What Are the Best Charlotte Airport Parking Options?

Charlotte Airport is considered to be one of the busiest airports in the country, so it's no surprise that it offers multiple parking options according to every traveler’s need. It all depends on you, whether you want to park your vehicle under a covered deck, which is just a few steps away from the terminal. Or you can also book a parking spot for yourself in advance, CLT has every option for you. For each parking lot or deck, the prices are different, and the distance and booking requirements vary. This guide will cover major parking requirements, which will help in saving time and money. So get ready to find the best parking spot for yourself.

What are the different lots at Charlotte Airport Parking?

Charlotte Airport provides parking options like Express Deck parking, Express Deck self parking, Hourly Deck, Valet parking, Daily Deck, Daily North Lot, Long-Term Lot 1, Long-Term Lot 2, and a cellphone lot.

Express Deck (Preferred)

The express deck is located at 5625 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC (entrance on Harlle Ave), with prices starting at $24 per day, and is situated between the Daily Deck and Daily North. An important notice is that, since July 2026, Express Deck has been switched from valet parking to self-parking services. Just a few steps ahead, non-stop shuttle services are available to Zone 2 on the terminal’s lower level. 

• Passengers mostly prefer the Express Deck for a sheltered and reserved parking spot without paying for full Daily Deck rates. 

• You can book their parking spots in advance via CLT.com or the CLT airport app. 

• The height of the vehicle should be 7’6” to enter the parking lot and stay there for a few seconds so the license plate can be scanned for the gate to be opened. If there is trouble reading the license plate, use the QR code from your booking confirmation to enter.

• Every airport shuttle service provides help in handicap parking.

Note: Since the valet parking has changed into self-parking, the name will remain the same, and you can find the product via online booking with the same shuttle service to/from the terminal.

Express Deck Self Park

The express deck self-park is located at 5633 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC (entrance on Harlee Ave), with prices starting at $24 per day and the first 15 minutes are free. You can self-park your vehicle at the parking location. The passengers can commute to the terminal via a walkway that is directly linked to it, and no shuttle is required.

• Express Deck Self Park is best for standard sedans, compact SUVs, and minivans seeking budget-friendly options that are close to the terminal.

• You can reserve a spot online on parkCLT.com or the CLT app. 

• The height of the vehicle should be 7’6” to enter the parking lot and stay there for a few seconds so the license plate can be scanned for the gate to be opened. If there is trouble reading the license plate, use the QR code from your booking confirmation to enter.

• The shuttles available in front of the Express Deck provide 24/7 services to and from the terminal’s lower level in Zone 2.

Note: Express Deck Self Park is of the same family as Express Deck (preferred), both cost the same, and you do not need any shuttle service. You can directly commute to the terminal via the covered walkway. However, the preferred deck requires advance booking, and there is a bit of a difference in the height of the vehicle as well.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is located on Level 1 of the hourly deck, which is right across the terminal. The parking rate is $50 per day, which is expensive in comparison to the others. You can book your spot online on the CLT app, and if everything is sold out, you can drive up to the parking and then book your spot. This option is best for the passengers who wish to travel with convenience and are willing to pay extra to skip the hassle of parking and walking altogether. 

• The maximum height of vehicles allowed in the valet area is 7’.

• Carwash services are available at the parking lot.

• You can contact 704-629-8111 to get your car back. You can access the parking lot via the skybridge or underground walkway.
  

Note: Valet parking is available from 5am to 10pm. Valet parking has also seen some changes since July 2026, so make sure to contact them before booking your parking spot.

Hourly Deck

The Hourly Deck is located at Josh Birmingham Parkway directly in front of the terminals, levels 4-7. Follow the parking signs for parking/daily/hourly on your left. The Hourly Deck is the best option for speedy pickups, drop-offs, quick meetings, or full-day stays. 

• You can reserve a spot online on parkCLT.com or the CLT app. 

• To enter the parking premises, make sure to stop at the gate arm and wait until your license plate is being read. If in case the gate arm does not open, you can enter by scanning the QR code on your booking confirmation.

• You don’t need a shuttle service to reach the parking lot. Just walk-in via covered bridges or lower-level walkways, and you have reached the parking lot.

• The maximum height permitted for the vehicle's entrance is 7’.

• It is free for the first 15 minutes, and then it starts from $8/hour for the first day, and the maximum rate is $35 on a daily basis.

• You can also access the EV charging stations, which are available at levels 4-7.

Note: Hourly Deck follows the first-come, first-served basis rule. So make sure to leave early and arrive early to get your spots booked. 

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Daily Deck

Daily Deck is located on the Josh Bormingham Parkway, with Daily Deck East & West adjacent to the terminal. You can reach the terminal by following the covered walkway, and no shuttle is required. This option is most suitable for travelers taking trips of 1-4 nights, as they can reach the terminal immediately without paying for hourly deck rates. 

• The parking rates are $28 on a daily basis.

• You can reserve a spot only online on parkCLT.com or the CLT app. 

• To enter the parking premises, make sure to stop at the gate arm and wait until your license plate is being read. If in case the gate arm does not open, you can enter by scanning the QR code on your booking confirmation.

• The maximum height permitted for the vehicle to enter is 8’4” for the first level and 7’ for all the levels. 

• You can get access to all free shuttle services available to and from the shelters within the two parking decks.

• Every airport shuttle service provides help in handicap parking.

Note: East and West parking spaces have the same rates, so select whichever is suitable for you. 

Daily North Lot

As you reach Josh Birmingham Parkway, you will find Daily North on your left, located between Long Term Lot 1 and Lot 2 on the Daily Decks. It is free for the first 15 minutes, then you will be charged $18 on a daily basis. This option is best for the travelers who are a bit budget-conscious and do not mind taking a quick shuttle ride, which will help them in saving some pennies.

• Complimentary shuttle services are available to the terminal.

• Shuttle services runs in every 15 minutes and are available 24/7.

• You can reserve a spot online on parkCLT.com or the CLT app. 

• Every airport shuttle service provides help in handicap parking.

Note: The Daily North Lot accepts payments by credit card only. Every airport shuttle service provides help in handicap parking.

Long-Term Lot 1

Long-Term Lot 1 is located on the Josh Birmingham Parkway at the north side of the airport, situated near the Cell Phone Lot, however, they have different entrances from the terminal garages. You have access to complimentary shuttle services, saving you time from walking until the terminal. This is mostly suitable for the travelers who go for longer trips and who wish to have budget-friendly options on every amenity.

• The parking rates start from $14 on a daily basis.

• You can reserve a spot online on parkCLT.com or the CLT app.

• To enter the parking premises, make sure to stop at the gate arm and wait until your license plate is being read. If in case the gate arm does not open, you can enter by scanning the QR code on your booking confirmation.

• Every airport shuttle service provides help in handicap parking.

Note: The entrance of the Long Term Lot 1 is situated to the south of the Cell Phone Lot, which means it is a bit closer to the Long Term Lot 2. 

Make sure to use the GPS services to search for Long Term Lot 1, rather than just CLT airport, since both of their entrances are different. 

Long-Term Lot 2

Long-Term Lot 2 is located on the Josh Birmingham Parkway right at the north side of the airport, which is next to Long-Term Lot 1. Please keep in mind that both of the lots have different entrances. Complimentary shuttles are available for the passengers travelling to and from the airport. The shuttle service runs every 10 to 15 minutes and is available 24/7. 

• This is mostly suitable for the travelers who go for longer trips and who wish to have budget-friendly options on every amenity. And this also acts as a backup for Long Term Lot 1 when there is no space. 

• You can book online on parkCLT.com or the CLT app, and you can also drive up to the parking lot to reserve your space. 

• The parking rate starts from $14 on a daily basis, which is similar to Long-Term Lot 1, however, the first 15 minutes are always free.

Note: The shuttle services are slightly further than the Long-Term Lot 1. 

Make sure to use the GPS services by entering Long-Term Lot 2, since it does not share the same gates for the entrance. 

Cell-Phone Lot

The cell-phone lot is located on the Josh Birmingham Parkway near the Long-Term Lot 1. The passengers or the drivers are required to drive through a roundabout to reach the pickup point at the terminal once the passenger is ready. 

• Cell-Phone Lot is mostly suitable for the drivers who are picking up someone, especially when the exact timings for landing or luggage have not been confirmed. 

• You can park for free. There are no charges for parking. 

• There is no time limit for waiting at the parking lot, however extended parking is not allowed.

Note: The drivers should always make sure to keep their phones with them to track the passenger’s arrival time since it is a waiting lot and extended parking is not allowed. 

There are no amenities available at the cell-phone lot, unlike many lots that have benches. 

EV Charging

EV charging is located at the West Hourly Deck at levels 4, 5, and 6, which are right near the elevators. 

• There are a total of 9 charging points, 3 on every level with 2 ports each. You would require a Charge Point card or app to use the EV services. 

• The parking charges for electronic vehicles are $4 on an hourly basis and $35 on a daily basis. The first 15 minutes are free. 

• The parking spots get easily filled up during peak season or hours, since there are only 18 EV charging spots. So make sure to have a backup plan. 

Note: Make sure that your EV charging account is ready to use before even arriving at the airport to avoid any kind of delays.

Offsite Parking

If passengers wish to go for budget-friendly options, they can always choose offsite parking. The parking rates start from $4.99 to $11.75 on a daily basis. This is 64% cheaper than the on-airport rates. This option is best for the passengers who wish to save money. Offsite parking is only 5-10 minutes away from the terminal. You can get the access to the complimentary shuttle services, but make sure to confirm before booking, since it does not always happen.

• Royal Inn CLT Airport Parking: The parking rates are $4.99 on a daily basis. It is just 5-8 minutes away, however there are no shuttle services available for this parking lot. You would be required to arrange your transport. Security cameras are there at the airport for safety.

• Red Lion Hotel Charlotte Airport: The parking rates are $5.00 on a daily basis. It is 8-10 minutes. You get access to free shuttle services during operating hours. For safety, security cameras are installed at the parking lot.

• Country Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport: The parking rates are $7.95 on a daily basis. It is 6-8 minutes away, however it provides 224-hour complimentary shuttle services.

• The Parking Spot CLT: The parking rates start from $9.95 to 11.75 on a daily basis. It is just 3-5 minutes away, with a complimentary shuttle available after every 5-10 minutes. 

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Tips to Save Money on Charlotte Airport Parking

If you are careless with the money, parking at the Charlotte Airport can take a big chunk of your savings from the travel budget. Kindly follow these tips below to save your money, and you can comfortably park your vehicle at the parking spot. 

• The best way to save your parking spot at the CLT is to book it online in advance. Now about 65% of the parking is done in advance. So to save yourself from the embarrassment of not finding any spot, book online. You may also receive promotional coupons online, which will make the prices go much cheaper than the original ones. 

• Don't just recklessly park your car in any of the parking lots. Analyze carefully what is suitable for you. For example, you should technically park your car in the long-term lot for a 5-day trip and pay $14, whereas you are paying $35 in one day by parking in the other lots. This can be a severe mistake. Make sure to carefully understand the parking lots. 

• Always make sure to compare the prices before hitting the book button. There are times when the offline lots offer promotional coupons or cheaper prices according to the seasons for the passengers. 

• Always reach early during festive seasons, holidays, spring or summer breaks, or big weekends. This will help you to find the right parking space, since the whole parking lot is packed with vehicles. If you have not booked in advance, make sure to arrive an hour or two early.

• Always make sure to use the cell phone lot specifically for passenger pick-ups. Do not wander around or park in the Hourly Deck. Cell phone lots are the most convenient, safe, and free option. 

• This is the most important aspect. Make sure to check the parking news or any latest updates before traveling. Check the airport’s official website to confirm whether the suitable lot has space to park or not. You can check the CLT map given on the official website.

Conclusion

Understanding the parking features and services available at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is effortless once you understand its structures. But at last, the best parking choice depends on your finances, how long you are going on vacation for, and how much you are willing to pay for your comfort. Make sure to always compare the options and make reservations ahead of time. This guide covers all the parking spots available at the Charlotte Airport, starting from their cost to availability, to which is the best spot to park your car. This also unveils the offsite parking and the helpful tips to save a spot for yourself in the future.