🚌 Buses and Hotel Transportation - CLT Airport

Economical and Mixed Options: Public Transportation and Shuttles at Charlotte Douglas

Using public transportation at large airports can be an unpredictable experience, and CLT is no exception. Although some travelers praise the accessibility and low cost of the CATS system or hotel shuttles, others mention problems with punctuality and coordination. Here is a useful guide based on real passenger experiences from Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Reddit.

Quick Questions about Buses and Shuttles at CLT 🚍🏨

🕐 How often do CATS buses run? Every 20-30 minutes, for both the Airport Sprinter and Route 60.
📍 Where do you catch the buses at the airport? In Zone D of the baggage claim area.
💵 How much is the fare? USD 2.20, payable directly to the driver in cash.
🦽 Is it accessible for people with disabilities? Yes, and they also offer schedules in Braille if requested by phone or email.
🏨 Do all hotels offer free shuttles? No. Only some nearby hotels do. Check before your trip.
🚫 Can the service fail? Yes. Several reviews report delayed or no-show shuttles, and a lack of signage to locate them.
📲 Is there an app for real-time tracking? Yes, but users indicate it's not always reliable in practice.

🚌 CATS Bus Service

CATS is the agency responsible for public transportation in the Charlotte metropolitan area, operating bus and train services in Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas.

Route 5 Airport Sprinter is an express bus that connects Charlotte Airport to the city center along Wilkinson Boulevard. The journey takes only 25 minutes, and the departure frequency is every 20-30 minutes.

Image from YouTube

Schedule:

Monday to Friday from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM

On the other hand, Route 60 travels to LYNX Tyvola Station, passing through Jackson Park and LakePointe Corporate Center and running along Tyvola Road. Departures every 20-30 min. between 5:18 AM and 11:45 PM.

🔗 More information

Stops: Buses stop in Zone D of the airport's Baggage Claim area.

Accessibility: CATS can translate schedules and other documents into Braille. To request it, contact +1 704 336 7433 or email [email protected].

Fares: The standard fare is USD 2.20. Tickets are purchased directly from the driver, on board the bus. It is recommended to have exact change.

🔍 Traveler Reviews

🟢 Many highlight that the Airport Sprinter is a cheap and direct way to get downtown.
🟡 However, some report overcrowding during peak hours, delays, and lack of clear information about stops or connections.
🔴 Users on Reddit mention that, although there are apps with real-time schedules, they do not always reflect the bus's actual location.

🏨 Hotel Courtesy Vehicles

Some hotels and motels provide courtesy vehicles for their guests. You can contact these participating establishments at one of the four Traveler Information Centers located on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level.

For a list of hotels in the airport area, visit Charlotte’s Got A Lot.

🗣️ Passenger Reviews

🟢 Some travelers have reported punctual services, with friendly drivers and clean vehicles.
🟡 In contrast, others mention long waits or vehicles that did not arrive at the scheduled time, causing stress and missed flights.
🔴 A common complaint is the lack of clear signage at the airport to find the shuttle pick-up point.

Helpful Tip: Confirm directly with your hotel shuttle schedules and frequency before your arrival to avoid setbacks.