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How to get from Charlotte Douglas Airport to Downtown

Charlotte is the commercial hub of North Carolina. Known for its impressive museums, the array of bars and restaurants and its trendy shops, there’s so much to see and do in this bustling, vibrant city.

There are two different ways to get from Charlotte airport to downtown, taxi or bus. Taking a Charlotte Airport taxi is the quickest option as it takes just 16 minutes to reach downtown Charlotte and costs around $25 (€23). The cheapest option is to take the Number 5 Airport Sprinter bus, which costs just $2.20 (€2) one-way but takes around 30 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Charlotte at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Bus €4 30min 05:30–01:00
Taxi €23 16min 24/7

How to get from Charlotte Airport to Downtown by bus

The cheapest way to get from Charlotte airport to downtown Charlotte is by taking the bus. The Number 5 Airport Sprinter bus runs from 05:30 to 01:00 every day and costs just $2.20 (€2) one-way. However, the journey time is a little slower at around 30 minutes.

How much is the bus from Charlotte Airport to Downtown Charlotte?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the Number 5 Airport Sprinter bus from Charlotte airport to downtown is just $2.20 (€2). The ticket can be paid for on the bus in exact cash or with a CATS transit pass.

Cost

$2.20 (€2)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*There's a waiting time of up to 20 minutes during the day and 30 minutes at night for the Number 5 bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Number 5 Airport Sprinter bus runs from 05:30 to 01:00.

Where do I find the bus?

You can find the bus stops by following the signs for “Ground Transportation” in the Terminal building. Once outside at the bus stops, you will easily spot the Number 5 bus as it’s bright green.

Convenience

Although taking the Number 5 Airport Sprinter bus from Charlotte airport to downtown charlotte is a good budget transfer option, it’s less convenient than taking a private transfer. There’s very little luggage storage and the bus makes multiple stops on the way to downtown Charlotte, adding time and stress to your journey.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling in a group or with lots of luggage, taking the bus may be difficult and stressful. In this case, I suggest taking a private Charlotte airport taxi instead.

Useful Tips

The Number 5 bus runs slightly less frequently during the night than it does during the day.
There's no luggage storage on the bus, so be sure to travel light.
Children under the age of 5 travel for free on the city buses.

How to get from Charlotte Airport to Downtown by taxi

The only way to travel directly from Charlotte airport to downtown Charlotte is by taking a taxi. The journey time in a Charlotte Airport taxi is just 16 minutes and the cost is around $25 (€23) for two passengers.

Cost of a taxi from Charlotte Airport to Downtown Charlotte

The average price of a taxi from Charlotte airport to downtown Charlotte is $25 (€23). However, the exact fare will be calculated using a taximeter, whilst there’s also an extra charge of $0.50 (€0.45) per person after the first two passengers.

Cost

$25 (€23)

Trip Duration

16 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Charlotte airport.

Where do I find a taxi?

The taxi rank at Charlotte airport can be found just outside of the airport’s baggage claim area. Simply exit the Terminal doors and you’ll see the line of taxis in front of you.

Convenience

Taking a taxi is the only way to get directly from Charlotte airport to downtown. Instead of waiting for public transport for up to 30 minutes, you can walk out of the airport and hop into a fast and reliable taxi, cutting down your journey time and alleviating any stress.

Editor’s Note

Although there's an additional fee to add the third and fourth passengers, travelling in a group and splitting the fare actually makes choosing a taxi for your transport very affordable.

Useful Tips

After the first two passengers there's a charge of $0.50 (€0.45) per passenger.
Ensure your driver resets the taximeter before you begin your journey.
Tipping around 15 to 20% is customary if you enjoyed the ride.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

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  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How far is Charlotte airport from downtown Charlotte?

The distance from Charlotte airport to downtown Charlotte is 16 km. Taking a Charlotte Airport taxi will take around 16 minutes and the Number 5 Airport Sprinter bus will take nearer 30 minutes to reach downtown.

How can I get from Charlotte airport to downtown?

There are two ways to get from Charlotte airport to downtown, taxi or bus. Taking a Charlotte Airport taxi costs around $25 (€23) and takes just 16 minutes. On the other hand, taking the bus takes 30 minutes bus only costs $2.20 (€2) per passenger, one-way.

How much does a taxi cost from Charlotte airport to downtown?

The average cost for a taxi from Charlotte airport to downtown Charlotte is $25 (€23). However, as the local drivers use a taximeter to calculate your fare, this cost could change. To secure a set-rate fare that never changes, you can book your transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.

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