Charlotte airport parking fees are rising: How do they stack up nationally?
If you’re flying out of Charlotte and parking at the airport starting in March, get ready to pay more to leave after your return flight. But you aren’t alone — parking rates at major U.S. airports have been steadily climbing for several years.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is planning to raise parking fees by $2 to $8 on March 1, depending on the lot. These new daily maximum rates will represent increases of 9% to 40%. Airport officials said the changes are due to rising operating expenses and shifting demand.
While CLT last adjusted its rates in November 2023, officials noted that these latest changes will also fund improvements to parking safety, infrastructure, and reliability to enhance the passenger experience. Despite the hike, CLT says its parking remains among the most affordable in the country for a major airport.
As the world’s sixth-busiest airport for takeoffs and landings, Charlotte’s demand for parking also remains high. Last year, CLT surpassed Los Angeles for total flights, according to Airports Council International rankings.
Here’s how Charlotte compares to some of the top-tier hubs in the U.S.
Las Vegas airport parking rates
Among the world’s 10 busiest airports is fifth-ranked Harry Reid International Airport, which serves the Las Vegas area.
Daily parking rates there range from $12 to $36. The airport has not increased rates in recent years, a spokesperson said. The last price hike was in February 2020, according to an airport social media announcement.
In late 2024, the Las Vegas airport launched a pre-book parking pilot program, allowing travelers to reserve spots in advance for $21 to $28 per day. This option introduced a separate pricing tier without affecting the costs of existing lots.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region airport parking
At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, ranked third-busiest airport, the last price increase occurred in May 2024. Current daily parking prices range from $14 to $45.
Denver airport parking
Denver International Airport, ranked fourth, raised its parking rates last May, with shuttle parking increasing by 25%, garage parking by 16% and economy parking by 10%, according to airport officials.
Daily parking prices at Denver now range from $8 via a city rail train to the terminal (costing another $10.50) to $45 for a reserved section, about a five-minute walk from the terminal. The airport surveys rates at other major airports every two to three years to help determine if changes are necessary.
Like Charlotte, Denver officials note that parking fees fund improvements such as better lighting, accessibility upgrades and enhanced security, while helping keep airline fees competitive to encourage more flights.
Chicago airport parking options
In Chicago, to better align with nearby off-airport competitors, parking rates at second-ranked O’Hare went up by 36% in early 2025 for Economy Lot F, according to a spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Aviation.
Parking fees at both O’Hare International and Chicago Midway International airports have remained largely unchanged for the past five years, with the only other adjustments being minor shifts in sales tax.
Currently, daily parking rates at O’Hare range from $16 to $79, while Midway offers daily rates between $15 and $67.
