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Parking at CLT Airport can be pricey. You can save money at these off-site lots

The Charlotte Observer found that it’s cheaper to park at an offsite location when flying out of CLT Airport.
The Charlotte Observer found that it’s cheaper to park at an offsite location when flying out of CLT Airport. CHARLOTTE OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

Paying for a trip out of CLT Airport can be expensive, and high parking fees only add more headaches. 

Fortunately, travelers can save money by parking at off-site airport lots

There are many lots to choose from, with each charging different fees and some offering premium features. Here’s what to know about them.

Cheap parking near CLT Airport

The majority of places to park near CLT Airport are hotels, and they’re all within 7 miles of the airport

You do not have to be a hotel guest to park there. 

Do off-site lots near CLT airport have free shuttles?

Yes, some of them do. 

For those that don’t offer free shuttles, you might have to find alternative modes of transportation, such as rideshare services like Uber and Lyft or a taxi. Costs of these services can vary depending on the time of day and how far it is from the airport.

Is it cheaper to park at the airport or an off-site lot?

If you want to save money on your next trip, don’t park at the airport

The Charlotte Observer found that most of CLT Airport’s parking lots are more expensive than all but one of the off-airport sites. 

The daily rate at CLT’s Long Term Lot 1, the cheapest option, is $12. A few off-site lots, such as Hilton Charlotte Executive Park and Springhill Suites, had higher rates ranging from from $15-$40

But CLT Airport parking lots are either located within walking distance of the terminal or offer free shuttles. Some even offer premium services, such as car wash and maintenance services and valet services. 

Prices for off-airport parking places vary depending on the location, day and reservation site. Many hotels partner with third-party platforms, such as Global Airport Parking, Airport Parking Reservations or ParkingNearAirports.io, which may charge different prices over the same period. 

The Charlotte Observer checked hotel parking prices for the seven-day period from Monday, April 14 to Monday, April 21, and the daily rate ranged from about $3 to $40.

Key takeaways:

  • Most off-airport parking sites vary in daily cost by just a few dollars.

  • The most expensive option is Hilton Charlotte Executive Park, which has a higher daily rate than the cheapest airport parking option. 

  • Global Airport Parking offers the most options when it comes to finding an off-site parking spot. Other sites, such as ParkingNearAirports.io and Airport Parking Reservations have limited options. 

Can you park overnight at hotels for free?

You should keep these tips in mind when you’re making a parking reservation through a third-party site or directly with the vendor: 

  • If you’re parking at a hotel, always check in with the front desk. You may have to complete a registration process to receive a parking pass, or find out guidelines on where to park. 

  • If the hotel you’re parking at does not offer a shuttle, you could consider booking a taxi or rideshare in advance.

Inspired by a story from The News & Observer in Raleigh.

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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 2:51 PM.

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Evan Moore
The Charlotte Observer
Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.
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