Charlotte Douglas Airport: Navigating The Terminals And Runways

where is charlotte douglas airport map

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The airport is named after Ben Elbert Douglas Sr., who was mayor of Charlotte when the airport was first built in 1935. CLT is a major hub for American Airlines and served over 50 million passengers in 2019 and 2024. The airport consists of 1 main terminal and 5 to 6 concourses, all within walking distance of each other.

Characteristics Values
Location Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Year of Establishment 1935
Airport Type Commercial and Military
Area 5,558 acres (2,249 ha)
Terminals 1
Concourses 6
Gates 57 (approximately)
Distance from the City Centre 6 miles (9.7 km)
Transport Options Taxi, Bus, Ride-sharing Services
Parking Options Hourly, Daily, Remote, Long-Term, Curbside, Business Valet, Cell Phone Lot, Overflow Lot
Amenities Restaurants, Retail Stores, Free Wi-Fi, Charging Stations, Car Rentals, Nursing Room, Chapel, Museum, Public Viewing Area

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Charlotte Douglas International Airport's location

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (IATA: CLT, ICAO: KCLT, FAA LID: CLT) is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is situated roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte's central business district. The airport covers 5,558 acres (2,249 ha) of land and was established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport. It was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport in 1954 in honour of Ben Elbert Douglas Sr., who was mayor of Charlotte when the airport was first built. The airport was renamed again in 1982 to its current name, Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The airport is a major hub for American Airlines and offers an extensive network of flights, providing direct service to a wide range of domestic destinations within the United States, as well as numerous international flights to Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the world, ranking 11th in passenger traffic in 2019 with over 50 million passengers.

The airport consists of one main terminal and six concourses (A-F), all within walking distance of each other. The main terminal has three levels: Level 1 is for baggage claim and provides tunnel access to the car rental centre and hourly parking deck; Level 2 is for check-in and ticketing, with five security checkpoints leading to the departure concourses; and Level 3 is a mezzanine level with a USO lounge, chapel, and nursing room.

Outside the main terminal, a looping road system connects the airport to parking lots, the car rental facility, and major highways and interstates leading to Charlotte and beyond. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates two bus routes from the airport terminal: Route 5-Airport (Sprinter) to Uptown Charlotte/CTC and Route 60-Tyvola Road to LYNX Tyvola station. Taxi services and ridesharing options such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport.

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The airport's terminal and concourse layout

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte, North Carolina's central business district. It is a major hub for American Airlines, serving over 58 million passengers in 2024. The airport features a single terminal with three levels and five concourses (A-E), providing a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounge options.

The main terminal is the central body of the airport. Level 1 is for baggage claim and provides tunnel access to the car rental centre and hourly parking deck adjacent to the terminal. Level 2 is for check-in and ticketing, with five security checkpoints leading to the departure concourses. Level 3 is the mezzanine level, which features a USO lounge, chapel, and nursing room.

Concourse A has 19 gates split across two areas. Gates A1 to A8 and A10 to A13 are closest to the main terminal, while gates A21 to A25 and A28 to A29 are further north, accessible via a connector with moving walkways. There are shops and restaurants in both the north and south concourses, as well as in the connector.

Concourse B is located in the southwest area of the airport and has 11 gates numbered B1 to B11. It features an American Airlines Admirals Lounge and a range of shops and restaurants. Security checkpoints A and B are the closest to Concourse B.

Concourse C has 14 gates numbered C2 to C11, C13 to C15, and C19 and is located in the southeast area of the airport. There is a large American Airlines Admirals Club located just outside the concourse in the D and E gate connector, with the closest security checkpoint being checkpoint C.

Concourse D is on the east side of the airport and is the main concourse for international flights. There are eight gates, numbered D1, D3-D6, D8, and D10. Security checkpoints D and E are the closest on the east side of the terminal. Concourse D features several shops and restaurants, with more located in the D/E connector, including an American Express Centurion Lounge on the mezzanine level.

Concourse E is also situated on the east side of the airport and consists of 33 gates. It is accessible by taking a right out of Concourse D.

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Transport options to and from the airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte, North Carolina's central business district. The airport is accessible by car via a looping road system that connects it to the parking lots, car rental centre, and major highways and interstates leading to Charlotte and beyond.

CLT has 6 on-site parking options for passengers with both short- and long-term parking available. The hourly parking deck is located just across from the main terminal and is connected by walkways to/from level 2. This is also where the car rental centre is located, with companies such as Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National operating from the airport.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates two bus routes from the airport terminal: Route 5-Airport (Sprinter) to Uptown Charlotte/CTC and Route 60-Tyvola Road to LYNX Tyvola station. There is also a bus service to the air cargo centre, maintenance facilities, and old terminal via Route 10-West Boulevard to the Charlotte Transportation Center in centre city Charlotte.

In addition to the bus service, a 29-mile Silver Line light rail is planned, which will enhance connectivity to the airport.

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The airport's parking and charging facilities

Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport's parking facilities are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and include handicap-accessible parking spaces and accessible shuttles. Parking can be challenging and expensive, so it is recommended to book in advance, either online or via the CLT Airport app, to guarantee availability and to save money. Same-day booking is limited, with a minimum of 3 hours in advance required for most products.

The Hourly Deck offers covered parking spaces near the terminal, available on Levels 4-7 on a first-come, first-served basis unless booked online. EV charging stations are available on Levels 4, 5, and 6. The Hourly Deck provides easy access to and from the terminal via bridges or lower-level walkways.

The Daily Decks offer charging units on Level 2, also on a first-come, first-served basis. The Daily Deck East and West options provide covered parking with a complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. Accessible parking is available in all CLT parking facilities, with spaces located near elevators and shuttle stops.

For those seeking a more affordable option, off-site airport parking, such as The Parking Spot and Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport, offer competitive rates starting at $4.49/day and $9.95/day, respectively. These options typically include complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport and allow for flexible modifications to reservations.

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The airport's amenities and services

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, located 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte, North Carolina's central business district, offers a variety of amenities and services for travellers. The airport features a single terminal with 6 concourses (A to E), providing convenient access to various facilities.

Concourse A has 19 gates, with a mix of shops and restaurants in the north and south areas, as well as in the connector. Concourse B, located in the southwest area, offers 11 gates and provides access to the American Airlines Admirals Lounge. Similar to Concourse B, Concourse C has a range of dining and shopping options and is served exclusively by American Airlines. Concourse D, located on the east side, is the primary concourse for international flights and offers 8 gates.

The airport provides essential services such as currency exchange and ATMs, as well as a lost and found department. For travellers seeking spiritual solace, there is a chapel located on Level 3 of the main terminal, which also has a mezzanine level with a USO lounge and a nursing room.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the few airports in the United States with a public viewing area. The Overlook offers a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters, providing a view of planes landing and taxiing to and from Runway 18R/36L, as well as Runway 18C/36C and Concourse A. This area also features bathroom facilities, a food truck location, and a children's playground, making it a family-friendly spot.

Additionally, the airport offers a variety of hotel options located within a few miles, such as the Hyatt House Charlotte Airport, which provides a complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour workout room, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. The Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel grants guests access to two pools, a fitness centre, laundry services, car rentals, and a complimentary shuttle service.

For transportation, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates two bus routes from the airport terminal: Route 5-Airport (Sprinter) and Route 60-Tyvola Road. A Rental Car Facility is also available on the lower levels of the Hourly Deck, offering various car rental companies. Furthermore, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are accessible from the arrivals level outside Zone D.

Frequently asked questions

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is located at 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway Charlotte, NC 28208, United States. It is roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte's central business district.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates two bus routes from the airport terminal: Route 5-Airport (Sprinter) to Uptown Charlotte/CTC and Route 60-Tyvola Road to LYNX Tyvola station.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a smoke-free facility, meaning smoking is prohibited inside the terminal building. However, there is a smoking area that is easily accessible from inside and outside the terminal using the elevators or stairs near Door 1A or Door 1B.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has a range of dining, shopping, and lounge options. The airport is also one of a small number of major "hub" airports with an aviation museum on the field, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum. The airport also has a public viewing area where visitors can watch planes land and taxi.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport consists of 1 main terminal and 5 concourses (A-E).

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