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What you need to know about renting a car at Charlotte Airport
Why rent a vehicle in Charlotte?
In addition to getting to know the city, Charlotte has several points of interest in its surroundings for enjoying outdoor activities and adventure. Renting a car makes it much easier to move from one place to another with greater comfort and time optimization.
Some of the outdoor and adventure activities include:
- Anne Springs Close Greenway
- Freedom Park
- Romare Bearden Park
- Hornet’s Nest Park
- Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
- Park Road Park
- North Mecklenburg Park
- Nevin Community Park
- Independence Park
Things to consider
Several passengers, through reviews left on platforms such as Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, agree that the car rental process at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is generally efficient, but they do note some issues.
"The pick-up and return zones are well-marked," they say, "but at times the Rental Car Center can get crowded, leading to longer wait times." Others mention that "the staff is helpful, although some have experienced delays during peak hours."
Rental Car Center at CLT
The Rental Car Center at Charlotte Douglas International Airport brings together eight rental car companies in a single facility located in the Level 2 lobby of the Hourly Deck, directly in front of the terminal. Any inquiries regarding rental car services should be directed to one of the following companies:
- Alamo +1-877-222-9075
- Avis +1-800-633-3469
- Budget +1-800-218-7992
- Dollar +1-800-800-4000
- Enterprise +1-800-261-7331
- Hertz +1-800-654-3131
- National +1-877-222-9058
- Sixt +1-888-749-8227
Pick-up Zone
To reach the Rental Car Center, exit the terminal on the lower level (Arrivals/Baggage Claim). Cross the car and shuttle/bus lanes using the crosswalk and covered walkway to enter the Level 2 lobby. Once inside, visit your rental car company’s counter, where a representative will assist you with your vehicle pickup.
Return Zone
To return your rental car, follow the signs along the Airport roadways to the Hourly Deck. Pass the entrance to the Hourly Deck on your left, then take the next left to access the Rental Car Returns area. Follow the signs to your rental company’s designated return section. Once you have returned your car, use the elevators or escalators on the south side of the Deck to go to the Level 2 lobby. From there, exit through one of the covered walkways. Cross the shuttle/bus and car lanes using the crosswalk, and enter the terminal on the lower level (Arrivals/Baggage Claim). Inside the terminal, take the elevator or escalator to the upper level (Departures/Ticketing).
Operating Hours
- Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National: These companies often have extended hours, typically opening early in the morning (around 5:00 a.m.) and closing late at night (around 11:00 p.m. to midnight). However, these hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Dollar and Sixt: These companies may have shorter operating hours, often opening around 6:00 a.m. and closing around 10:00 p.m.
For late-night or early-morning rentals, it’s advisable to check with the specific rental car company to confirm their hours of operation at CLT. Additionally, if you have a late arrival or early departure, some companies may offer after-hours pick-up or drop-off options, where you can leave the keys in a designated drop box.
Additional comments
Some passengers noted that while the rental process is generally efficient, certain inconveniences like waiting during peak hours and signage issues can make the experience challenging. One user mentioned that the company Budget had a wait time of over 90 minutes to pick up their car in a dimly lit garage, making it difficult to inspect the vehicle for pre-existing damage.
Other passengers suggested that the Rental Car Center could have been located outside the airport, as seen in other major airports, to reduce congestion and improve service efficiency.