Ready to ride? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental rates at Charlotte Douglas Intl Airport (CLT). Enter your pick-up/drop-off dates and choose “Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)” as your location. In seconds, you’ll see offers from all the major car rental companies at CLT. Filter by vehicle type or price to find exactly what you need from compact cars perfect for navigating Charlotte’s city streets, to roomy SUVs for a family outing to the mountains, or even a pickup truck if you’ve got some heavy hauling (it’s the South, after all!).
Welcome to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the bustling aviation hub of the Carolinas and your launching point for an incredible journey through the American South. Renting a car at CLT gives you instant access to Charlotte’s vibrant city life, as well as the scenic highways that lead to mountains, beaches, and charming southern towns. This page is your all-in-one guide to snagging an affordable Charlotte Airport car rental with zero hassle. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s top deals with insider tips on navigating CLT’s rental process, so you can hit the ground driving confidently and quickly, whether you’re a business traveler or here for family fun.
(Pro Tip: Charlotte’s public transport is limited in reach, and the city and surrounding region are best explored on wheels. By renting a car at CLT, you’re not just confined to Uptown you can delve into Uptown Charlotte’s attractions, venture to Lake Norman, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, or even head down I-85 to Atlanta on your own timetable.)
Why book your CLT car with AirportVanRental? Because we make it easy, fast, and budget-friendly:
Why Rent a Car at Charlotte Airport?
Renting directly at CLT is the smart choice for maximizing your time and mobility in Charlotte and beyond. Here’s why travelers in the know grab a rental at Charlotte Douglas rather than relying on cabs or limited public transit:
In essence, renting a car at Charlotte Airport puts the key to the city and region in your hand. You’ll maximize your visit, save time, and get a taste of that open Carolina road.
Our Charlotte Airport Car Rental Benefits (Why Book with Us?)
When you choose AirportVanRental for your CLT car rental, you’re choosing a hassle-free, value-packed experience. Here’s how we sweeten the deal for your Charlotte wheels:
Top Charlotte Airport Car Rental Deals
Economy Car from $25/day.Example: Hyundai Accent or Nissan Versa (or similar compact). Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want to zip around Charlotte and save on gas. These small sedans are easy to park (say, in busy districts like Uptown or South End) and have excellent fuel economy for those jaunts to the outlet malls or up into the mountains. Why so cheap? CLT often has surplus of compacts outside major event weeks, and we pass those savings on. Great for budget-conscious travel with comfort beyond what a public bus could offer.
Midsize Sedan from $30/day.Example: Toyota Camry or Kia K5 (or similar). A little more room for the family or business colleagues. Smooth ride for highway trips if you’re driving to Raleigh (2.5 hours) or down to Savannah (4 hours), you’ll appreciate the comfort. At around $30, it’s a bargain for the comfort/features (many have advanced safety tech too). Also, Camry-type cars blend in a plus if you prefer not to scream “tourist” when exploring small towns.
Standard SUV from $40/day.Example: Toyota RAV4 or Ford Edge (or similar 5-passenger SUV). One of our most popular categories in Charlotte. These SUVs give you higher seating (nice for scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway or just spotting your exit on I-485 over the traffic) and plenty of cargo for luggage or shopping sprees (hello, IKEA Charlotte). They handle the occasional winter dusting or gravel road to a mountain cabin with ease. And at ~$40/day, that’s a solid value for versatility. Many have AWD which is a perk if heading to ski slopes at Appalachian Ski Mtn or Cataloochee.
Minivan from $50/day.Example: Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica (7-8 passenger). The road trip hero for families or groups. With dual sliding doors and ample space, loading kids and gear is a cinch. Explore Charlotte’s family attractions (Discovery Place, the Zoo in Asheboro 1.5hr away, etc.) with everyone buckled in one vehicle. The price (~$50) split among, say, 6 people is incredibly low per person. These often book out in summer when beach trips are in swing, so snag one early if you need. DVD players in some can keep the kiddos entertained between destinations.
Full-Size Pickup Truck from $45/day.Example: Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado (4-door). We’re in truck country here, and sometimes you just need a truck whether it’s moving some furniture, heading to a tailgate at the NASCAR All-Star Race, or venturing to Uwharrie National Forest for camping. A crew cab pickup seats 5 and gives you a bed for cargo. Surprised to see a truck rental this cheap? It’s Charlotte demand is steady but supply is good, so rates can be very reasonable. Embrace the Southern vibe and enjoy that commanding view of the road.
Luxury/Premium SUV from $65/day.Example: BMW X3, Infiniti QX80 or similar. Treat yourself or impress a client with an upscale ride. Leather seats, premium sound maybe you’re driving up to Grove Park Inn in Asheville for a spa weekend and want to arrive in style, or you just prefer luxury wheels. At around $65+, it’s more than basic wheels but still a steal to drive something that might cost $60k+ to buy. Charlotte’s a city where people appreciate nice cars (you’ll see plenty of high-end vehicles in SouthPark), so you’ll fit right in.
(Note: “From” rates are base rates and exclude optional extras. They do include approx. 15-18% taxes/fees at CLT, like North Carolina’s rental tax (8%), county tax, and the airport’s facility fee. We display all that when you book. Prices fluctuate with seasons/events: expect higher rates during big events like the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend or Democratic/Republican national conventions, etc., and lower in shoulder seasons. Book early for peak times Charlotte hosts lots of events (NASCAR, conventions, big college games). Always search your exact dates for real-time pricing we often have special discounts too.)
Navigating Charlotte Douglas Airport’s Rental Car Facility (CLT)
Picking up your rental at CLT is refreshingly easy thanks to its consolidated rental facility (CRF). Here’s how it works step-by-step:
In summary, Charlotte’s consolidated rental facility is extremely convenient. You’ll avoid the hassle of shuttle buses, and in just a short walk from plane to car, you’ll be set. Many travelers consider CLT’s rental setup one of the better ones in terms of ease and speed.
Driving Out of Charlotte Airport & Local Driving Tips
Now you’re in the driver’s seat literally! Here’s what to expect and some tips for driving in and around Charlotte:
By and large, driving in Charlotte and the Carolinas is pleasant roads are wide, drivers moderately paced, and there’s a lot to explore. With your rental car, you have the freedom to see it all on your own terms. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
Frequently Asked Questions
At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the rental car counters are conveniently located on-site in the Hourly Parking Deck (Level 2 lobby). There’s no need for a shuttle bus at all. After you land and grab any checked luggage, just follow the overhead signs for “Rental Cars.” You’ll walk across a pedestrian bridge into the parking garage. It’s only a few minutes on foot from the terminal very easy even with luggage carts (they allow carts into the deck). Elevators/escalators are available if needed. Once you’re at the rental car lobby, you’ll see all the company counters lined up. If you have a lot of luggage or mobility concerns, don’t worry it’s a relatively short distance, and CLT provides elevators and moving walkways in parts. The setup is similar to a “rental car center” but integrated with the garage. So in summary: exit plane, get bags, follow “Rental Car” signs, walk to deck Level 2, and you’re there. The absence of a shuttle is a huge time-saver; many folks are pleasantly surprised how quickly they go from baggage claim to behind the wheel. When returning the car, you’ll drive into the same garage, follow “Rental Car Return” signs, and park in your company’s area. From there, you just walk back into the terminal (again 5 minutes or less). This is one of the most user-friendly airport rental setups out there.
Generally, yes. Most major rental companies at CLT have hours that cover late night arrivals many are effectively open 24 hours or at least have staff on call for late flights. Charlotte is a busy airport with flights even past midnight (e.g., some west coast flights arrive late). If you have a reservation and your flight is coming in after normal counter hours (say 1 AM), the typical procedure is the company will either keep an agent available or handle you through an after-hours process. For example, some might direct you to pick up keys from a lockbox or the parking deck security office. But this scenario is rare; usually there’s an agent if they know you’re coming on a delayed or late flight. To be safe, if your scheduled arrival is near closing time (which is often around midnight for some counters), it’s good to include your flight number with your reservation. That way, if the flight is late, the staff tracks it. You can also call the local office number or our customer service if you foresee a big delay. We can often coordinate to ensure someone is there. But rest assured, CLT’s rental facility is not a ghost town even at 11 PM or 12 there are frequently customers and workers around. The deck is well-lit and secure 24/7. So, bottom line: you’ll get your car even if arriving in the wee hours; just keep your reservation active (don’t no-show without notice) and communicate any drastic changes in plan. And if for any reason something is amiss on arrival, our 24/7 helpline is there to assist and get you in a car.
Good news: North Carolina has relatively few toll roads, and the Charlotte area specifically has no traditional toll roads on the main highways. The only tolls you might encounter near Charlotte are Express Lanes on I-77 (the optional HOT lanes from Charlotte to Mooresville) and a few toll bridges or private roads in far outskirts (very rare). The I-77 express lanes use electronic tolling (NC Quick Pass/E-ZPass). If you choose to use those in your rental, the toll will be charged via the car’s license plate to the rental company, and then to you with a small fee if you haven’t arranged otherwise. Many rentals in NC are equipped with toll transponders that can be activated if you want (sometimes called PlatePass or similar) you’d pay a daily fee (~$3-5) on each day you incur a toll plus the toll cost. If you decline that and still go through, they’ll bill you the toll plus a per-toll fee (like $15 each), so it might be worth opting in if you plan heavy toll usage. However, outside those express lanes, the main toll road in NC is the Triangle Expressway (NC-540) around Raleigh, nowhere near Charlotte. If you drive to Raleigh or toward the Outer Banks via US-64, you might hit one, but unlikely on casual trips. Also, many NC toll facilities accept E-ZPass (which is also NC Quick Pass) if you have your own transponder, you can bring it and use it in the rental, just make sure the rental’s built-in isn’t also on (usually they’re off until activated). South Carolina currently has no toll roads. Georgia has some around Atlanta (e.g., I-85 express lanes) if you go that far. To simplify: you can probably avoid any tolls entirely in and near Charlotte. The I-77 express lanes are optional; you can stay in general lanes for free albeit slower in rush hour. If you want to use them or are traveling to other states with tolls (Florida’s Turnpike, etc.), consider asking at the rental counter about their toll program. Some companies in NC provide a transponder by default in each car (maybe stuck in glove box or windshield; check if “on” or “off”). If you accept it, daily fees apply only on days you use a toll usually. If you never hit a toll, you won’t be charged. We’ll detail these options in your rental info. But many renters at CLT never pay a dime in tolls. For example, drive to Asheville, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta no tolls required (Atlanta has optional express lane tolls). If you do get on a toll road by accident (like the 77 express lane, which has limited entrances), don’t panic. It’ll take a photo of the plate, and the rental co. will bill it to your card with maybe a service fee. You can’t pay cash on those anyway. So it’s manageable. In summary: tolls aren’t a big concern in Charlotte; just know your rental’s policy for the off chance you use one. We also can answer any specific route toll questions if you ask us we’re here to help make it clear.
Absolutely, one-way rentals from Charlotte Airport are commonly available. You can rent at CLT and drop off at a different airport or location in another city. Popular one-ways might be CLT to Raleigh, CLT to Atlanta, CLT to Charleston SC, or even longer hauls like CLT to Orlando or Washington D.C. The process: when booking, select your drop-off city. We’ll show which companies allow that and any drop fee. If the one-way is within North Carolina or close by (e.g., Charlotte to Raleigh, or Charlotte to Columbia SC), many companies either waive the drop fee or charge a small one because it’s in-region. For far one-ways (e.g., Charlotte to New York or Miami), expect a higher drop charge (could be a few hundred dollars). We include that in your quote, so it’s transparent. One way rentals are convenient maybe you’re doing a road trip and flying back from elsewhere, or you’re relocating. The key is to plan ahead; some smaller drop-off locations might have limited hours or fleets, but major ones (airports, etc.) are fine. There’s no problem crossing state lines with a rental from CLT; all our rentals have unlimited mileage, so drive as far as you want. Just return on time at the agreed place. Note: if you plan to drop at a very small town or outside normal city circuit, availability might be limited and fees higher (because the car has to be repositioned). Typically, though, Charlotte to any other big city is straightforward. And if you don’t see an option online, call us sometimes we can arrange special one-ways through our network even if it doesn’t show up, albeit with a custom quote. As for logistics: when you get the car at CLT, they’ll note your drop location in the contract. You then drive, and at drop-off, the receiving location closes your contract. Easy peasy. So yes, feel free to plan that Carolinas-to-Florida coastal drive or Smoky Mountains to Nashville tour we’ll help get you the wheels and take care of the drop details.
Oh, there are many! With your rental car, you can enjoy some fantastic road trips. Here are a few ideas: • Blue Ridge Parkway & Asheville: About 2 hours west of Charlotte gets you into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway (entrance near Asheville) for stunning mountain vistas, especially in fall with the foliage. Asheville itself is a great day or overnight trip artsy town, the famous Biltmore Estate (America’s largest home), and lots of craft breweries. The drive up is mainly I-85/I-26 or I-40 then winding parkway roads your rental will handle it fine. Don’t miss viewpoints like Craggy Gardens or Linn Cove Viaduct. • Cherohala Skyway & Great Smoky Mountains: If you don’t mind a longer full-day adventure (~3 hours each way), head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via I-85/I-26 to US-74 west. Or take NC-129 to experience the “Tail of the Dragon” an 11-mile stretch with 318 curves (popular with driving enthusiasts be cautious though!). The Cherohala Skyway (NC/TN) is another scenic mountain drive with panoramic views. You could do a loop through Smokies (see Cherokee or Gatlinburg) and back. It’s ambitious but memorable. • Charleston, SC: About a 3-hour drive down I-77 and I-26, Charleston can be a long day trip or better an overnight, but doable if you start early. Explore the historic downtown, waterfront Battery, and maybe a quick beach stop at Sullivan’s Island. The drive is easy interstate. On the way, Columbia (the state capital) is 1.5 hours from CLT if you want a mid-point stop. • Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach: Roughly 3.5 hours east (US-74 then US-76), you’ll hit the NC coast. Wilmington has a charming riverfront and WWII Battleship North Carolina to tour. Wrightsville Beach (just outside town) is one of NC’s prettiest beaches you can dip in the Atlantic and be back in Charlotte by late night. It’s a haul for one day, but with a rental car and good tunes, why not? • Lake Norman & Wine Country: Much closer only 30-40 minutes north on I-77 is Lake Norman, Charlotte’s playground lake. Rent a boat for an afternoon or enjoy lakeside dining at places like Port City Club in Cornelius. Also, Yadkin Valley wine country is about 1 hour north via I-77 (around Dobson, Elkin) dozens of vineyards and tasting rooms with scenic rolling hills (Shelton Vineyards, Raffaldini Vineyards with its Italian-style villa are highlights). A perfect romantic day trip. • The NASCAR Pilgrimage: If you’re a racing fan (this is NASCAR central), drive up to Mooresville (30 min north on I-77), known as “Race City USA.” Visit race team shops (Penske, JR Motorsports, etc.), the Memory Lane Motorsports Museum, or take a drive to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord (just 20 min NE on I-85) for a tour or a NASCAR Racing Experience session where you can actually drive a racecar. There’s also the zMax Dragway and a dirt track all near the speedway. • Uwharrie National Forest: Only ~1 hour east (via NC-24/27), this lesser-known forest has off-roading trails (if you rented a Jeep or truck, this is fun check permits), hiking, and Badin Lake for camping/picnics. It’s a tranquil natural getaway not far from the city. These are just a sampling the Carolinas have a lot to offer, and with your rental you have the freedom to explore spontaneously. Do check closing times if you plan to return the car the same day but since CLT’s facility is always accessible, you can pretty much head out early, come back late, and drop off after hours if needed (the garage is open, you’d just leave keys in drop box or with an attendant). Enjoy the journey sometimes the drive itself, through Carolina pines and gentle hills or dramatic peaks, is as delightful as the destination.