If you’re planning a trip to the Southeast, you’ll likely see the code CLT appear on your flight options. This stands for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest and most efficient travel hubs in the United States.

But where exactly is it located, and how do you get there? Whether you’re visiting the “Queen City” for business or just connecting to a beach vacation, here is a step-by-step guide to finding and navigating Charlotte Airport.

📍 The Exact Location

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is located in the state of North Carolina, specifically on the western side of the city of Charlotte.

• Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208.
• Proximity to Downtown: It is remarkably close to the heart of the city. The airport is roughly 7 miles west of “Uptown” (which is what locals call Charlotte’s downtown business district).
• Drive Time: On a good day, you can get from the terminal to the city center in about 15 minutes.

Learn About: Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover?

🗺️ How to Go CLT: Step-by-Step By Car

If you are driving or navigating your way to the airport for the first time, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Identify the Major Highways

Charlotte is circled by several major interstates. To get to CLT, you will primarily use I-85 or I-77. The airport is located just south of the intersection of I-85 and I-485 (the city’s outer loop).

Step 2: Follow the “Josh Birmingham” Signs

Once you get close to the airport via Wilkinson Boulevard or Little Rock Road, look for signs for Josh Birmingham Parkway. This is the main artery that leads you directly to the terminal, parking decks, and rental car centers.

Step 3: Choose Your Level

The airport uses a two-level system:

• Upper Level: For Departures and Ticketing.
• Lower Level: For Arrivals and Baggage Claim.

🚆 Getting to the Airport from the City

Don’t want to drive? You have several easy options to get from the Charlotte city center to the airport:

• The Sprinter Bus (Route 5): This is the most popular public transit option. It runs every 20–30 minutes from the Charlotte Transportation Center in Uptown and drops you off right at the terminal for around $2.20.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Expect to pay between $20 and $35 for a one-way trip from Uptown, depending on the time of day.
• Light Rail Note: While Charlotte has a great light rail system (the Lynx Blue Line), it does not go directly to the airport terminal yet. You would need to take the train to a bus connection.

How Early to Get to Airport for Flight?

🏢 Airport Layout: One Roof, Five Concourses

One of the best things about Charlotte Airport is its “compact” design. Unlike huge airports like Atlanta or Denver, CLT has one single terminal building.

Once you pass through security, you can walk to any of the five concourses (A, B, C, D, and E) without needing a train or a shuttle. This makes it one of the easiest airports in the country for making a tight connection.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

“Is Charlotte Airport in South Carolina?” No, but it’s close! Charlotte is in North Carolina, but the airport is only about 15–20 minutes north of the South Carolina state line. Many people from northern South Carolina use CLT as their primary airport.

“What is CLT a hub for?” CLT is the second-largest hub for American Airlines in the world. If you are flying American, there is a very high chance you will pass through Charlotte at some point.

“Is the airport open 24 hours?” The terminal building is open 24/7, but security checkpoints and most shops/restaurants close overnight. TSA checkpoints typically open around 3:30 AM.

Conclusion

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the perfect gateway to the South. Its location—just minutes from the soaring skyscrapers of Uptown Charlotte—makes it one of the most convenient large airports in the United States. Whether you’re grabbing a famous Carolina barbecue sandwich in the Atrium or relaxing in one of the airport’s signature white rocking chairs, you’ll find that CLT offers a smooth, “Minnesota-nice” level of hospitality right in the heart of North Carolina.