Charlotte Douglas International Airport parking

So you’re driving to Charlotte Douglas International airport and looking for the best parking? Good move. Driving means you can travel to your own timetable, in your own independent bubble. And crank your holiday playlist up to the max (albeit subject to heated debates from co-travelers).

Maybe you’re headed to Orlando to soak up some white-knuckle theme park fun? To catch a Bulls game in Chicago? Celebrate St Pat’s Day in Boston? Or taking a bite of the Big Apple for the weekend? Whatever your destination and parking needs, we’ve got you.

But wherever you’re going, you must have a good reason. Why? Because Charlotte’s one of the coolest cities in the US, so it must be tough to take off for pastures new (even for a short while). Yup, the biggest city in North Carolina has lots to recommend it. The Uptown skyline is pierced by striking skyscrapers, historic sites, plush hotels, while a thrilling NASCAR Hall of Fame that leaves regular museums languishing in the slow lane. And if you’re after something a little more edgy, the NoDa neighborhood (along North Davidson St) is packed with hip industrial buildings converted to craft beer bars and cool cafes.

But what else is there to float your boat in the Queen City? If the NASCAR Hall of Fame has whet your appetite for lightning-fast vehicles, taking in a real-life race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a must – as well as the rubber burning on track action, it’s wonderful to be part of a lively, diverse crowd, all united by a passion for motorsports. Alternatively, for something a little more sedate (but wonderfully cathartic), try the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply love chilling out in gorgeous green spaces, it’s an absolute joy. And if you love a laid-back, creative vibe, make a beeline for Camp North End. This 76-acre multi-use space has street food stalls, interesting public art, shops, and tons more – all laid-out in a lovely, reclaimed car factory. And when all that eating, shopping and art gazing gets too much, there are even hammocks where you can gently swing yourself into a well-earned snooze.

Now we’re feeling relaxed, let’s ease into that CLT parking info.

Find the best deals at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Decisions, decisions. Finding the best deals on parking at CLT seems kind of tough at first. Many travelers don’t want to spend excessively on parking. While others don’t mind splashing out on a high-end, personalized service. Traveling with young kids or elderly relatives brings its own challenges. And if you’ve got additional requirements, you need to know there’s an accessible space that makes your pre-flight experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. After reading this guide, you’ll be armed with the right info. And finding the best CLT parking deal will be child’s play.

Compare Charlotte Douglas International Airport Parking

A premium parking provision is just one reason that Charlotte Douglas International Airport packs a punch. As one of the world’s busiest airports, it processes 118,000 travelers on a daily basis, has an annual passenger total of 43.3 million and is ranked number 5 worldwide for air traffic (according to Airports Council International). CLT was founded in 1935 with a $300,000 grant from the Works Progress Administration and was first names Charlotte Municipal Airport before changing its name in tribute to former Mayor Ben Elbert Douglas Sr.

Up next, the lowdown on official and partner parking options at CLT.

What parking is there at Charlotte Douglas International Airport?

There are plenty of official CLT airport parking options (more of which next).

But it’s often worth considering a deal from an unofficial provider or comparison site – the savings can sometimes be considerable. For instance, Looking4Parking offers money-saving deals on CLT parking with Park ‘N Go – Self-Park – Uncovered, Baymont Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport Coliseum – Self Park – Uncovered, SpringHill suites Charlotte – Self Park – Uncovered, Microtel Inn Charlotte Airport – Self Park – Uncovered, and many more.

But let’s investigate your official CLT options to get a crystal-clear picture.

Express Deck

Want a premium parking experience at CLT? The Express Deck service offers the ultimate in speed and convenience. How does it work? Just hand over your keys to the well-trained attendant, they’ll park it carefully in the covered deck and it’ll be waiting for you to hop in when you return. While you’re away on your vacay or business trip, you can get a North Carolina state inspection for your vehicle and even have it washed ‘til it positively sparkles. Please note that the maximum vehicle height is 9ft

Valet

At the moment, Curbside Valet Parking at CLT has temporarily relocated to the Hourly Deck because of ongoing work on the Terminal Lobby expansion. This is your best option if you want a completely weatherproof drop-off/pick-up experience – there’s an underground walkway to the terminal. Valet attendants park your vehicle and also help with your luggage, with various optional bonus services like auto inspections available.

Hourly Deck

Located on Josh Bingham Parkway, the hourly deck provides parking spaces that are a walk away from the terminal and operates on a first come, first serve basis. Book online to save up to 60% or simply drive up and pay (even if the official online site says it’s sold out online). Hourly spaces are available on levels 4-7, EV charging stations are on levels 4, 5 and 6 and you can sashay along the walkways from the level 2 elevator lobbies to get to the terminal. Maximum vehicle height is 7ft.

Daily Decks

You’ll find Daily Deck Parking at CLT to the left as passengers approach the terminal, on Josh Bingham Parkway. The daily rate is competitive, and payment is credit card only. Please note that the maximum vehicle height for the entrance and first level is 8’4” and it’s 7” for all other levels. There’s a free shuttle bus service to and from the terminal available from the shelter between the two decks.

Daily North Lot

A low-priced parking provision if you’re stowing your car for 24 hours or more, the Daily North Lot at CLT is on Josh Bingham Parkway, between the Daily Decks and Long Term Lot 2. You’ll get to the terminal via the complimentary shuttle bus.

Long Term Lot 1

At CLT, long term parking is the most economical option. You’ll save up to 23% by booking online but may still be able to get a space by driving up if it shows sold out on the official website. There’s a free shuttle service to the terminal and Long Term Lot 1 is (again) located on Josh Bingham Parkway.

Long Term Lot 2

Offering the same experience (and low cost) as Long Term Lot 1, Long Term Lot 2 extends CLT’s economical parking offering.

Cell Phone Lot

When you’re picking off or dropping off passengers at CLT, the Cell Phone Lot is definitely your best choice. Parking here is free (on a limited time basis) and you should stay in your vehicle when using this area. When picking up, make sure the passenger you’re waiting for calls you as soon as they collect their luggage, then drive around and they’ll hop in.

Please note that there’s parking for passengers who are disabled in every official parking area at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

How to get to Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The airport address (for your GPS) is: 5501 Josh Bingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28208.

If you’re driving in from I-85, leave at Exit 32 to Little Rock Road and continue southwards. Continue through the traffic lights onto North Josh Bingham Parkway, then across Wilkinson Boulevard to the CLT entrance.

From Uptown Charlotte, take I-277 to I-77 south, take Exit 6B to Billy Graham Parkway and drive on for around 5 miles, then exit after the third traffic light at the CLT exit.

Facilities at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Services and amenities in Charlotte Douglas International Airport include Wi-Fi and Charging, Sanitizer Stations, mother’s rooms, Pet Relief Areas, Currency Exchange and ATMs, and a USO Lounge for serving military personnel and their families.

If you want to pick up bargains on anything from high-end spirits to deluxe perfumes and aftershaves, take your credit card for a walk around 3Sixty Duty Free & More, fill your boots with some of the juiciest treats ever at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, and grab an ice cold beer or perfectly balanced Old Fashioned at the Black n Blue Bar.