Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers direct flights to over 186 destinations worldwide and is home to eight major air carriers, 15 regional carriers, and three international carriers.
Last year, the Airports Council International ranked the airport as the seventh-busiest airport worldwide, considering its number of arrivals and departures. Passenger counts reached a record-breaking 53.4 million in 2023, making Charlotte Douglas the ninth-busiest airport in North America.
Photo: CLT Airport
Financially, the airport is entirely self-sufficient. The airport’s revenue includes the airfield, terminal area, concessions, parking, and cargo area, giving the airport its annual operating budget. CLT is the Carolinas’ only large hub airport and is American Airlines’ second-largest hub after Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Photo: CLT Airport
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is the best way to reach Charlotte Douglas for travelers interested in public transportation. Passengers can sit back and enjoy the ride with CATS’ convenient routes and connections.
Related Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 5 Fun Facts About The North Carolina Hub Currently, CLT handles 87 arrivals and departures per hour; this will expand to 107 once a fourth runway opens
Charlotte Area Transit System
CATS Sprinter
CATS Sprinter, or Route 5 Airport, provides convenient and efficient transportation from Uptown Charlotte to the airport. This service accommodates residents and visitors, offering a reliable option to the airport without the stress of driving through traffic or finding parking in a crowded lot before your trip.
Route 5 takes 30 minutes to travel from the Charlotte Transportation Center in Uptown to the airport terminal. Its stops are in Zone D, in Charlotte Douglas’ baggage claim area. Passengers can check the live wait times on the CATS website.
Reduced bus operations occur between 12 AM and 4 AM daily and may cause longer bus wait times.
Photo: CATS
For those from other parts of North Carolina outside Uptown Charlotte, the Sprinter route has easy connections from other CATS routes and services, including the LYNX Blue Line.
LYNX Blue Line
Opening in 2007, the Lynx Blue Line is Charlotte’s light rail line and was CATS’ first rail line and the first major rapid rail service in North Carolina.
Photo: CATS
Route 60 runs to the airport from the LYNX Tyvola Station, about a 30-minute trip.
Allow extra time on peak travel days. Sundays and the days around the holidays are exceptionally busy. The airport’s peak travel days and times include Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings and Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday mornings.
CATS Accessibility
All CATS buses and trains are accessible and meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. They are equipped with lifts or ramps to accommodate at least 800 pounds (lbs). Additionally, CATS fixed-route buses have low floors or kneeling capability for anyone with difficulty climbing steps.
Priority seating is conveniently located at the front of the bus, ensuring easy access for those who need it.
Bus operators are trained to assist and securely fasten wheelchairs and scooters to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for all passengers.
Service animals are permitted onboard to support their handlers, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the assistance they require during their journey.
Photo: CATS
Fares
The standard fare for any CATS-listed buses and routes is $2.20. Tickets are conveniently sold directly by the driver, reducing the hassle of buying tickets beforehand.
Adults Seniors (62+) ADA K-12 One-way $2.20 $1.10 $1.10 $1.10 Round-trip $4.40 $2.20 $2.20 $2.20 One-day unlimited rides $6.60 $6.60 $6.60 $6.60
CATS planned Silver Line project
CATS’ Silver Line is a planned 29-mile, 30-station light rail alignment from the City of Belmont through the Center City Charlotte and the Town of Matthews in Mecklenburg County and into Stallings and Indian Trail in Union County. One of its key connections is to CLT.
Photo: CATS
However, as the light rail develops, city leaders have explained the station won’t take passengers directly to the terminal. Passengers must get on another train or a bus to the terminal from the station. According to Axios Charlotte, CATS CEO Brent Cagle said,