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Finding a rental car at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across North Carolina with no booking fees. Browse real-time CLT car rental deals parked steps from baggage claim and be on I-85 or I-77 toward Uptown or Lake Norman in minutes.
CLT Airport features an on-site rental car facility that eliminates the need for shuttle buses:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| CLT Airport Rental Car Facility |
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| Off-Airport Rental Locations |
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Rental Process at CLT: 1. After collecting baggage, follow signs to the Hourly Parking Deck 2. Take elevator or walking path to Level 2 of the deck 3. Rental counters are located in the central lobby area 4. After completing paperwork, vehicles are parked in the same facility 5. Return to the same location when dropping off your rental
On average, car rentals at Charlotte Airport cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-airport: CLT's walk-in facility is handy but airport fees add about 10-15%. Check both options on our site—an off-airport pickup plus a quick rideshare can still come out cheaper.
Tweak pickup/return times: Moving your search a few hours away from the Monday-morning or Friday-afternoon rush often drops the daily rate and shortens the line.
Watch the Charlotte event calendar: NASCAR races, NFL games and big conventions send prices soaring. If your plans are flexible, shift dates a day or two to dodge the surge.
Hunt weekend deals: Cars returned by business travelers Thursday night often sit idle. Many suppliers slash Fri–Mon rates, so you could land an SUV for midsize money.
CLT Airport Parking for Visitors:
| Parking Option | Rate | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Deck | Check current rate | Connected to terminal | Short-term parking, meetups |
| Daily Deck | Check current rate | Short walking distance | 1–3 day trips |
| Long Term Lots | Check current rate | Shuttle service required | Extended trips |
| Curbside | Not applicable | Arrivals/Departures level | Active loading/unloading only |
Rental Return Process:
1. Follow airport signs for "Rental Car Return" which direct to Level 2 of the Hourly Deck
2. Each rental company has a designated return lane marked by clear signage
3. Staff will check your vehicle and provide a receipt
4. Take the elevator or walkway directly to the terminal (5-minute walk)
Nearest Gas Stations to CLT:
Traffic Rules and Regulations:
Book a rental car so you can see:
Uptown Charlotte – Bank of America Stadium, NASCAR Hall of Fame
Carowinds – theme park
Lake Norman – lake, restaurants, water activities
US National Whitewater Center – rafting, ziplining, trails
Concord Mills & Charlotte Motor Speedway – outlet shopping, NASCAR events
SouthPark – mall, dining
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at CLT Airport?
When it's not busy, it will take you about 15-30 minutes to get your car. During busy times (especially Friday afternoons), you can expect it to take 30-45 minutes.
Do I need to take a shuttle to reach rental cars at CLT?
No. The airport's rental car center connects to the main terminal. It's in the Hourly Parking Deck and you can get there through a covered walkway. You'll find all the major rental companies in that one building.
Where do I return my rental car at CLT Airport?
You should return your car to Level 2 of the Hourly Parking Deck. Just follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." After you drop off the car, you can walk to the terminal in about 5 minutes using the connected walkways.
What's the best way to avoid traffic when leaving CLT Airport?
If you're driving to Uptown during rush hour, try taking Billy Graham Parkway to I-77 instead of Wilkinson Boulevard. To get to south Charlotte, you'll find that traffic on Wilkinson Boulevard to I-485 often moves faster than I-85.
Can I find a gas station close to the airport for refueling?
Yes, you can find several gas stations just 2-3 miles from the airport. The closest ones are on Little Rock Road, about 1.5-2 miles from where you return your rental car.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I'll arrive after the rental counter closes?
Most major rental companies at CLT stay open as long as flights are arriving. Avis and Budget are open 24/7. For other companies, you should call them ahead of time and give them your flight number so they know to wait for you if your flight is late.
Is it cheaper to rent a car directly at CLT or at an off-airport location?
You can usually save about 10-15% by renting from a place away from the airport, since you won't pay airport fees. However, many travelers find the extra cost is worth it because you can get your car right away and the airport locations are open longer.
Can I use express check-in/check-out services at CLT rental counters?
Yes, most major companies let their loyalty program members check in faster. If you're a member of Hertz Gold, National Emerald Club or Avis Preferred, you can often skip the counter and go straight to your car.
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