MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Charlotte

How to Get to Charlotte

Charlotte North Carolina, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Charlotte Douglas International Airport CLT

CLT is a major hub, serving as a main gateway to Charlotte and the Carolinas. It hosts numerous domestic and international flights.

Airport Details

  • One of the busiest airports in the U.S.
  • Offers flights straight to many major cities.
  • Accessible by car, taxi, and ride-sharing services.

Finding Flights

Flight Search Tools

  • For flight deal alerts, visit Dollar Flight Club.
  • For broad flight comparisons, search Skyscanner.
  • Consider flexible travel dates for better prices.

Direct Flights

CLT has direct connections to major U.S. Cities and some international destinations.

Price Trends

Flight prices vary by season; booking in advance generally results in better fares.

Baggage

Review airline baggage policies to avoid unexpected fees.

Ground Transportation from CLT

Airport to City

  • Taxis are available outside baggage claim.
  • Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) operate at the airport. Follow signs for pickup areas.
  • Shared-ride shuttle services are an option for direct hotel transport.
  • CATS Sprinter bus (Route 5) connects CLT to Uptown's Charlotte Transportation Center.

Rental Cars

  • All major car rental agencies operate at CLT.
  • Access the Rental Car Facility via a free shuttle from the terminal.
  • For competitive car rental deals, visit DiscoverCars.com.
  • Consider downtown parking costs when renting a car.

Alternative Travel Options

Train Amtrak

Charlotte has an Amtrak station (CLT), offering rail service to New York City via Washington D.C., and a route to Raleigh. It is located just north of Uptown.

Bus Greyhound, Megabus

Intercity bus services offer connections to Charlotte from various cities across the U.S. The bus the terminal is located near Uptown.

Personal Vehicle

Charlotte is accessible via major interstates I-77 and I-85, connecting it to points north, south, east, and west.

Getting Around Charlotte

Public Transportation CATS

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offers bus and tram services connecting various parts of the city.

LYNX Blue Line

  • Connects Uptown to South End, NoDa, and the University area.
  • Fares are affordable: $2.20 for a single trip, $6.60 for a day pass.
  • Runs frequently, especially during peak hours.

Ride-Sharing & Taxis

Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Charlotte and offer convenient door-to-door service.

On-Demand Options

  • Book rides via their respective apps.
  • Fares vary based on distance, time of day, and demand.
  • Taxis can be hailed in popular areas or booked via phone.

Walking & Cycling

Charlotte's city center and several neighborhoods are pedestrian and bike-friendly.

Active Exploration

  • Uptown, South End, and NoDa are highly walkable.
  • Extensive greenway system for cycling and walking.
  • Bike-share programs are available in various parts of the city.

Car Rental

A rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring Charlotte and the areas around it, especially if you plan day trips.

Driving Considerations

  • Major interstates connect Charlotte, but city traffic can be heavy during rush hours.
  • Parking is widely available, frequently paid in popular areas.
  • Factor in gas fees for longer distances.

Navigation Alerts

  • Charlotte experiences typical city rush hour traffic, especially on I-77 and I-85.
  • Rely on GPS or mapping apps for navigation.
  • Weather events (e.g., heavy rain, ice) can considerably impact conditions for driving.
  • Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, specifically in dense urban areas.
  • Public transportation options outside the LYNX Blue Line corridor may require transfers.

Travel from Neighboring Cities

From Raleigh North Carolina

Approx. 2.5-3 hours by car. Direct Amtrak train service also connects the two cities.

Travel Methods

  • Drive via I-85 S.
  • Amtrak train (approx. 3-3.5 hours).
  • Intercity bus services.

From Asheville North Carolina

Approx. 2 hours by car. No direct train service.

Travel Methods

  • Drive via I-40 E to I-77 S.
  • Limited intercity bus options may require transfers.
  • Appreciate beautiful mountain views on the drive.

From Atlanta Georgia

Approx. 3.5-4 hours by car. Direct intercity bus service available. Amtrak entails a transfer.

From Columbia South Carolina

Approx. 1.5-2 hours by car. Shortest drive from a state capital.

From Greenville South Carolina

Approx. 1.5-2 hours by car. Straightforward drive via I-85 N.

Tips for Smooth Travel

Vehicle Rental

Consider renting a car if your itinerary spans beyond Uptown and public transit routes, or if you prefer flexibility for day trips.

Rental Advice

  • Book rental cars in advance, specifically during peak seasons.
  • Utilize GPS or navigation apps for easy driving.
  • Factor in fuel and parking costs.

Public Transit Benefits

For exploring central Charlotte, public transit offers a cost-effective and environmentally mindful choice.

Transit Advantages

  • Reduces parking stress and costs in busy areas.
  • Connects major attractions and neighborhoods.
  • Use the CATS app for schedules and real-time tracking.

Departure Checklist

Confirm Flights

Reconfirm flight times and gate information 24-48 hours before departure.

Airport Arrival Time

Arrive at CLT at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.

Luggage Prep

Weigh luggage to avoid overweight fees; ensure all liquids comply with TSA regulations.

Final Logistics

Consider traffic patterns when planning travel to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), especially during weekday rush hours.