CLTUpdated October 4, 2026

Charlotte airport

Charlotte · United States

By

Charlotte airport (CLT)
AI-generated image
CLT · Overview
Airport map
Map & meeting point →
Weather now
18 °C / 64 °F · Mostly clear
Connecting?
Connection calculator →
Security wait
Live times ↓
Passengers 2025
53.6 million
From the city
9.7 km

About the airport

Charlotte airport (CLT)
AI-generated image

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), opened on May 17, 1937, is North Carolina’s main commercial airport and one of the busiest connecting hubs in the United States, serving as a primary hub for American Airlines. It operates an extensive network of domestic flights and international routes to destinations across Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe.

Official Website: cltairport.com

Phone: +1 704 359 4013

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates under a single main terminal concept, open 24 hours a day, centralizing ticketing, check-in, and security checkpoints. Under the same roof, this structure directly connects on foot to five concourses housing the departure gates:

  • Concourses A, B, C, D, E: All are reachable on foot from the central building (The Atrium) after passing through security checkpoints without the need for inter-terminal trains. Concourse D handles most international arrivals.

Annual Traffic (2025): 53.6 million passengers.

Information Desks

An Airport Information Desk is located on the Departures/Ticketing level (Monday through Saturday from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), and a Visitor Information Center operates in the baggage claim area on Level 1 (daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm). Additionally, volunteer airport ambassadors wearing blue vests provide in-person guidance throughout the terminal.

Location

The airport is located 9.7 km (6 miles) west of Charlotte’s central business district.

Airport map & meeting point Open in Google Maps

TSA security wait times

Estimated wait at the security checkpoints of CLT right now. When live data is not available, it shows historical averages.

Airlines and terminals The central terminal connects with five concourses (A, B, C, D, and E) housing ticketing counters and boarding gates: Air Canada: Operates at Concourse A with… Full guide → Getting to and from CLT App-based transportation providers such as Uber and Lyft operate from designated curbside staging areas within the Courtesy Vehicles & Ride App Pickup zone on the exterior… Full guide → Car rental The consolidated Rental Car Facility is housed on Level 2 of the Hourly Deck parking structure directly across from the passenger terminal. To reach the rental… Full guide → Services and VIP lounges Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): Bank of America ATMs situated in the central Atrium and at the concourse entrances. Currency Exchange: Currency Exchange International kiosks located in… Full guide → Hotels and overnight stay While there is no standard full-service hotel physically integrated into the terminal, Minute Suites (located in the Atrium and D/E Connector) offers private quiet rest rooms… Full guide → Frequently asked questions Yes, the terminal building remains open 24 hours a day. Ticketed passengers with overnight layovers who are already through security can stay airside overnight. TSA checkpoints… Full guide →

Parking

The airport features approximately 25,000 parking spaces available 24/7 with round-the-clock security monitoring. Booking in advance through the official parkCLT.com web portal at least 6 hours ahead of arrival secures discounted rates compared to drive-up payments.

Parking Facilities

  • Hourly Deck: Covered multi-level garage located directly across from the terminal (levels 4 to 7). Connects via enclosed climate-controlled skybridges and underground tunnels. The first 15 minutes are free, making it ideal for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups. Equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
  • Cell Phone Lot: Free waiting lot located along Josh Birmingham Parkway for drivers awaiting incoming flights. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times.
  • Daily Deck and Daily North Lot: Covered and open-air long-stay parking options serviced by regular complimentary shuttles every 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Express Decks (Preferred and Self-Park): Covered garage offering streamlined curbside shuttle pick-up and delivery.
  • Long Term Lots (1 and 2): Economical outdoor surface lots with continuous 24-hour courtesy shuttle connections to the terminal.
  • Curbside Valet: Drop-off service on both Departures and Arrivals curbs, operating daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Special assistance

Requesting Special Assistance

Passengers requiring wheelchair service, electric cart escort, or assistance between connecting gates should notify their airline at least 48 to 72 hours before departure.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

The airport features step-free ramp access, moving walkways, wide passenger elevators, accessible family restrooms, and designated disabled parking bays throughout all parking decks. Visually impaired passengers can take advantage of complimentary access to Aira, connecting to live remote guides on their smartphone. Hearing loop systems have been installed in select gate boarding zones for hearing aid users.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

CLT is an official participant in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. If you or a travel companion have a non-visible condition (such as autism, dementia, chronic pain, or anxiety), you can pick up a free sunflower lanyard with no questions asked at the Departures Information Desk, the Arrivals Visitor Center, The Club CLT, the USO Lounge, or through airport chaplains.

TSA Cares and Unaccompanied Minors

Travelers may contact TSA Cares at +1 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flight departure to arrange dedicated checkpoint guidance. For unaccompanied minors, contact the operating airline directly to arrange escort services and gate pass authorizations.

German Giudici

Content written by

Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.