Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Welcome to our in-depth look at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
CLT is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2023 it came in as the 7th busiest airport in the world with the number of arriving/departing passenger numbers for that year surpassing 58 million.
Located roughly 6 miles or 9.7 kilometers west of the city’s CBD (Central Business District) making it easy and accessible from the city.
CLT offers nonstop air service to more than 188 destinations around the globe and is home to seven major air carriers, 15 regional carriers and three foreign flag carriers.
As you would expect, Charlotte Douglas International Airport has provided all the required services needed to begin your travel adventures comfortable/relaxing and stress free. Lets look closer at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to understand and learn what is on offer. Lets depart!
CLT FAST FACTS
- CODE: CLT
- AIRPORT SIZE: Airport’s size: 24.28 square kilometers ( 9.38 square miles or 6000 acres)
- NUMBER OF RUNWAYS: 3 runways (4th runway under construction)
- TERMINAL BUILDINGS: 1 terminal (size 1.8M square foot) with 5 concourses and 124 gates
- PASSENGERS: In 2024 Annual passengers was slightly above 58 million.
- FLIGHTS: In 2023 daily incoming and departing flights were 1400.
Table Of Contents
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overview
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major public airport located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is situated 6miles (9.7 kilometers) west of the city’s CBD. Serving as a key transportation hub in the Southeastern United States, CLT is one of the busiest airports in the country and is a primary base for American Airlines. It handles millions of passengers each year, with a significant proportion of its traffic being domestic, though international flights are also available.
Opened in 1935 as a municipal airport, CLT has grown into a large-scale facility with a global reach. The airport features 3 main runways, 1 passenger terminal, and 5 concourses offering a wide range of amenities and services to travelers. The airport is well-equipped with various dining options, retail stores, lounges, and charging stations to ensure a comfortable experience for passengers.
CLT also has significant cargo operations, ranking among the top airports in the U.S. for freight traffic. In addition to its airline services, the airport offers ground transportation options such as rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and a light rail connection to downtown Charlotte, making it accessible to both local residents and visitors.
In recent years, Charlotte Douglas has undergone extensive renovations and expansions, enhancing its capacity and efficiency. These improvements aim to accommodate the growing number of passengers and offer a seamless travel experience. With its strategic location, modern amenities, and strong connections to global destinations, CLT continues to play a critical role in regional and international air travel.
If you are being dropped off at the airport then there is curbside drop off on the upper level called departures. You can make your way into the check-in area and baggage drop off. This drop of area is a drop and go area. No parking or excessive long goodbyes.
Travel Tip: While knowing what time your flight is taking off, its equally important to know the security check point wait times to allow plenty of time to get to your flight or to have enough time to check out the airport. CLT have provided a live security wait time update so you can check and accomodate these times into your plans. CLICK HERE to check out the current security wait times.
If you have landed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and have someone picking you up then there is an area called Cell Phone Lot where your transportation can wait at and to receive a call or text from you once you have collected your luggage. Your transportation then can drive to the lower level to the arrival/baggage claims pick up location to collect you.
There is also the Hourly Deck parking if your transportation wants to meet you within the terminal as a welcoming hello. The hourly deck is free for the first 15mins, $8 per hour for the first day. Max parking time is 4hrs at max $32. Any longer and you’ll need to look into other parking options below.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is well equipped to meet the hungry needs of all its travelers with an array of dining options.
Depending on which gate your flight is taking off from then it might be easier to find some dining options closer to your departure gate. We have provided a list of dining options in Concourse area order.
Concourse A: Black n Blue Bar, Cinnabon, Crown Diner, Dunkin’, Great Wagon Road, Jamba Juice, NoDa Brewing Company, Panera Bread, Rhino Market & Deli, Smashburger, The Taproom, Uptown Minibar and Wendy’s.
Concourse B: Bojangles, Midwood Smokehouse, Red Star Lounge, Starbucks, Summer House and The Great American Bagel Bakery.
Concourse C: Auntie Anne’s, Big Daddy’s Burger Bar, Beatrix Market, Chalice Cafe, PZA, Starbucks and coming soon The Waterman
Concourse D: Ciao Gourmet Market, Hissho Sushi, Starbuck, Stella, Triple C Brewing and coming soon is Sammy’s Cabo Wabo Cantina and The Great American Bagel Bakery.
Concourse E: Burger King, Captain Jack’s Tavern, Dunkin’ Express, Einstein Bro. Bagels, Explorer Lounge, La Madeleine, Panda Express, Pronto, Starbucks and Travel@ease
Nothing better than doing some pre holiday/travel shopping to get you into holiday mode. Or pick up some last minute gifts if your heading home from a vacation or business trip. Either way you should find something you need.
These shops have been provided in a list order via the concourse connector.
A Connector: Charlotte’s Landing, iStore Express and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
A/B Connector: 704 Shop.
D/E Connector: Brighton, Hip & Humble, Kiehl’s, Lego, MAC/ Jo Malone, No Boundaries, Pandora, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Spanx and Tumi.
E Rotanda: Today.
Perhaps the easiest way to learn where all these things are is to CLICK HERE for an airport map.
Are you lucky enough to have lounge access. At Charlotte Douglas International Airport there is (as follow)
- 2x American Airlines Admirals Club. One located in Concourse B and the other on Concourse D.
- American Express Centurion Lounge (AMEX Centurion Lounge) located near Connector D/E.
- Delta Sky Lounge (level 2) located Far Concourse A
Please CLICK HERE if you want to find these on the terminal map.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport provides plenty of options when it comes getting to and from the airport. From driving your own car and parking to public transport, there are plenty of options.
If Driving and parking is your preferred option then the parking options are plentiful. From Long term, daily and hourly parking we are sure you’ll find what you require.
There are 2 x long term car parks, Lot 1 and Lot 2. Lot 1 located on Josh Birmingham Parkway to the right as you approach the terminal. Lot 2 is located on the same road but to the left as you approach the terminal. Both have daily max rate of $12, handicap parking available and complimentary terminal shuttle that runs continuously. Book online CLICK HERE or use the CLT Airport App.
For daily parking you have 2 options, Daily North Lot or Daily Decks. Daily North Lot is $14 daily max rate where Daily Decks is $20 daily max however being a multi-storey car park you get the option of undercover. Complimentary shuttle also available. Online or App ordering.
As discussed above, Hourly Deck parking has first 15mins free then $8/hr, max 4 hours. Access to terminal is a short walk.
If Valet is more your style then for $45/day someone parks your car for you, luggage assistance if requested and also you can get your car washed and serviced if need be. Details ask the attendant. Use level 1 of the Hourly Deck to access Valet. Booking online CLICK HERE or CLT Airport App.
Express Deck Self Park for $20/day and Express Deck Preferred for $24/day. Booking online CLICK HERE or CLT Airport App.
Public transport option is by bus/taxis or ride share.
Taxis available at arrivals/baggage claim level. Taxi Tip – use a taxi that has the CLT airport approved decal on the vehicle door.
Use CATS – Charlotte Area Transist Services for buses. CLICK HERE for bus route and schedule.
If using ride-share app then these services are located at arrivals/baggage claim level, lower level, Zone 4.
No train service at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a fully is a fully connected airport. All concourses are accessible from the main terminal, as well as each other. The only way to get between concourses is to walk — there are no trains or electronic people movers.
So you have eaten and shopped, what else is there to do while you wait for your boarding call? Below are a list of things you can do to past the time.
Why don’t you visit Gameway. Gameway is the world’s first premium video game lounge within airports. Lets play. Located in Concourse E
Get a shoe shine from Executive Shoe Shine located in D/E Connector
Maybe start the holiday off right or unwind the stress from the business meetings with a massage from Be Relax spa located in numerous locations. They can be found in Connector A, Connector A/B and Connector D/E.
While there is plenty to see and do within the terminal itself. Have you thought about what’s available away from the airport if time allows. Please visit some of our articles below for more ideas if your choose the explore further.
15 Best Things To Do Near Charlotte Airport
11 Best Coffee Shops Near Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, meeting the needs and standards you would expect from one of the busiest airports in the world. Hopefully, you found this information helpful and navigating to, from and around this transport hub is now a little easier.
Please explore our website and read up on all the fascinating facts about other biggest airports we have available.
How early should I arrive for an international flight?
Arrive inside the Airport at least two hours before domestic travel and three hours before international flights.
Do you have to take out liquids at CLT?
Liquids are allowed in carry-on luggage in accordance with the liquids rule. All liquids must be contained in a bottle 3.4 ounces or less per item and placed inside a one quart, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
Does CLT airport accept mobile boarding pass?
The simple answer is YES. CLT does accept mobile boarding passes and can be quicker is you have these or have printed your tickets out at home.
Is Charlotte Douglas Airport open 24 hours?
Yes, Charlotte Douglas Airport is a 24hour airport
What time does customs close at Charlotte Douglas airport?
Customs hours of operation are 1pm to 8pm, monday-friday and closed on federal holidays.
How long does it take to get through Charlotte airport security?
On average, wait times for security and passport checking combined is roughly 19mins. However there is a live security timer you can access before arriving. CLICK HERE to access