Charlotte Douglas International Airport [CLT]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major hub for American Airlines. The airport features a single terminal with 5 concourses (A to E), providing a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounges.
• The airport has 8 lounges, and Priority Pass members get 1 hour at Minute Suites and can access The Club CLT and Gameway.
• CLT has numerous airport hotels within a 4-mile radius, including DoubleTree by Hilton, La Quinta by Wyndham, and Radisson Hotel.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) served 53.6 million passengers in 2025. It’s the second-largest hub for American Airlines after Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), with the airline operating around 90% of flights in and out of CLT.

Considering the number of passengers CLT serves, it’s quite a compact airport and does not require traveling by train or shuttle between departure areas. All concourses are accessible by walking.

Quick Information

Airport: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Terminals: 1 Central Terminal and concourses A, B, C, D, and E
Airport Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208
Distance From Uptown Charlotte: 8 miles (13 kilometers)
Website: cltairport.com
Phone Number: 704-359-4013
Destinations Served: 179 nonstop destinations globally
Daily Flights: 1,424
Flight Information: Departure and arrival information can be viewed online.

Airlines Operating From CLT

Concourse A
Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Vacation Express, Viva Aerobus, Volaris

Concourse B
American Airlines

Concourse C
American Airlines

Concourse D
American Airlines, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa

Concourse E
American Airlines, Contour

CLT Airport Terminals

Charlotte Douglas International Airport consists of 1 main terminal and 5 concourses. The concourses are all past security and within walking distance of each other, so there is no need to take a train or shuttle bus to reach your gate.

A looping road system outside the main terminal connects the airport to the parking lots, car rental center, and the major highways and interstates leading to Charlotte and beyond.

Main Terminal

The main terminal is the central body of the airport and consists of 3 levels. Level 1 is baggage claim, with access to the car rental center and an hourly parking deck adjacent to the terminal.

Level 2 is check-in and ticketing with 3 security checkpoints leading through to the departure concourses. Level 3 is the mezzanine (inside the secure area), with a USO lounge and a chapel.

Concourse A

Concourse A has 32 gates, split across 3 areas. Gates A1 to A13 are closest to the main terminal, and gates A21 to A28 and A30 to A37 are farther north of the airport, accessible via a connector with moving walkways.

Security checkpoint 1 is closest to Concourse A on the west side of the terminal, and there is a good selection of shops and restaurants in the south concourse and the connector. The Club CLT Lounge is in the connector between gates A1 to A13 and A21 to A28, and a Delta Sky Club is on level 3 near gate A32.

Concourse B

Concourse B is in the southwest area of the airport and has 15 gates, numbered B1 to B15. The concourse has an American Airlines Admirals Lounge and a range of shops and restaurants.

Security checkpoint 1 is the closest to Concourse B. To reach Concourse A, take a left out of Concourse B. For the other concourses, take a right out of Concourse B.

Concourse C

Concourse C has 18 gates, numbered C2 to C11, C13 to C15, and C19, and is in the southeast area of the airport. Just outside the concourse is a large American Airlines Admirals Club in the D and E gate connector, and the closest security checkpoint is checkpoint 2.

There are several shops and restaurants in Concourse C, and flights are operated exclusively by American Airlines. To reach the D and E gates, take a right out of Concourse C, or to reach the A and B gates, take a left.

Concourse D

Concourse D is on the east side of the airport and is the main concourse for international flights. There are 13 gates, numbered D1 to D13, and the security checkpoint 3 is the closest, on the east side of the terminal.

To reach Concourse E, take a right out of Concourse D, or to reach the other concourses, continue straight along the moving walkways.

There are several shops and restaurants in Concourse D, with more in the D/E connector. An American Express Centurion Lounge is also in the Concourse D/E connector on level 3.

Concourse E

Concourse E consists of 46 gates, numbered E1 to E13, E14A to C, E15, E16, E16A and B, E18, and E20 to E45. There are several shops and restaurants in the central concourse area, with a few more scattered throughout the gates.

To access Concourse E, passengers need to take the escalator or elevator down to level 1 from the connector, where moving walkways are available. To reach Concourse D, take a left out of Concourse E. To reach the other concourses, take a right and walk along the connector.

Interterminal Transport

Charlotte Douglas is a fully connected airport, with all concourses accessible from the main terminal and from each other. The only way to get between concourses is to walk. There are no trains or electronic people movers.

It’s possible to walk between the 2 farthest gates in 15 minutes, and passengers with any mobility issues can request wheelchair assistance by contacting their airline.

Security and Customs at CLT

Any passengers arriving on international flights are required to clear customs at CLT, except for passengers from countries with preapproval.

CLT has 3 security checkpoints across the terminal, providing easy access to each concourse.

TSA PreCheck

CLT has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at checkpoint 2, available from 3:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. If you have been approved after the application process, you are eligible to use these lanes for expedited security clearance.

CLT does not have a PreCheck Enrollment Center. The closest is 3 miles away at 1620 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, available through Telos. Enrollment through Idemia and CLEAR+ is also off airport property. Check the locations here.

Global Entry

CLT participates in Global Entry, which provides expedited international clearance for preapproved, low-risk passengers.

Conditionally approved passengers must attend an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center to finalize their application. CLT’s enrollment center is in the baggage claim area of the main terminal and is open Monday to Friday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The airport also participates in Enrollment on Arrival at the Concourse D federal inspection area from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

CLT Airport Lounges

CLT has 8 lounges, of these, 4 allow passengers to purchase day passes regardless of the cabin they’re flying in. Passengers can also take advantage of Gameway or Minute Suites for preflight entertainment or relaxation.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip:

Avoid lounge entry fees by checking out our article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass members are entitled to use their pass for 1 hour at Minute Suites. Any additional time is charged at a reduced rate of $20 per 30 minutes.

Members also have access to The Club CLT and Gameway.

Hot Tip:

Thinking about becoming a Priority Pass member? Check out our dedicated Priority Pass article and the guide to the best credit cards for Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at CLT

CLT has over 70 restaurants, bars, cafes, and grab-and-go food outlets. Most are within the secure area, with just a few cafes outside of security in the baggage and ticketing areas.

If you know which concourse you are departing from, you can check what restaurants are nearby on the airport website.

CLT Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available at CLT in all public areas. To connect, select the network “CLT Free WiFi” and launch your browser.

Charging stations: These are in all concourses and some gate areas. Seating with charging stations is available at gates A1 to A39, B1 to B16, and C2 to C19.

CLT Airport Lost and Found

When you lose an item in CLT, the department you need to contact depends on where you lost the item:

• On an airplane or within the boarding area: Contact the relevant airline.
• In a restaurant or inside the food court: Contact HMSHost at Christopher.James@hmshost.com.
• In one of the retail stores: Contact Terry.Wimpy@Paradies-na.com
• At the security checkpoints and all other areas: Submit a claim online or visit the office in baggage claim zone 4, open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additional Airport Information

Information services: CLT has an information desk in the center of the ticketing area. There are also customer service volunteers throughout the airport, identifiable by their blue CLT shirts.

Travelers aid: There is no travelers aid center at CLT.

Children’s play areas: There are no play areas for children at CLT, but there are a few features that might keep the kids entertained, such as musical performances in the atrium and some exciting art and sculptures.

Hot Tip:

Explore the most kid-friendly U.S. airports to help you make informed decisions to experience stress-free travel.

Baby facilities: CLT has 4 nursing rooms:

• In the connector between gates A1 to A13 and A21 to A29
• Concourse A, near gate A32
• Near security checkpoint 3 (airside)
• Concourse E, between gates E32 and E36

Pet relief areas: Pet relief areas are inside and outside of security.

Inside security:

• In the connector between gates A1 to A13 and A21 to A29
• Near security checkpoint 3 (airside)
• Concourse E, near gate E36

Outside Security:

• In baggage claim, behind carousels 3 and 7
• Curbside, outside zone 1 of baggage claim

Duty-free: Duty-free shopping is available in Concourse D, near gate D4

Smoking areas: Smoking is not permitted inside the airport. Designated smoking areas can be found outside of the terminal at the far west end on the departures level and near doors A and D on the arrivals level.

Interesting features: The CLT Canine Crew is a team of service dogs that roam the airport seeking love and attention. You can see them sporting a “Pet Me” vest with a handler.

Prayer: CLT has an airport chapel on the mezzanine in the main terminal.

Money: ATMs can be found in the following locations:

Inside Security

• Atrium near Hissho Sushi
• Near gates A1, B7, C9, and D6
• D/E connector near the American Airlines Admirals Club
• Concourse E rotunda

Outside Security

• Baggage claim level
• In the Express Deck Preferred lot

Currency exchange is available in the atrium near Hissho Sushi and in Concourse D, near gate D1.

Luggage: CLT has no luggage storage facilities inside the airport.

Important CLT Phone Numbers

General inquiries: 704-359-4027

Paging: 704-359-4013

Parking: 704-359-4038

Lost and found office: 704-359-8765

Travel to and From CLT

Transportation

• Bus: The CATS Sprinter bus runs between the airport and Uptown Charlotte. Buses operate roughly every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes to 1 hour during evenings and weekends, with a single trip costing $2.20.
• Shuttle or limousine: These are only available by arrangement, and the airport recommends these providers.
• Taxi: Taxis are available from the arrivals level curbside, where an attendant can assist from 6:45 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. Some taxis offer flat rates from $25 to $32 to Uptown Charlotte, whereas others are metered.
• Ride-sharing services: Approved ride-sharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in zones 1 to 3 on the departures level.

Directions by Car to CLT

Arriving From Uptown Charlotte

Take U.S.-74 W from Charlotte, and after approximately 4 1/2 miles, use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N. Josh Birmingham Parkway for access to the airport.

Arriving From the South

Take I-77 N and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 1A-B for I-485 toward Pineville/Huntersville. Keep left at the fork to continue on exit Goode Freeway following signs for I-485 Inner N./Huntersville and merge onto I-485. Take exit 9 to merge onto U.S.-29 N/U.S.-74 E/Wilkinson Blvd. and then take a sharp right onto N. Josh Birmingham Parkway.

Arriving From the West

Follow I-85 N to Little Rock Road in Charlotte. Take exit 32 from I-85 N to merge onto Little Road Road and continue onto N. Josh Birmingham Parkway.

CLT Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers 6 on-site parking sites for passengers, with facilities designed for both short-term and long-term stays.

Short-Term Parking

The hourly parking deck is just across from the main terminal and connected by walkways on the lower level, ground level, and the level 3 bridge. This is in the same building as the car rental center, with hourly parking available on levels 4 to 7. The first 15 minutes are free, with each hour costing $8, up to a daily maximum of $35. 

There are 3 daily parking lots — east, west, and north — a little farther from the terminal. Passengers can ride the courtesy shuttle bus between the terminal and these parking lots. The daily east and west lots charge a maximum fee of $28 per day, while the daily north lot charges $18 per day.

Long-Term Parking

There are 2 long-term lots at CLT at the north end of the airport that offer the most competitively priced parking. The long-term 1 and long-term 2 parking lots are accessible by riding the courtesy shuttle bus to and from the terminal and cost $14 per day to park.

Express Deck Preferred

Express Deck Preferred is a premium parking structure offering online reservations and valet service at a remote parking lot. Shuttle transfers transport passengers to and from the parking lot at 5625 Wilkinson Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208. The lot has a daily maximum rate of $24.

Curbside Valet

If you’re in a rush or are just looking for the most convenient parking, then a curbside valet service is available on level 1 of the hourly deck. Valet parking is available daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and costs $50 per day.

Pickup and Drop-Off Parking

Passengers can be picked up and dropped off on either the departure or arrival levels, but waiting is not permitted. To accompany a passenger into the terminal or meet them on arrival, visitors can park for up to 15 minutes free of charge in the hourly parking deck.

Alternatively, when picking up passengers, visitors can park for free in the cell phone waiting lot, north of long-term lot 1.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Daily parking is reasonably priced at CLT, but if you’re looking for the cheapest available or to combine your parking with a hotel stay, be sure to check availability at hotels and off-site parking lots.

If you book with airportparkingreservations.com, parking starts at just $9 per day, and all hotels and off-site parking lots offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers is available in all parking lots, and shuttle buses are accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility concerns. Assistance can be requested by calling 704-359-4038 or by pushing the info button on the blue call boxes throughout every parking lot.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 704-359-4038

Assistance request for disabled passengers when parking: 704-359-4038

Car Rental at CLT Airport

The rental car facility is outside the terminal on level 2 of the hourly deck. The following rental car companies operate at CLT:

• Alamo: 877-222-9075
• Avis: 800-633-3469
• Budget: 800-218-7992
• Dollar: 800-800-4000
• Enterprise: 800-261-7331
• Hertz: 800-654-3131
• National: 877-222-9058
• SIXT: 888-749-8227

Hot Tip:

Check out credit cards that offer car rental insurance so you can save money on expensive rental provider insurance.

CLT Airport Hotels

CLT has several hotels from 1.6 miles away and farther. Accommodations are rated from 2 to 4 stars, and most hotels offer a courtesy shuttle service to and from the airport.

We’ve listed hotels below that are 1.6 to 4 miles from the airport by distance.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport Tyvola Road is a modern hotel minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It offers spacious rooms with separate living areas, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, meeting spaces, and a free airport shuttle, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Award nights start at 5,000 World Hyatt points per night.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte is not only close to the airport but also to other area attractions, such as Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Discovery Place Science, and SouthPark Mall. Each guest suite is quite large and comfortable, and amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, free breakfast, free self-parking, and an airport shuttle service. Award nights start at 48,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel offers guests access to an indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, restaurant, bar, and a complimentary shuttle to the airport. Free tea and coffee are available in the lobby, and there’s an on-site convenience store. Award nights for Marriott Bonvoy members start at 29,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Final Thoughts

Charlotte Douglas International Airport continues to evolve into a more efficient and passenger-friendly hub. Recent redevelopment projects, including the $608 million terminal lobby expansion, have added significant space, upgraded the security checkpoints, and improved passenger flow. These upgrades enhance passenger comfort, reduce congestion, and ensure the airport is well prepared for future growth.