Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the primary airport serving Charlotte, North Carolina, and the broader Carolina Piedmont region. As American Airlines' second-largest hub (after DFW), CLT handles over 50 million passengers annually and serves as a major connecting point for flights across the eastern United States.

The airport has a single terminal building with five concourses (A, B, C, D, and E) arranged in a compact, linear layout:

• Concourse A: American Airlines regional operations, American Eagle
• Concourse B: American Airlines domestic, regional carriers
• Concourse C: American Airlines domestic hub operations
• Concourse D: American Airlines domestic and select international
• Concourse E: American Airlines international, partner airlines (British Airways, Lufthansa, etc.)

All concourses are connected airside with no need to exit security for connections. The airport is known for its signature wooden rocking chairs placed throughout the terminal and concourses, providing a distinctly Southern welcome.

CLT is located approximately 7 miles west of Uptown Charlotte. Travel times depend on traffic:

• Uptown Charlotte: 15-25 minutes
• South End/Dilworth: 15-25 minutes
• University City: 25-40 minutes
• Lake Norman area: 35-50 minutes

The LYNX Blue Line light rail provides a direct, traffic-free connection to Uptown Charlotte and is the most reliable option for reaching downtown.

Uber and Lyft are readily available at CLT. The designated pickup area is on the Ground Transportation level, one floor below baggage claim.

How to get picked up:

1. After collecting bags, follow signs to "Ground Transportation"
2. Take the escalator or elevator down one level
3. Exit through the doors to the rideshare pickup lanes
4. Request your ride from the designated zone

Typical fares:

• Uptown Charlotte: $20-30
• South End: $18-28
• University City: $30-45
• Lake Norman: $50-70

Wait times average 5-10 minutes but can increase during morning and evening rush hours.

Taxis are available at the same Ground Transportation level. Fares are metered:

• Uptown Charlotte: $25-35 (metered)
• Flat-rate zones are not available; all rides are metered plus a $2 airport fee

LYNX Blue Line

The LYNX Blue Line light rail connects CLT directly to Uptown Charlotte and points south.

Station location: CLT station is a short walk from the terminal via a covered walkway. Follow signs to "Light Rail" from baggage claim.

Fare: $2.40 one-way. Purchase tickets at vending machines on the platform or use the CATS-Pass mobile app.

Schedule:

• First train from airport: ~5:15 AM (weekdays), ~6:15 AM (weekends)
• Last train from airport: ~1:00 AM (weekdays), ~12:00 AM (weekends)
• Frequency: Every 10 minutes (peak), 15 minutes (midday), 20 minutes (evenings)

To Uptown Charlotte:

1. Follow signs from baggage claim to the LYNX station (5-minute walk)
2. Purchase a ticket at the platform vending machine
3. Board any Blue Line train toward "UNC Charlotte Main"
4. Exit at 7th Street Station or Charlotte Transportation Center
5. Travel time: 18-22 minutes
6. Total cost: $2.40

Key stations and travel times from airport:

• Scaleybark: 10 min
• New Bern: 14 min
• Carson (South End): 16 min
• 7th Street (Uptown): 20 min
• Charlotte Transportation Center: 22 min

The Blue Line continues through Uptown to the University City area (NoDa, UNC Charlotte) if heading that direction.

Sprinter Bus Route 5

For destinations not on the Blue Line, the Sprinter Route 5 bus connects the airport to Uptown Charlotte.

• Fare: $2.40 one-way
• Travel time: 25-35 minutes to Uptown (traffic dependent)
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

The LYNX Blue Line is faster and more reliable for Uptown destinations.

CLT offers multiple parking options with varying proximity and price:

Parking Type	Daily Rate	Location	Notes
Hourly Deck	$36/day	Adjacent to terminal	Closest option, covered
Daily Deck (North)	$18/day	Short walk to terminal	Covered parking
Daily Deck (West)	$18/day	Short walk to terminal	Covered parking
Daily Lot	$12/day	Shuttle required	Economy option
Long Term Lot	$9/day	Shuttle required	Best for extended trips

Tips:

• Pre-book online at cltairport.com for guaranteed space and potential discounts
• The Hourly Deck is ideal for quick pickups; avoid it for trips over a day
• Long Term Lot shuttles run every 10-15 minutes, 24/7
• Cell phone lot is free for waiting to pick up arriving passengers
• EV charging stations available in Hourly Deck

Off-airport parking: Several third-party lots near the airport offer rates from $6-10/day with free shuttle service. Book in advance for best availability.

CLT has expanded its dining options significantly, with over 80 restaurants and food outlets across all concourses.

Concourse A:

• Bojangles' - Southern fried chicken and biscuits (local favorite)
• Bad Daddy's Burger Bar - craft burgers
• Great American Bagel

Concourse B:

• Queen City Q - Charlotte-style BBQ
• Fresh and Local - healthy options and grab-and-go
• Starbucks, Dunkin'

Concourse C:

• Brookwood Farms BBQ - pulled pork, ribs
• Chick-fil-A - popular, often has lines
• Varasano's Pizzeria - Neapolitan pizza

Concourse D:

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza - local craft pizza chain
• 1897 Market - grab-and-go salads and sandwiches
• Salsarita's - Tex-Mex

Concourse E:

• Carolina Pit BBQ - traditional Carolina BBQ
• Your Way Cafe - customizable bowls and plates
• Vino Volo - wine bar with small plates

Late night: Options become limited after 9 PM. Look for 24-hour vending areas and grab-and-go options that stay stocked.

Tip: Bojangles' and the BBQ spots offer distinctly Southern flavors you won't find at most airports.

Free WiFi is available throughout CLT.

Network name: CLTAirport Free WiFi

Quality: Adequate for browsing, email, and light streaming. Speeds can vary during peak hours. The airport upgraded its WiFi infrastructure in recent years.

To connect:

1. Select "CLTAirport Free WiFi" from available networks
2. Open your browser to accept terms
3. No registration or payment required

For faster, more reliable connections, use airline lounges or pay for premium tiers if available.

SIM cards and mobile accessories are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Concourses B and D) - prepaid SIM cards, chargers, headphones
• Hudson News locations - limited selection of prepaid phones
• Tech on the Go (Concourse E) - electronics and travel tech

Major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) offer prepaid tourist SIM packages starting around $30-50 for 30 days with data.

Alternative: eSIM activation through carrier apps (T-Mobile, AT&T) works for compatible phones without visiting a store.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal and all concourses:

• Main terminal near ticketing (Bank of America)
• Each concourse has at least 1-2 ATMs near food courts
• Concourse E near international arrivals

Out-of-network fees typically run $3-5 per transaction.

Currency Exchange: Travelex operates a currency exchange location in Concourse E (international arrivals area). Airport exchange rates include significant markups; using a no-foreign-fee debit card or services like Wise is more economical.

Duty-Free: Available in Concourse E for international departures. Selection includes spirits, fragrances, cosmetics, and luxury goods.

Throughout Concourses:

• Hudson News - books, magazines, snacks, travel essentials (all concourses)
• InMotion - electronics, headphones, chargers
• Johnston & Murphy - business attire and accessories
• Carolina Pride - local products, Panthers and Hornets gear
• Coach - leather goods (Concourse D)
• Swarovski - jewelry (Concourse D)

Concourse D has the best variety of retail shops. For local Charlotte souvenirs and Carolina-themed items, look for the Carolina Pride stores.

CLT's lounge options are focused on American Airlines, with limited Priority Pass availability.

American Airlines Admirals Club

American operates two Admirals Clubs at CLT:

Location	Gates	Hours
Concourse B	Near gate B6	5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Concourse C	Near gate C8	5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Access: Admirals Club membership, Citi AAdvantage Executive card, AAdvantage Executive Platinum/Platinum Pro status, oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, or day pass ($79).

Note: Priority Pass does not provide access to Admirals Clubs.

Priority Pass Options

The Club CLT (Concourse D)

• Location: Near gate D1
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or day pass (~$45)
• Amenities: Snacks, beer and wine, WiFi, seating

Minute Suites (Concourse E)

• Location: Near gate E6
• Access: Priority Pass (first hour free), or pay-per-use
• Amenities: Private rest pods with daybed, TV, workstation

Credit Card Lounges

There is no Amex Centurion Lounge or Capital One Lounge at CLT currently. Credit card holders may access The Club CLT through Priority Pass benefits on cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum.

At the Airport:

There is no hotel inside the CLT terminal. However, several options are within minutes:

Adjacent to Airport:

• Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel: Connected via complimentary shuttle, 24-hour service. Modern suites with separate living areas. ~$150-200/night.

• Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Airport: Shuttle service, reliable mid-range option. ~$120-160/night.

Near Airport with Shuttle:

• Hilton Charlotte Airport: Full-service hotel, complimentary shuttle
• Embassy Suites Charlotte Airport: All-suite, complimentary breakfast and evening reception
• Hyatt House Charlotte Airport: Extended stay option with kitchens
• Hampton Inn Charlotte Airport: Budget-friendly, reliable shuttle
• La Quinta Charlotte Airport: Budget option with free shuttle

Most airport hotels are located along Little Rock Road and offer 24-hour complimentary shuttle service. Call the hotel for shuttle pickup from the Ground Transportation level.

Charlotte offers a growing urban scene with Southern hospitality:

Uptown (20 min via LYNX)

• NASCAR Hall of Fame: Interactive museum for racing fans. Adults ~$25
• Spectrum Center: Home of the Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
• Bank of America Stadium: Home of the Carolina Panthers (NFL)
• Levine Museum of the New South: Regional history

South End (16 min via LYNX)

• Charlotte's trendiest neighborhood
• Breweries: Wooden Robot, Triple C, Sycamore
• Street art and murals along the Rail Trail
• Restaurants and rooftop bars

NoDa - North Davidson (25 min via LYNX)

• Arts district with galleries and live music
• Local coffee shops and craft breweries
• Bohemian vibe with colorful murals

Beyond Downtown:

• U.S. National Whitewater Center (20 min drive): Outdoor recreation, rafting, zip lines
• Lake Norman (35-45 min drive): Boating, waterfront dining
• Carowinds (15 min drive): Theme park on the NC/SC border

Getting around: The LYNX Blue Line covers Uptown and South End well. For areas beyond the rail line (NoDa arts district, Lake Norman), rideshare or rental car is recommended. Charlotte is a car-friendly city with relatively easy parking compared to larger metros.

Regional connections: CLT is within driving distance of several destinations:

• Asheville: 2 hours west, mountain city with craft breweries and Biltmore Estate
• Charleston: 3 hours south, historic coastal city
• Raleigh/Durham: 2.5 hours east, Research Triangle area