Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) served 46.4 million passengers in 2018 and has seen growth consecutively for several years now, indicating that operations are only going to get busier.
It’s the second-largest hub for American Airlines after Dallas-Fort Worth with the airline occupying 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 the need to travel by train or shuttle in 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 km)
Website: cltairport.com
Phone Number: 704-359-4013
Destinations Served: 175 non-stop destinations globally
Daily Flights: 1,400
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport layout. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportAirlines Operating from CLT
Concourse A
Air Canada, Contour, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Swiftair, United Airlines, Via Airlines
Concourse B
American Airlines
Concourse C
American Airlines
Concourse D
American Airlines, Lufthansa
Concourse E
American Airlines
CLT Airport Terminals
Charlotte Douglas International Airport map. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportCharlotte Douglas International Airport consists of 1 main terminal and 6 concourses. The concourses are all inside the secure area and are walkable from each other, so there is no need to take a train or shuttle bus to get around.
A looping road system (outside of 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 tunnel access to the car rental center and hourly parking deck adjacent to the terminal.
Level 2 is check-in and ticketing with 5 security checkpoints leading through to the departure concourses. Level 3 is the mezzanine level with a USO lounge, chapel, and nursing room.
Concourse A
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Concourse A. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportConcourse A has a total of 21 gates split across 2 areas. Gates A1-A12 are closest to the main terminal and gates A21-A29 are further north of the airport accessible via a connector with moving walkways.
Security checkpoint A is the closest to Concourse A on the west side of the terminal and there is a good selection of shops and restaurants in the north and south concourses, as well as in the connector.
Concourse B
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Concourse B. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportConcourse B is located in the southwest area of the airport and has 16 gates numbered B1-B16. The concourse has an American Airlines Admirals Lounge and a range of shops and restaurants.
Security checkpoints A and B are the closest to Concourse B. To reach Concourse A, take a left out of Concourse B, or for the other concourses, take a right out of Concourse B.
Concourse C
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Concourse C. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportConcourse C has 18 gates numbered C2-C19 and is located in the southeast area of the airport. Just outside of the concourse is a large American Airlines Admirals Club that is situated in the D and E gate connector, and the closest security checkpoint is checkpoint C.
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
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Concourse D. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportConcourse D is located on the east side of the airport and is the main concourse for international flights. There are 13 gates numbered D1-D13, and the closest security checkpoints are D and E 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 situated in the D/E connector. A Centurion Lounge is also located in the Concourse D/E connector on the mezzanine level.
Concourse E
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Concourse E. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportConcourse E consists of 37 gates numbered E1-E36, and E38 and is situated on the east side of the airport.
To access Concourse E, passengers need to take the escalator/elevator down to level 1 from the connector where there are moving walkways within the different sections. To reach Concourse D, take a left out of Concourse E, or to reach the other concourses take a right and walk along the connector.
Inter-Terminal Transport
Charlotte Douglas is a relatively small airport with all concourses accessible from the main terminal and 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 furthest gates within 15 minutes, and for passengers with any mobility issues, wheelchair assistance can be provided by contacting your airline.
Security and Customs at CLT
Any passengers arriving on international flights will be required to clear customs at CLT, excluding any countries with pre-approval.
CLT has 5 security checkpoints situated across the terminal, providing easy access to each concourse.
| Checkpoint | Opening hours |
| Checkpoint A | 4 a.m. – 8:15 p.m. |
| Checkpoint B | 4 a.m. – 8:15 p.m. |
| Checkpoint C | 5 a.m. – 9:15 p.m. |
| Checkpoint D | 4 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. |
| Checkpoint E | 6 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. |
TSA PreCheck
CLT has 2 dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes — 1 at checkpoint B and 1 at checkpoint D. If you have been approved following the application process, then you are eligible to use these lanes for expedited clearance.
CLT has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in the atrium after security and applicants can visit here for an enrollment interview. You’re able to use any TSA PreCheck lanes at any U.S. airport once your application has been approved and you have received your Known Traveler Number.
Global Entry
CLT participates in Global Entry for expedited international clearance of pre-approved, low-risk passengers.
Conditionally approved passengers are required to attend an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center to finalize their application. CLT’s Enrollment Center is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.). The airport also participates in Enrollment on Arrival between the hours of 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Concourse D Federal Inspection Area.
CLT Airport Lounges
CLT has 5 lounges — 2 American Airlines Admirals Clubs, a Centurion Lounge, a Minute Suites, and a USO lounge for active military. Day passes can be purchased for the American Airlines lounges and hourly passes for Minutes Suites.
| Lounge | Location | Opening Hours* | Day Pass Fee Per Person** |
| American Admirals Club | Concourse B, near gate B3 | Daily: 4:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | $59 |
| Concourse C/D connector | Daily: 4:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. |
| Centurion Lounge | Concourse D/E connector, mezzanine | Daily: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | N/A |
| Minute Suites | Main terminal, atrium | Daily: 24 hours | $46 (per hour) |
| USO lounge (active military) | Main terminal, atrium | Daily: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. | N/A |
*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 complimentary lounge access.
Priority Pass Access
Priority Pass members are entitled to use their pass for 1 hour at Minute Suites. Any additional time will be charged at a reduced rate of $28 per hour.
Hot Tip: To become a member, check out our dedicated Priority Pass article and the best credit cards for free Priority Pass access.
Airport Dining and Drinks at CLT
CLT has 70 restaurants, bars, cafes, and grab-and-go food outlets. Most are located within the secure area, with just a few cafes located outside of security in the baggage and ticketing areas.
If you know what concourse you’re departing from, you can check available restaurants nearby on the airport website.
CLT Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Free Wi-Fi is available at CLT for passengers to use in all public areas. To connect, select the network “CLT Free WiFi” and launch your browser.
Charging Stations: These can be found in all concourses and some gate areas. Seating with charging stations can be found at gates A21-A29 and throughout Concourse B.
CLT Airport Lost and Found
When you lose an item in CLT, the department you need to contact will depend on where you lost the item:
- On an airplane or within the boarding area: contact the relevant airline.
- At the security checkpoints: contact TSA Lost and Found at 704-916-2200.
- In a restaurant or inside the food court: contact HMSHost at 704-359-4997.
- In a shop: contact the Paradies Shops at 704-359-1890
- In all other areas: contact CLT Airport Lost and Found at 704-359-8765 or visit the office in baggage claim zone B, open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Additional Airport Information
Information Services: CLT has information desks in the center of the ticketing area and baggage claim. There are also customer service volunteers throughout the airport that can be easily identified by their bright yellow shirts.
Travelers Aid: There is no Travelers Aid center at CLT, however, there is a Community Link center located in Charlotte at 601 E. 5th St., Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Children’s Play Areas: There are no play areas for children at CLT, however, there are a few features that might keep the kids entertained such as musical performances in the atrium and some exciting art and sculptures.
Baby Facilities: CLT has 2 nursing rooms located on the upper level of the atrium near the chapel and in the Concourse A connector.
Pet Relief Areas: Pet relief areas are located inside and outside of security:
Inside security:
- Near checkpoint A on the A/B connector
- One the Concourse A connector
- Concourse D near the Original Rum Bar and Grill
Outside security:
- East and west ends of the terminal outside of baggage claim
Duty-free: Duty-free shopping can be found in the international concourse, Concourse D.
Smoking Areas: Smoking is not permitted inside the airport anywhere. 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 consists of a team of service dogs that roam the airport looking for love and attention! You’ll see them sporting a “Pet Me” vest with a handler.
Prayer: CLT has an airport chapel located on the mezzanine level in the main terminal.
Money: ATMs are located:
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:
- Departures level near checkpoint A
- Arrivals level near the visitor info desk
- Business valet parking deck
Luggage: CLT has no luggage storage facilities inside the airport.
Important CLT Phone Numbers
General inquiries: 704-359-4000
Parking: 704-359-4038
Lost and found office: 704-359-8765
Travel To and From CLT
Transport Options
- Bus: The Sprinter bus operated by CATS runs between the airport and Uptown Charlotte. Buses operate every 20 minutes weekdays and every 30 minutes evenings and weekends with a single trip costing $2.20.
- Shuttle or limousine: These are only available by pre-arrangement and the airport recommends these providers.
- Taxi: Taxis are available from the arrivals level curbside where an attendant is there to assist from 6:45 a.m. – 12:15 a.m. Some taxis will offer a flat rate of $25 to the city center, whereas others are metered.
- Ride Services: Approved ride service companies such as Uber and Lyft operate from the arrivals level outside zone D.
Directions By Car to CLT
Arriving From Uptown Charlotte
Take US-74 W from Charlotte and after approximately 4.5 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 towards 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 US-29 N/US-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
Charlotte Douglas International Airport parking. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International AirportOfficial Airport Parking
CLT has 6 on-site parking options for passengers suitable for short- and long-term parking.
Short-Term Parking
The hourly parking deck is located just across from the main terminal and is connected by walkways to/from level 2. This is in the same building as the car rental center with hourly parking available on levels 4-7. The first hour is free, and each additional 30 minutes is $1 up to a daily maximum of $20.
There are 3 daily parking lots – east, west, and north – located a little further from the terminal. Passengers can ride the courtesy shuttle bus between the terminal and these parking lots. The east and west parking decks (covered parking) charge a flat fee of $10 per day to park, while the daily north lot (uncovered parking) costs $8 per day.
Long-Term Parking
There are 2 long-term lots at CLT at the north end of the airport that offers the most competitively priced parking. The long-term 1 and long-term 2 parking lots are accessible by riding the courtesy shuttle bus to/from the terminal and cost just $7 per day to park.
Curbside Valet
If you’re in a rush or are just looking for the most convenient option, then a curbside valet service is available at the far east end of the departures level. Valet parking is available daily from 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and costs $35 per day.
Pick-Up or 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 to meet them on arrival, visitors can park for up to 1 hour free in the hourly parking deck.
Alternatively, when picking up passengers, visitors can park for free in 1 of the 2 cell phone waiting lots until the passenger calls for pick-up.
Off-Site and Hotel Parking
Daily parking is reasonably priced at CLT, but if you’re looking for the cheapest option available, or to combine your parking with a hotel stay, then be sure to check availability at hotels and off-site parking lots.
If you book with airportparkingreservations.com, parking is from just $5.95 per day with all hotels and off-site parking lots offering free shuttle services to/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 or those with mobility concerns. Assistance can be requested by calling 704-359-4038.
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 located outside the terminal on level 2 of the hourly deck. The following rental car companies operate at CLT:
Hot Tip: Check out which credit cards include car rental insurance so you can save money on expensive insurance through the rental provider.
CLT Airport Hotels
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Douglas Airport. Image Credit: HiltonCLT has a good selection of hotels situated from 1.6 miles away. Accommodation ranges from 0.5-4 stars, depending on your budget, and most hotels offer a courtesy shuttle service to and from the airport.
We’ve listed hotels below that are 1.6-4 miles from the airport, ordered by distance.
CLT Airport Hotels
| Hotel | Address and Phone Number | Star Rating | Distance From the Airport (Miles) |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Airport | 4240 Scott Futrell Dr., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-398-2940 | 3 | 1.6 |
| Courtyard Charlotte Airport North | 2700 Little Rock Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-319-9900 | 3 | 1.7 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte-Airport | 2731 Little Rock Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-394-6455 | 3 | 1.7 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport | 2400 Cascade Pointe Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-790-7000 | 3 | 1.8 |
| Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport | 2707 Little Rock Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-394-4301 | 3 | 1.8 |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte Airport | 2600 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-357-9100 | 3 | 1.9 |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Airport | 2770 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-357-0500 | 2 | 1.9 |
| Comfort Suites Airport Charlotte | 3425 Mulberry Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-971-4400 | 3 | 2 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Charlotte Airport North | 2625 Little Rock Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-236-0297 | 2 | 2 |
| Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport Tyvola Road | 2950 Oak Lake Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-423-9931 | 3 | 2 |
| Royal Inn and Suites Charlotte Airport | 3433 Axar Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-394-1819 | 2 | 2 |
| Sheraton Charlotte Airport | 3315 Scott Futrell Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-392-1200 | 4 | 2 |
| Wingate by Wyndham Charlotte Airport | 4238 Business Center Dr., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-395-3600 | 2 | 2 |
| Baymont by Wyndham Charlotte-Airport Coliseum | 2541 Little Rock Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-394-2000 | 2 | 2.1 |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charlotte I-85 Airport, NC | 2541 Little Rock Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-394-2000 | 2 | 2.1 |
| Econo Lodge Charlotte Airport | 3415 Queen City Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-392-0600 | 2 | 2.2 |
| La Quinta by Wyndham Charlotte Airport North | 3127 Sloan Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-392-1600 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Microtel Inn by Wyndham Charlotte Airport | 3412 Queen City Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-412-4630 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Motel 6 Charlotte – Airport | 3300 Queen City Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-392-2316 | 2 | 2.2 |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte Airport | 3055 Scott Futrell Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-405-6061 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Super 8, near Charlotte Douglas International Airport | 3200 Queen City Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-398-3144 | 2 | 2.3 |
| Quality Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport | 3100 Queen City Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 980-500-3895 | 2 | 2.3 |
| Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel | 2800 Coliseum Centre Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-357-1414 | 4 | 2.4 |
| Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Lake Pointe | 4119 S. Stream Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-357-8555 | 3 | 2.6 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Airport | 2220 W. Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 980-265-5557 | 3 | 2.8 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Airport | 2220 W. Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 980-265-5544 | 3 | 2.8 |
| Extended Stay America – Charlotte – Airport | 710 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-676-0083 | 2 | 3.7 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte Airport | 108 Airport Commons Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-900-8100 | 3 | 3.7 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Steele Creek | 5110 Trojan Dr., Charlotte, NC 28278 704-264-2000 | 3 | 3.7 |
| Sleep Inn Airport – Billy Graham Parkway | 01 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-525-5005 | 2 | 3.7 |
| Embassy Suites Charlotte | 4800 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-527-8400 | 3 | 3.8 |
| Hyatt House – Charlotte Airport | 4920 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-525-2600 | 3 | 3.8 |
| La Quinta by Wyndham Charlotte Airport South | 4900 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-523-5599 | 3 | 3.8 |
| Motel 6 Charlotte NC | 131 Red Roof Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-529-1020 | 2 | 3.8 |
| Quality Inn Airport-Near Uptown | 575 Clanton Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-523-0633 | 2 | 3.8 |
| Studio 6 Charlotte | 4416 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-522-8810 | 2 | 3.8 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Charlotte Downtown Area | 505 Clanton Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-594-4406 | 0.5 | 3.8 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Airport/Billy Graham Parkway | 321 W. Woodlawn Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-945-6800 | 3 | 3.9 |
| Radisson Hotel Charlotte Airport | 212 W. Woodlawn Rd. #C, Charlotte, NC 28217 980-859-5155 | 2 | 4 |
| Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Charlotte Airport Conference Center | 212 W. Woodlawn Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-688-9977 | 3 | 4 |
Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points
| Hotel | Address and Phone Number | Star Rating | Distance From the Airport (Miles) | Loyalty Program | Point Redemption Cost |
| Hyatt House – Charlotte Airport | 4920 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-525-2600 | 3 | 3.8 | World of Hyatt | 5,000 Hyatt points |
| Embassy Suites Charlotte | 4800 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 704-527-8400 | 3 | 3.8 | Hilton Honors | 40,000 Hilton points |
| Sheraton Charlotte Airport | 3315 Scott Futrell Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-392-1200 | 4 | 2 | Marriott Bonvoy | 20,000 – 30,000 Marriott points |
The Hyatt House Charlotte offers shuttle service to both the airport and destinations within a 3-mile radius, including multiple shops and restaurants. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast with an omelet bar, a 24-hour workout room, an outdoor pool, a hot tub. With award nights starting at just 5,000 points per night!
The Embassy Suites Charlotte is not only close to the airport, but other area attractions as well like 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 a free airport shuttle service. Award nights start at 40,000 Hilton points per night.
The Sheraton Charlotte Airport offers guests access to 2 pools, a fitness center, laundry service, car rentals, and a complimentary shuttle to surrounding destinations and the airport. Award nights for Marriott Bonvoy members start at 20,000-30,000 points per night.
Final Thoughts
CLT acknowledges that it is operating almost at maximum capacity and is in the midst of many renovation projects to expand and enhance its facilities.
With a phased approach, new developments are due to be launched yearly until around 2026 with some recent evidence of expansion in the unveiling of the north gates of Concourse A.
Other projects include widening the roadway outside of the terminal to allow more lanes, expansion of the terminal lobby, and a fourth parallel runway.
