Charlotte Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026
One terminal, five walkable concourses, 124 gates. Everything you need to navigate Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — Concourses A through E, security checkpoints, Charlotte airport parking and ground transport.
Charlotte Airport Map
The Charlotte Airport map below shows the full layout of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT/KCLT). CLT is American Airlines’ second-largest hub after Dallas Fort Worth, with the carrier operating roughly 90% of all flights — approximately 670 daily departures to 188 nonstop destinations. The airport recorded 53.6 million passengers in 2025, making it one of the busiest in North America.
As you can see on the Charlotte Airport map, the layout is remarkably compact for an airport of this size: one central terminal building connected to five concourses (A, B, C, D and E), all reachable on foot. There are no trains or shuttles — you can walk between the two furthest gates in about 15 minutes. Study the CLT airport map before you travel so you know which concourse your airline uses.
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Charlotte Airport Location Map
Charlotte Douglas International Airport sits approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of Uptown Charlotte. The Charlotte Airport location map below shows CLT’s position relative to the city centre. The airport is accessed via Josh Birmingham Parkway, connecting to I-85 (northeast toward Greensboro and southwest toward Greenville) and I-77 (north to Lake Norman and south toward Rock Hill and Columbia).
Charlotte Airport Terminal
Charlotte Douglas has a single terminal building divided into three main levels. All check-in, security, baggage claim and ground transportation are in this one building. The five concourses branch off from the terminal and are all accessible on foot after clearing security.
Terminal Levels
Charlotte Airport Security Checkpoints
CLT consolidated its five original lettered checkpoints into three larger numbered checkpoints as part of the Terminal Lobby Expansion. All three are on Level 2 of the terminal, and all concourses and gates are accessible from any checkpoint.
Charlotte Airport Concourse A
Concourse A is the most diverse concourse at Charlotte Airport, serving nearly all non-American Airlines carriers. It is split into two sections: the main area (gates A1–A13) closest to the terminal, and Concourse A North (gates A21–A39) connected by moving walkways. Checkpoint 1 is closest.
American Airlines does not operate from Concourse A. The A North extension features the digital artwork “Interconnected” by Refik Anadol, displayed on one of the largest digital screens in any US airport.
Charlotte Airport Concourse B — American Airlines
Concourse B handles American Airlines domestic flights. It sits southwest of the terminal, closest to Checkpoint 1. The concourse is compact with 15 gates.
Turn left out of Concourse B for Concourse A, or right for Concourses C, D and E.
Charlotte Airport Concourse C — American Airlines
Concourse C is another American Airlines domestic concourse, located southeast of the terminal near Checkpoint 2. Flights here are operated exclusively by American Airlines.
Turn right out of Concourse C for Concourses D and E, or left for Concourses A and B.
Charlotte Airport Concourse D — International
Concourse D is Charlotte’s international gateway, handling all non-preclearance international arrivals. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Federal Inspection Services) is located in the D/E connector. Checkpoint 3 is nearest.
Concourse D is undergoing renovations (restroom upgrades, electrical work, new carpeting) scheduled for completion in late 2026. The iconic “First in Flight” aviation mobile will be reinstalled on Concourse D before the end of 2026.
Charlotte Airport Concourse E — Regional
Concourse E is CLT’s largest and busiest concourse by gate count, handling American Eagle regional flights. It is the furthest concourse from the terminal — allow extra time to reach far-end gates. Checkpoint 3 is nearest.
Concourse E is undergoing major renovations: new terrazzo floors, updated wayfinding, improved flight displays and new moving walkways. Completion expected March 2027. Can feel warm in summer — bring water before boarding.
Walking Between Concourses on the Charlotte Airport Map
Unlike most major US airports, Charlotte Douglas requires no trains, shuttles or people movers. All five concourses are connected by pedestrian walkways with moving walkways in the connectors. After clearing any of the three security checkpoints, you can walk to any gate without re-clearing security.
Walking Times Between Concourses
From the security checkpoints in the centre of the terminal, Concourses A and B (west side) are the closest, typically a 3–6 minute walk. Concourse C sits in the middle at roughly 5–8 minutes. Concourses D and E (east side) are the furthest, at approximately 8–15 minutes to the far-end gates. If you are connecting between Concourse A North and Concourse E, allow a full 15 minutes. Moving walkways in the connectors help, but the B and C concourses can feel narrow and crowded during peak departure banks.
Getting to Charlotte Airport
All ground transportation departs from Level 1 (Arrivals/Baggage Claim) of the terminal.
Charlotte Airport Parking
Pre-book Charlotte airport parking at cltairport.com or the CLT Airport app for the best rates and guaranteed availability. Dynamic pricing applies to all reservation-enabled lots and decks from March 2026. Approximately 25,000 parking spaces are available, with about 65% bookable online only.
Charlotte Airport Map — Arrivals
If you are arriving at Charlotte Airport or meeting a passenger, the arrivals area is on Level 1 of the terminal. After landing, passengers walk from their concourse through the terminal to Level 1 baggage claim. International arrivals on Concourse D must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the D/E connector before proceeding to baggage claim.
Ground Transportation from Arrivals
Baggage claim carousels are on Level 1, labelled by concourse. From there, exit to find taxis (curbside with attendant), ride-share pick-up, the CATS Sprinter bus (Zone D doors), and the rental car facility walkway. If picking someone up by car, use the free Cell Phone Lot on Josh Birmingham Parkway and collect your passenger from the Level 1 curbside arrivals area.
Charlotte Airport Map — Departures
Departing passengers should enter the terminal on Level 2 via curbside drop-off or the parking garage walkways and pedestrian bridges. Check in at your airline’s ticket counter, then proceed to one of the three security checkpoints — all on Level 2. After clearing security, walk through the Atrium and connectors to your concourse (A, B, C, D or E).
Recommended Arrival Times
Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. American Airlines ticket counters line the terminal lobby. CLT’s security wait times typically average under 20 minutes, but can spike during early-morning and late-afternoon peak periods. Check real-time wait times on the CLT Airport app or website.
Insider Tips
Charlotte Airport is famous for its rocking chairs — they’re scattered throughout the Atrium and concourses, first-come first-served, and perfect for layovers. The Centurion Lounge in the D/E connector is extremely popular and often hits capacity during peak times — arrive early. For authentic local food, try Midwood Smokehouse on Concourse B or Olde Mecklenburg Brewery on Concourse E. Concourse E can feel warm in summer; grab water before heading to your gate. CLT is an American Airlines fortress hub, so if you’re connecting, check whether both flights use different concourses and allow at least 30 minutes for far-end gate connections.
Charlotte Airport Map — FAQ
How many terminals does Charlotte Airport have?
One terminal with five concourses: A, B, C, D and E. All concourses are connected by walkways — no trains or shuttles needed. You can walk between the two furthest gates in about 15 minutes.
Which airlines fly from each concourse?
Concourse A: Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, Air Canada and other non-AA carriers. Concourses B and C: American Airlines domestic. Concourse D: International flights (American, British Airways, Lufthansa). Concourse E: American Eagle regional.
How do I get between concourses?
Walk. All five concourses are connected by pedestrian walkways with moving walkways in the connectors. There are no trains or shuttles at CLT. The furthest walk takes about 15 minutes.
Where is Charlotte Airport security in 2026?
Level 2 of the terminal. Three checkpoints: Checkpoint 1 (west, near A/B), Checkpoint 2 (centre, main PreCheck), Checkpoint 3 (east, near D/E). All gates are accessible from any checkpoint.
How far is Charlotte Airport from Uptown?
About 7 miles west. CATS Sprinter bus: ~25–35 min ($2.20). Taxi: 15–20 min ($25–$32 flat rate). Uber/Lyft also available from the Departures level.
Where can I find Charlotte Airport parking?
Hourly Deck (closest, $8/hr), Daily Decks ($12/day), Long Term Lots 1 and 2 ($12/day with shuttle), Express Deck Preferred ($24/day), Valet ($35/day). Pre-book at cltairport.com or the CLT app.
Is Charlotte Airport an American Airlines hub?
Yes. CLT is American Airlines’ second-largest hub after Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). American operates approximately 90% of all flights, with around 670 peak-day departures to 188+ destinations.
What does the Charlotte Airport map show?
The Charlotte Airport map shows the single terminal building, all five concourses, the three security checkpoints, the Atrium, parking decks and lots, the rental car facility, curbside areas, and Josh Birmingham Parkway access roads.
Are there rocking chairs at Charlotte Airport?
Yes. CLT is famous for its white rocking chairs scattered throughout the Atrium and concourses. They are free to use, first-come first-served — a beloved Charlotte tradition since the airport’s early days.