Parking at CLT Airport

The Passenger Experience at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Parking

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers a variety of parking options designed to suit different needs and budgets. Below, we explore the parking options from the perspective of those who have been there, enriched with real passenger feedback from Yelp, Google, Reddit, and TripAdvisor.

Image from Youtube

Parking Options: Finding the Right Spot

CLT offers multiple parking options, from the free Cell Phone Lot to more exclusive options like the Express Deck Preferred. Passengers often praise the variety of options available but also mention that the right choice depends heavily on their specific needs and available time.

📍 Cell Phone Lot

The Cell Phone Lot is a free designated area for drivers waiting to pick up passengers without needing to pay for parking. It is located near the terminal and helps reduce congestion in the arrivals area.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Allows free waiting until the passenger is ready.
  • Reduces traffic in the arrivals area.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Can fill up quickly during peak hours.
  • Not covered, which can be uncomfortable on rainy or extremely hot days.

📍 Hourly Deck

Located right in front of the terminal, the Hourly Deck is ideal for short stays. It is the best option for dropping off or picking up passengers without straying too far from the main airport building.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Convenient location, just steps from the terminal.
  • Ideal for those who only need to wait for a short period.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Finding available space during peak hours can be challenging.
  • Some users have mentioned that elevators and access points are not well-marked.

📍 Daily Decks

The Daily Decks are long-term parking options within the airport, offering more affordable rates than the Hourly Deck. They are ideal for multi-day trips.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Great option for those traveling for several days.
  • More affordable compared to the Hourly Deck.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Some passengers have reported that shuttle buses take a long time to arrive.
  • It can be difficult to locate shuttle pickup points.

📍 Daily North Lot

Another option for long-term parking, located north of the airport. Includes shuttle service to the terminal.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Good alternative if other parking lots are full.
  • Free shuttle service to the terminal.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Some passengers mention that the area can feel poorly lit at night.

📍 Long Term Lot 1 and 2

The most affordable long-term parking options within the airport, designed for those who need to leave their vehicle for several days.

• ✅ The Good:
  • More affordable rates for extended stays.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Common complaints include long waits for shuttle service to the terminal.
  • Some areas may be neglected.

📍 Express Deck Preferred and Express Deck Self-Park

The Express Deck is a quick-access parking area with frequent shuttle service to the terminal.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Strategic location and easy access.
  • Faster shuttle service compared to other parking options.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Higher rates compared to long-term parking options.
  • Some users mention delays in shuttle departures.

📍 Valet Parking

Valet Parking offers maximum convenience for those seeking a premium service. You leave your vehicle in a designated area, and airport staff take care of the rest.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Maximum convenience and speed.
  • Ideal for those who don’t want to search for parking.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Some travelers have reported delays in vehicle return during peak hours.

📍 Parking for People with Disabilities

For passengers with disabilities, CLT ensures that all parking facilities are accessible with designated spaces located near entrances and elevators, as well as adapted shuttle services for those with reduced mobility. Reservations for accessible parking can be made through the airport app.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Availability in all parking areas.
  • Strategic location to facilitate access to the terminal.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Some passengers have reported unclear signage.

Rates and Reservations

• Hourly Deck: $8 per hour for the first day | $32 maximum daily | first 15 minutes free.
• Daily Decks: $20 maximum daily
• Daily North Lot: $14 maximum daily
• Long Term Lot 1 and 2: $12 maximum daily
• Express Deck Preferred: $24 maximum daily
• Express Deck Self-Park: $20 maximum daily
• Valet Parking: $45 maximum daily

Booking online not only guarantees you a spot but can also help you save money. Rates are updated as of May 2024 but are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the information on the official website or the airport app.

To make an online reservation, you can visit this link or through the CLT airport app, available on App Store and Google Play.

General parking inquiries:
704-359-4038 or press the "INFO" button located on the blue phone booths found in each lot and deck.

📍 Parking Outside CLT Airport

📍 OneAirParking

OneAirParking is an external parking service that offers affordable options for those looking for an alternative to on-airport parking. It is located outside the CLT premises and provides free shuttle service to the terminal.

• ✅ The Good:
  • One of the most affordable options outside the airport.
  • Free shuttle service to the terminal.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Not located within the airport, so you must rely on the shuttle.
  • Can fill up during peak seasons, so it is recommended to book in advance. 

📍 The Parking Spot

Description: The Parking Spot is a parking option located approximately 0.6 miles from the airport, offering both covered and uncovered parking. It provides a free shuttle service that operates 24/7, with direct pickup at your vehicle and luggage assistance. Additionally, it offers amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations and car care services.

• ✅ The Good:
  • Door-to-door shuttle service with luggage assistance.
  • Covered and uncovered parking options, plus additional services like EV charging.
• ❌ The Bad:
  • Some users have reported variable wait times for the shuttle during peak hours, ranging from 10 to 40 minutes.
  • Rates can be higher compared to other external parking options.

🚍 Shuttle Services in Parking Areas

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) shuttle service covers both the airport's internal parking areas and external parking lots operated by private companies, but with key differences in frequency and management.

Shuttle Service in CLT's Internal Parking Areas

The airport offers free shuttles that connect parking areas to the terminal. These buses operate 24/7 and generally have a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes. The routes include:

• Long Term Lot 1 and 2
• Daily Decks
• Daily North Lot
• Express Deck Preferred and Express Deck Self-Park

Shuttle Stops
The shuttles are located in Lots 1 and 2 for long-term stays, in the shelter between Daily Decks, and from Express Deck Preferred. Upon return, all shuttle buses can be found in the inner lanes outside the lower level of the terminal (Arrivals/Baggage Claim).

Image from Youtube

The airport's internal shuttles do not cover external parking lots managed by private companies.

Shuttle Service in External Parking Lots

Private parking lots like OneAirParking and The Parking Spot have their own buses or vans to transport passengers from their facilities to the airport terminal.

• OneAirParking: Free shuttle service, operating 24/7 with variable frequency depending on demand.
• The Parking Spot: Door-to-door shuttle service with luggage assistance, operating all day with estimated wait times between 10 and 40 minutes during peak hours.

These private shuttles are not operated by the airport but by each individual company, so frequencies and wait times may vary.

📌 Key Differences Between Airport and Private Shuttles

🔎 Conclusion: Which Parking Option to Choose?

The best parking choice at CLT Airport depends on your budget, available time, and desired level of convenience:

• ✈️ For short trips: The Hourly Deck provides quick access to the terminal.
• 💰 For saving money: The long-term parking lots (Long Term Lot 1 & 2) are the most affordable options within the airport.
• 🚗 For more comfort: Valet Parking is ideal for those who want a premium service.
• 🌍 For those seeking external alternatives: OneAirParking and The Parking Spot may offer more competitive prices but require extra time for transportation.

Whatever your choice, book in advance to secure your spot and avoid surprises!