A guide to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Quick insights
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) consists of one main terminal with six concourses.
- There are many convenient ways to get to and from the airport, including Charlotte’s local CATS bus service.
- Priority Pass™ members can access one airport lounge at CLT.
CLT is an international airport located roughly 6 miles west of Charlotte’s central business district. It’s the main airport for both commercial and military use in the Charlotte area.
Read on to learn about navigating to and from CLT, your parking options, things to do during a layover and more. Plus, find out more about The Club CLT, an airport lounge available to Priority Pass members.
Navigating to and from CLT
Whether you’re headed to the airport or back home, there are plenty of transportation options at CLT:
- Taxi: Go to the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level for taxi service. You may prearrange a ride using any taxi service provider, but only companies evaluated annually by CLT are available through the taxi queue.
- Rideshare: Navigate to the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level (lower level, Zone 4) for rideshare pickup.
- CATS 5 bus: Route 5 of Charlotte’s CATS bus service runs from the airport to uptown Charlotte. Refer to the CATS app for up-to-date bus schedules.
- Rental cars: The Rental Car Facility is in the Level 2 lobby of the Hourly Deck in front of the terminal.
- Hotel shuttles: If your hotel provides a shuttle, you may use one of CLT’s Traveler Information Centers on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level to contact them and confirm pickup information.
Parking at CLT
CLT has a variety of hourly and long-term parking options (self-park and valet available). Note that CLT has a limited number of spaces to book online, so your desired lot may still be available for drive-up purchase if it’s not available online.
There’s also a free cell phone lot available to drivers picking up passengers from arriving flights.
Visit CLT’s website to book parking online and review your lot options.
How early to arrive at CLT
Airport officials typically recommend arriving at the airport 2 hours prior to takeoff for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.
However, you’ll want to take your individual situation into account when heading to the airport. If you are parking in a long-term lot, for example, you may want to budget additional time for parking and traveling to security.
On the flip side, if you have TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, you may be comfortable getting to the airport closer to takeoff as it typically takes less time to get through security.
Refer to CLT’s website for up to date security wait times.
CLT airport map
Before you head to CLT, it may be wise to take a look at their available maps to get acquainted with the terminal, shops, dining options and parking availability.
Have a layover or plan to get to your flight early? Their interactive terminal map will help you filter for coffee, dining, shops, services, airlines and more.
CLT terminal information
Charlotte Airport has one terminal, so you won’t need to worry about parking near the right one or traveling between terminals for connecting flights.
Terminal amenities include:
- Wi-Fi and charging stations
- Sanitizer stations
- Mother’s rooms
- Pet relief areas
- Currency exchange
- An interfaith chapel
- CLT Canine Crew therapy dogs
Visit CLT’s website for airline information.
Priority Pass lounges at Charlotte Airport
Priority Pass members can access The Club CLT, located in Concourse A just before gates A21 and A22. Access is permitted 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure and may be limited during peak hours. Children under 2 years are admitted for free.
Complimentary amenities at The Club CLT include:
- Snacks and beverages
- Workstations
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Shower facility
- Digital newspapers and magazines
Priority Pass members may use one lounge entitlement for this location; other guests may purchase day passes for entry. Learn more about how to access participating lounges with a Priority Pass Select membership before heading on your next trip to CLT.
Things to do at the CLT
Have a layover at CLT? Luckily, there are plenty of options for shopping, dining or relaxing in the area. Here are just a few ideas of how to pass the time:
- Relax in an airport lounge: Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport without actually leaving? There are eight total airport lounges at CLT (including The Club CLT).
- Shop in the terminal: There are plenty of shopping options available within CLT’s terminal. Head to the duty-free store or one of the many gift shops.
- Plan a short adventure: If you have a long layover and want to leave the airport, there are several popular nearby spots to visit. Head to downtown Belmont for local shops and classic Southern dining, shop at Charlotte Premium Outlets or peruse the year-round Charlotte Regional Farmers Market.
In summary
Whether you find yourself at CLT for a couple of hours or a lengthy layover, there’s plenty you may want to explore. And with a Priority Pass membership, you can relax in The Club CLT prior to takeoff.
This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.
