🚌 Buses and Hotel Transportation - CLT Airport

Budget and mixed options: Public transportation and transfers at Charlotte Douglas

Using public transportation at large airports can be unpredictable, and CLT is no exception. While some travelers praise the accessibility and low cost of the CATS system or hotel shuttles, others mention issues with punctuality and coordination. Here’s a practical 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? Zone D of the baggage claim area.
💵 How much is the fare? USD 2.20, payable in cash directly to the driver.
🦽 Is it accessible for passengers with disabilities? Yes, and schedules are also available in braille upon request by phone or email.
🏨 Do all hotels offer free shuttle service? No. Only some nearby hotels do. Check before your trip.
🚫 Can the service be unreliable? Yes. Several reviews report delayed or no-show shuttles and poor signage.
📲 Is there an app for real-time tracking? Yes, but users report 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 rail services throughout Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas.

Route 5, the Airport Sprinter, is an express bus connecting Charlotte Douglas Airport with Uptown via Wilkinson Boulevard. The trip takes about 25 minutes, with departures every 20–30 minutes.

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Schedule:

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

Route 60 travels to LYNX Tyvola Station, passing through Jackson Park and LakePointe Corporate Center along Tyvola Road. Service runs every 20–30 minutes between 5:20 am and 11:45 pm.

🔗 More information

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

Accessibility: CATS can provide schedules and other documents in braille. To request this service, email [email protected].

Fares: The standard fare is USD 2.20. Tickets are purchased by paying the driver directly on board. Exact change is recommended.

🔍 Traveler Feedback

🟢 Many highlight the Airport Sprinter as a cheap and direct way to reach Uptown.
🟡 However, some report crowding during peak hours, delays, and unclear information about stops or connections.
🔴 Reddit users mention that while apps offer real-time schedules, they don’t always reflect the bus’s actual location.

🏨 Hotel Courtesy Shuttles

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

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

🗣️ Passenger Reviews

🟢 Some travelers report on-time service, friendly drivers, and clean vehicles.
🟡 Others mention long waits or shuttles that never arrived, causing stress and missed flights.
🔴 A common complaint is the lack of clear signage at the airport to locate shuttle pickup points.

Helpful tip: Contact your hotel directly to confirm shuttle schedules and frequency before arrival to avoid issues.