Airport Guide to Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

An astonishingly busy hub, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) provides connections to more than 155 US and international destinations. A modern, safe, convenient place to transit through, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport earns rave reviews from all travellers who pass through its gates.

Located just 11km (7 miles) from the city centre, there are plenty of easy options available to travellers looking to get from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport into town.

Flights to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport are provided by a plethora of airlines (most of them American), and it is currently US Airways’ most important hub. The airport’s geographical location makes it an obvious stopover choice for those looking to travel within the United States; this is confirmed by the fact that last year, Charlotte-Douglas Airport was the 25th busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic.

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Terminal Transfer

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport consists of one massive terminal building and five concourses (A-E). Moving walkways connect all five concourses to the main terminal area.

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Getting into Town

Airport taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal building, on the baggage claim level (conveniently enough). There is an attendant on duty from 6:45am to 12:15am. The fare (for up to two passengers) is worked out on the meter – and should come to about $25 for the 20-minute trip into downtown Charlotte.

Bus: The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates a public bus service (Bus No. 5) between Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and the downtown area (terminating at the Charlotte Transport Centre). The buses leave from outside the terminal building, running every 20 or 30 minutes, from 5:50am to midnight (Monday to Saturday), and from 6am to 1am (on Sundays). The trip will cost $1.75 one way, and should take about 25 minutes.

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Car Parking

There are more than 23,000 on-site parking spaces at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport; yet passengers are warned to allow plenty of time to park their cars, as the carp parks can get very busy during the week. They are divided into 8 categories: Hourly, Daily, Remote, Long-Term, Curbside Valet, Business Valet, T-Mobile Cell Phone Lot and Overflow (all of which, barring Remote, feature full disabled access).

The Hourly parking lot is free for the first 30 minutes, and then costs $1 for every subsequent 30 minutes, with a maximum daily charge of $16. Daily and Remote parking is cheap, costing $1 per hour and $6 per day. Long-Term parking costs $4 per day. The Business and Curbside Valet parking options are expensive, costing $4 for the first 30 minutes, and then $1 for each subsequent 30 minutes. The Overflow parking lot opens only when all other parking lots are full, and charges a flat fee of $10. A free 24-hour shuttle service connects all parking lots with the main terminal building. You may leave your vehicle at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport for a maximum of 30 days without making special arrangements. Contact the airport’s parking department if you want to park for longer than this.

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Information Desks

A comprehensive Information Desk is located in the centre section of the main terminal building, adjacent to the US Airways offices.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There are ATMs located all over the main terminal building. In the East and Centre sections of the terminal, there are branches of First Citizens Bank, offering currency exchange services. There are a host of outlets offering postal and shipping services.

Luggage: There is a lost and found office in the baggage reclaim area, and luggage trolleys are freely available to rent ($2).

Conference and business: There’s a Business Centre located in Concourse C of the main terminal building, providing high-speed Internet, computers, photocopying, fax and conferencing facilities.

Other facilities: Other facilities at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport include baby-changing rooms, comprehensive medical facilities, a pharmacy, chapel, shoeshine service, and full access and facilities for disabled passengers.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is available in the main terminal building, provided free of charge.

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