 |
| Atrium | |
| USO Lounge | Second floor, atrium. |
Charlotte Airport Food and Dining
Here is a list of Charlotte Airport Restaurants across the terminal.
| Restaurant | Location |
| Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar | Concourse C, Level 2, Departures |
| Beaudevin | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| Black n Blue Bar | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Brookwood Farms BBQ | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| Burger King | Concourse E, Level 1 • Departures |
| Atrium, Level 2, Departures | |
| Captain Jack’s Tavern | Concourse E, Level 1, Departures |
| Chick-fil-A | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| Cinnabon | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| Crown Diner | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Dunkin’ | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | Concourse E, Level 1, Departures |
| Hissho Sushi | Concourse C, Level 2, Departures |
| Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In | |
| Concourse D, Level 2, Departures | |
| La Madeleine | Concourse E, Level 1, Departures |
| Midwood Smokehouse | Concourse B, Level 2, Departures |
| NoDa Brewing Company | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Original Rum Bar and Grill | Concourse D, Level 2, Departures |
| Panda Express | Concourse E, Level 1, Departures |
| Panera Bread | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Papa John’s | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| Potbelly Sandwich Shop | Concourse D, Level 2, Departures |
| Queen Charlotte’s Kitchen | Main Terminal, Near Baggage Claim (Pre-Security) |
| Red Star Lounge | Concourse B, Level 2, Departures |
| Salsarita’s | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| Smashburger | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Stella | Concourse D, Level 2, Departures |
| Summer House | Concourse B, Level 2, Departures |
| Sycamore Brewing | Concourse E, Level 1, Departures |
| Tequileria | Atrium, Level 2, Departures / Check-In |
| The Taproom | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Triple C Brewing | Concourse D, Level 2, Departures |
| Uptown Minibar | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Wendy’s | Concourse A, Level 2, Departures |
| Whisky River | E Rotunda, Level 1, Departures |
| Wicked Weed Brewing | Near The Plaza, Level 2, Departures |
| Wow Bao | Concourse C, Level 2, Departures |
Charlotte Airport Amenities
- ATMs
- Canine Crew
- Chapel
- Currency Exchange
- Lounges
- Mother’s Room
- Pet Relief Areas
- Restaurants
- Sanitizer Stations
- Shops
- Volunteers
- WiFi & Charging
Charlotte Airport Art and Sculptures
CLT Airport houses an extensive collection of art and sculptures, which reflect the vibrant culture and history of the region. From the soaring bronze sculptures of local artists to the intricate mosaics on the walls, the airport’s art program offers a unique and stunning visual treat for travelers.
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Things to See Near CLT Airport
- Billy Graham Library: 📍4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
- Sullenberger Aviation Museum: 📍4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, NC 28208
- Exit Strategy – Escape Room: 📍4215 Stuart Andrew Blvd Ste B, Charlotte, NC 28217-1586
- U.S. National Whitewater Center: 📍5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214-8543
- The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten: 📍4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
- Blackstone Shooting Sports: 📍2001 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
- Muddy River Distillery: 📍250 N Main St, Mt Holly, NC 28120
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: 📍5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy D/E Concourse Connector, Charlotte, NC 28208-5750
- Charlotte Premium Outlets: 📍5404 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, NC 28278
- Topgolf Charlotte – Southwest: 📍8024 Savoy Corporate Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273
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CLT Airport Fun Areas for Kids
There’s a children’s play zone with a TV and movie lounge, video game console, and a library at the USO lounge on the second floor, main atrium.
Accessibility in Charlotte Airport
CLT Airport offers several accessible facilities to improve the travel experience. Those who need wheelchair assistance or any other special service must inform their airline at the time of booking. You can also request a wheelchair at the ticket counter.
All airport facilities, including restrooms, elevators, and ground transportation, are ADA-accessible.
The airport is also a part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which offers help for passengers with hidden disabilities like anxiety, PTSD, autism, or hearing loss. These passengers will be issued sunflower-branded lanyards or an I.D. card to identify them and get extra help while not drawing attention from other passengers.
Security at Charlotte International Airport
There are five security checkpoints, and you can use any of these checkpoints to access any concourse.
Standard Security
- Security Checkpoint 1: 3:30 am to 10:45 pm.
- Security Checkpoint C: 3:30 am to 3 pm
- Security Checkpoint E: 4:15 am to 9:15 pm
TSA PreCheck
Two PreCheck Lanes are available for eligible passengers at CLT Airport for expedited clearance
- Checkpoint 1: 3:30 am to 10:45 pm
- Checkpoint A: 3:30 am to 7:45 pm
- The TSA Enrolment Center is in the atrium Post Security.
Global Entry
Charlotte Airport participates in the Global Entry program, a program by CBP that speeds up the clearance of pre-approved passengers with low-risk profiles.
Conditionally approved passengers must make an appointment and attend an interview at the Global Entry Enrolment Center in the baggage claim area (Pre-Security) of the main terminal. The center is open from Monday to Friday between 1 pm and 8 pm.
Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) is available at Concourse D (Federal Inspection Area).
Mobile Passport
CLT Airport participates in the Mobile Passport Control Program (MPC), which allows travelers to submit their travel documents through a secure mobile phone app instead of paper form. The traveler must download the mobile passport app and set up the profile with the passport data.
CLEAR
CLEAR is not available at CLT Airport.
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Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at CLT
The Airport provides free Wi-Fi for all passengers. To use this service, select the network “CLT Free WiFI” and start browsing.
Charging stations are available in all concourses and near gates, and chairs with charging stations are available near the gates.
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How far is Carowinds from CLT Airport?
Carowinds is approximately 14.1 miles from Charlotte Airport and takes about 20 minutes. The easiest way to travel between places is by taxi, Lyft, or Uber. If you are taking public transportation, you can reach Carowinds by Line 60 bus, 501 tram, and Line 55 bus, which would take almost 2 hours, or Line 60, 12, and 55 bus, which would take about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Where is Charlotte Douglas International Airport?
CLT Airport is in Charlotte, North Carolina, about 6 miles from the city's central business district. It is located at 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208.
How early do you arrive for the international flight CLT?
You must arrive three hours before your international flight schedule.
How big is the CLT Airport?
CLT Airport covers about 5,558 acres and has three runways. The airport houses a single terminal with five concourses and 124 gates.
Does CLT Airport have a hotel attached?
No, there are no hotels attached to the airport. However, there are several hotels close to CLT Airport, including Hilton Charlotte Uptown, Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Lake Pointe, Aloft Charlotte Uptown, Hampton Inn By Hilton & Suites, and SpringHill Suites Charlotte Airport.
What does CLT stand for?
CLT is the IATA code for Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
How many airports does Charlotte have?
Charlotte Airport is the primary airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. There are several other small public or private airports.
Is CLT a large airport?
Yes, CLT is a large airport covering about 5,558 acres and has three runways. The airport houses a single terminal with five concourses and 124 gates
Is CLT Airport publicly or privately owned?
CLT Airport is publicly owned and is operated by the City of Charlotte, North Carolina.
