Everything you need to know about parking at Charlotte's airport
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The Hourly Deck at CLT. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is bursting with passengers, construction and people trying to get to and from the airport.
Why it matters: As CLT continues to see a surge in passenger traffic, planning where to park before you arrive can help you focus on getting to your gate rather than hoping you'll find somewhere to drop your car.
The bottom line: Book parking in advance using the airport's website or app. It's usually cheaper. Find parking availability here.
Of note: Bus shuttles are located in Zone 2 just outside the airport's lower level (baggage claim). CLT parking facilities include handicap parking and handicap accessible shuttles.
Here's a look at your parking options at CLT below and a map of parking options here:
Long Term Lot 1
What to expect: The most budget-friendly option.
How it works: You must book in advance.
- The gate arm should lift after the system reads your license plate, but if it doesn't, scan your QR code from your booking confirmation.
- Make sure you remember where in the lot you parked.
- A shuttle will take you to the terminal for your departure. A shuttle just outside baggage claim will take you back to the lot.
Cost: $12 daily max
Directions: Find the location here. The lot is on Josh Birmingham Parkway on your right as you head toward the terminal.
Long Term Lot 2
What to expect: Your other budget-friendly option.
How it works: This lot is drive-up only.
- A shuttle will take you to and from the lot. Once you're back at CLT, you'll catch the shuttle just outside baggage claim.
Cost: $12 daily max. Card only.
Directions: Find the lot here. The lot is on your left on Josh Birmingham Parkway before you reach the terminal.
Daily Decks
How it works: You must make a reservation. The gate arm should open after your license plate is read. If it doesn't, scan your QR code from your booking confirmation.
- A shuttle will take you to the terminal for your departure. When you return, head to Zone 2 for to catch the shuttle back to your deck.
Cost: $20 daily max
Directions: The exact location is here. The decks are on Josh Birmingham Parkway before you reach the terminal. Follow signs for the daily/hourly decks and keep left for the daily decks.
Daily North Lot
How it works: A shuttle will take you to and from the lot.
Cost: $14 daily max. Card only.
Directions: Find the exact location here. The lot is on Josh Birmingham Parkway between Long Term Lot 2 and the Daily Decks. It will be on your left.
Hourly Deck
What to expect: This is the closest self-park option to the terminal. EV charging stations are available on levels 4-6.
How it works: Book in advance or drive up. If you have a reservation, the gate arm should open after your license plate is read, but you may need to scan your QR code from your booking confirmation.
- Park on levels 4-7 (levels 1-3 make up the rental car area).
- Use the skybridges to access the terminal for your departure. The underground walkways will take you back to the deck.
Cost: Free for the first 15 minutes; $8 an hour on the first day; $32 daily max. Card is the only accepted form of payment.
Directions: See the exact location here. The deck is on Josh Birmingham Parkway and will be on the left before you reach the terminal. Follow signs for the daily/hourly options and then continue straight to the hourly deck.
Express Deck Preferred
What to expect: You'll drop your car off and pick it up from the deck. An attendant will park your vehicle and help you with your luggage. The deck also includes:
- EV charging stations, car wash and maintenance services are available — check with a parking attendant for details.
How it works: This deck is reservation only. An Express Deck shuttle will take you to and from the deck.
- When you return to CLT, board the deck's designated shuttle in Zone 2. Call 704-559-9482 to let an attendant know you're back so they can have your vehicle ready when you arrive at the deck.
Cost: $24 daily max
Directions: The deck is at 5625 Wilkinson Blvd., at the corner of Wilkinson Boulevard and Harlee Avenue. The entrance is on Harlee Avenue.
Express Deck Self-Park
How it works: Also reservation only. The gate arm should open after your license plate is read, but if that doesn't work, scan your QR code from your booking confirmation.
- Designated shuttles will take you to and from the deck. You'll board the Designated Express Deck shuttle in Zone 2 when you return to CLT in front of Express Deck Preferred.
Cost: $20 daily max
Directions: The deck address is 5633 Wilkinson Blvd., near the corner of Wilkinson Boulevard and Harlee Avenue. Like the Express Deck Preferred, the entrance is also on Harlee Avenue.
Valet
What to expect: A valet attendant will park your car, provide complimentary assistance with your luggage and tell you more about car wash and vehicle maintenance options.
How it works: You can book in advance or drive up for valet parking, which is available between 5am-10pm on level 1 of the hourly deck across from the terminal. You'll leave your car with an attendant and then take the skybridges to access the terminal.
- When you get back to CLT, you'll call 704-629-8111 to let them know and you'll take the underground walkway to the deck. Or you'll speak with an attendant in the west underground walkway to retrieve your car.
Cost: $45 daily max
Directions: See the exact location here. Follow signs for valet parking. You'll head left before you reach the terminal.
Cell Phone Lot
What to expect: This lot is meant for people waiting to pick someone up. It's about a mile from the terminal.
How it works: You must stay in your vehicle while in the lot.
Cost: Free
Directions: The lot will be on your right on Josh Birmingham Parkway next to Long Term Lot 1.
Go deeper: Definitive guide to CLT Airport — Where to eat, how to kill time and skip lines
Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect that Long Term Lot 2 is drive-up only.