North Carolina has many airports. But, which is the largest and busiest among them? Of course, it is the CLT Airport. But, what airport is CLT, and where is it located?
Sprawling over 5,558 acres and located around six miles from Uptown Charlotte lies the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It is also known as CLT Airport after its IATA code.
This airport serves as the key airport for commercial and military use in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Currently, the airport is in the middle of an expansion of its terminal lobby at a budget of $608 million. The work will increase the capacity of the departures and arrivals area. This move is sure to bring more passenger traffic, and CLT Airport parking will get more difficult. So, how can you commute to this busy airport and get onsite parking? Read more to know about Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
What is CLT Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport had annual passenger traffic of around 46 million before the pandemic. The airport opened in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport. It was the world’s 18th busiest airport in 2020, with annual passenger traffic of around 27 million. CLT Airport serves as a fortress hub for American Airlines, which operates most international flights from the airport. The airport features a single terminal with five concourses and 115 gates. It is the highest number of gates for a single airport terminal building in the country. The airport also has an aviation museum called Carolinas Aviation Museum that features more than 50 aircraft.
Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Contact number: (704) 359 4013
How to get to CLT Airport
Public transportation services, taxi, rideshare services, and driving to the airport are the different modes by which you can reach Charlotte Airport. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus service is the only public transportation service you can use to reach CLT Airport. Driving can also be a good option since the airport is just around six miles from Uptown Charlotte. But, be always aware of the traffic congestion that can happen on the road to the airport.
Using the bus service
CATS operates the Sprinter buses that connect the city center to CLT Airport. You have to take the Route 5 bus (green and white) to travel from Uptown Charlotte to the airport. The Sprinter buses operate every 20 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and evenings. This service is the most economical way to reach the airport as a single trip will cost just $2.20. The traveling time is normally 25 minutes.
Taxi service
Hiring a taxi service will be a good option if you want to avoid driving to CLT Airport. It also removes the hassle of finding a parking spot. Some taxis charge you a flat rate while traveling from the city center to the airport, whereas some are metered. Usually, hiring a taxi from the city center to the airport costs you $25.
Rideshare services
Uber and Lyft are the main rideshare services that operate services to/from the airport. Hiring a Uber service can cost you anything between $12-67. Using a Lyft service to reach the airport from Uptown Charlotte will charge you $18-65. The fare depends on the ride type and the time of travel. Hiring an uberX or Lyft Personal ride costs you lower than the taxi rates. However, be aware that the fares can surge during peak hours or seasons. So, always ensure to check the fares properly before you book a rideshare service.
Tip: Many shuttle services connect the city center, hotels, and business districts to the CLT Airport. You can use this service by pre-booking. Most of the hotels near Charlotte Airport offer complimentary shuttle services. Visit the airport’s official website to know the recommended shuttle service providers.
Driving to Charlotte Airport
Normally, it takes around 10-20 minutes to reach the airport from the city center. However, it isn’t guaranteed as the driving time can go up if there’s heavy traffic congestion or you’re driving during peak hours or holidays. So, opt to drive to the airport only if you’re traveling with family, have a lot of luggage, or leaving the city for a few days. Also, ensure to find CLT Airport parking if you are returning after a few days. Getting a parking spot at one of the world’s busiest airports is never easy! So, plan about getting a CLT Airport parking spot when you book the flight ticket!
Getting a CLT Airport parking
Onsite parking at CLT Airport is available via five main parking areas – Hourly Deck, Daily Decks, Long Term Lot 1, Long Term Lot 2, and Express Deck. All these parking lots offer short-term and long-term CLT Airport parking 24/7 throughout the year. The parking spots are generally provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. The lots are well-lit and have regular security patrols.
Short term CLT Airport parking
The Hourly Deck features short-term parking spots at the airport. You can locate these spots at levels 4-7 of the deck. You can park in these spaces for free for the first 60 minutes. After that, parking will cost you $4. The parking rate increases by $4 every hour till it reaches the daily maximum rate of $24. The payment can be made via credit card only. The Hourly Deck features EV charging stations on levels 4-6. Connection to the terminal is via walkways from the Level 2 elevator lobbies.
Long term CLT parking
Daily Decks, Long Term Lot 1, and Long Term Lot 2 provide long-term CLT Airport parking. The Long Term lots provide long-term parking for $10/day, offering complimentary shuttle services. Using a long-term parking spot at the Daily Decks costs you $12/day. The lot also offers complimentary shuttle services. Long Term lots accept only payments via credit card.
Related: Charlotte Airport parking to cost more – What you need to know to know
Getting premium parking at CLT Airport
Do you wish to have hassle-free parking at Charlotte Airport? Then go for parking at Express Deck or use the Curbside Valet parking service. Parking at the Express Deck costs you $16 for a day. The lot offers shuttle services and also provides complimentary luggage assistance. EV charging stations are also available at the Express Deck. The Valet parking service is available from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Using this parking service costs you $35 for a day!
Is there free parking at CLT Airport?
Yes. The Hourly Deck lets you park for free for the first hour. Or you can use the Cell Phone Lot located on Josh Birmingham Parkway next to Long Term Lot 1 to get free CLT Airport parking. You cannot leave your vehicle unattended while using parking at Cell Phone Lot.
CLT Parking Rates
| Location | Time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Deck | First 15 minutes Per hour Daily maximum |
Free $6 $24 |
| Daily Decks | Per day | $12 |
| Long Term Lots 1 & 2 | Per day | $10 |
| Express Deck | Per day | $16 |
| Curbside Valet | Per day | $35 |
| Way uncovered parking | Per day | $5 |
Offsite parking near Charlotte Airport
Though the onsite lots feature ample parking spaces, these tend to fill up soon. So, it is always wise to check out the offsite garages and lots if you want to have secure and affordable parking near CLT Airport. Many of the offsite parking lots offer long-term parking starting as low as $3 for a day. What’s more? The parking comes with many amenities like complimentary shuttle services, 24-hour security, and more! Always use the Way.com app or visit the Way website to get affordable Charlotte Douglas International Airport parking!
| Hyatt House CLT Airport Parking | $5.00 per day | Book Now |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites CLT Airport Parking | $5.94 per day | Book Now |
| Hyatt Place CLT Airport Parking | $5.94 per day | Book Now |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Charlotte Airport Parking | $7.99 per day | Book Now |
Related: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Parking Guide
Tips on CLT Airport
- Charlotte Airport is located around six miles from the city center.
- The Sprinter bus by CATS provides the most economical option for traveling from the city center to the airport.
- Levels 4-7 of the Parking Deck features short-term parking spots.
- Long Term lots offer the most economical option for long-term parking.
- All onsite lots have accessible parking spaces.
Related: 10 Best Hotels Near Charlotte Airport
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