For travelers with a layover in Charlotte, the proximity of CLT to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 100 minutes via CATS Sprinter Bus Route 59, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave CLT:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Charlotte takes about 100 minutes by CATS Sprinter Bus Route 59. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Charlotte Douglas International Airport into town:
- CATS Sprinter Bus Route 59: About 100 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 120 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Charlotte:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at CLT
You can store your luggage at Luggage storage and lockers are not available at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Charlotte as well.
How to Spend Your Time in Charlotte
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Charlotte, two standouts are:
- NASCAR Hall of Fame — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Charlotte.
- Freedom Park — A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CLT, you can spend time at The Club CLT or try CLT Airport Overlook. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Charlotte Layover
- In the city: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) and Pinky’s Westside Grill are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Charlotte.
- At the airport: 1897 Market and Shake Shack will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CLT
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CLT, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CLT is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Charlotte and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Charlotte exploring the streets or relaxing at CLT, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.