Charlotte Airport CATS Bus Service

We will explore the various services and amenities offered by the Charlotte Airport CATS, providing you with the essential information you need to navigate Charlotte effortlessly. From light rail systems to buses and convenient scheduling, CATS is your trusted companion for exploring the Queen City.

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CATS is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s your ticket to explore Charlotte and experience all that this dynamic city has to offer. Whether you’re a visitor looking to explore the city’s attractions, a business traveler heading to a meeting, or a resident on your daily commute, CATS has you covered with a range of transportation options tailored to your needs.

Charlotte Airport CATS Service

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offers Sprinter bus service to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The Sprinter bus is a convenient and affordable way to get to and from the airport.

The Sprinter bus runs between CLT and Uptown Charlotte every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes.

To board the Sprinter bus, passengers can purchase a ticket at the vending machines located at all CLT terminals and bus stops. Passengers can also use a CATS pass to board the bus.

The Sprinter bus is a great option for passengers who are looking for a convenient and affordable way to get to and from CLT. The bus is also a good option for passengers who are traveling with luggage, as the bus has plenty of storage space.

Here are some tips for using the CATS Sprinter bus to and from CLT:

Purchase a ticket or use your CATS pass before boarding the bus.
Be sure to have your fare ready when you board the bus.
The Sprinter bus makes stops along the way, so be sure to let the driver know when you reach your stop.
The Sprinter bus has plenty of storage space for luggage, but be sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Route -5 Sprinter

When time is of the essence, and you need a swift and reliable mode of transportation between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and downtown Charlotte, look no further than Route 5 – Sprinter, brought to you by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). This express bus service offers an efficient journey from the airport to the heart of the city, making your travel experience seamless and time-saving.

Key Highlights:

Speedy Transit: The Sprinter is your express ticket to downtown Charlotte. With a travel time of just 30 minutes, it’s the fastest way to connect to and from CLT Airport.
Frequent Service: CATS understands the importance of convenience. During peak hours (Monday to Friday), the Sprinter operates every 20 minutes, ensuring that you’re not kept waiting. Even during off-peak hours and weekends, it runs every 30 minutes.
Extended Operation Hours: The Sprinter caters to various schedules. It commences its services at 5:05 am on weekdays and continues until 10:54 pm. On weekends, it starts at the same early hour and runs until 12:55 am.
Accessible Fare Options: Purchasing a ticket for the Sprinter is hassle-free. Ticket vending machines are conveniently located at all CLT terminals and bus stops. Alternatively, passengers can use their CATS pass for a seamless boarding experience.
Luggage-Friendly: If you’re traveling with luggage, you’ll appreciate the ample storage space on the Sprinter bus. It’s a practical choice for passengers who require storage convenience.

Route 590 Airport Connector

For travelers seeking a rapid and efficient connection between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and the Northlake Mall Park and Ride, look no further than Route 590 Airport Connector, a distinguished service provided by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). This express bus route is designed to minimize travel time by making only limited stops along the way, making it a top choice for those who value efficiency.

Route 590 Highlights:

Express Convenience: Route 590 is your express ticket to and from CLT Airport. With its limited stops, it offers a swifter journey compared to regular bus services.
Frequent Departures: CATS understands the importance of punctuality. The Route 590 bus operates every 30 minutes, ensuring you have flexibility in planning your travel.
Extended Service Hours: Catering to diverse schedules, Route 590 begins its service at 4:50 am and continues until 10:25 pm.
Express Fare: To hop aboard this swift connection, passengers are required to purchase an express bus fare. These fares can be conveniently obtained from vending machines situated at CLT terminals and bus stops. Additionally, CATS pass holders can seamlessly use their passes for boarding.
Luggage Convenience: Traveling with luggage? Route 590 has you covered with ample storage space, making it an ideal choice for passengers with luggage.

Route 591 Airport Connector

For travelers seeking a seamless and time-efficient connection between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and key LYNX Blue Line light rail stations, look no further than Route 591 Airport Connector, a distinguished service provided by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). This express bus route is designed to bridge the gap between CLT Airport and three prominent LYNX Blue Line stations: Archdale, Tyvola, and Woodlawn, providing a swift and convenient journey.

Key Features of Route 591:

Frequency and Accessibility: Route 591 operates with a frequency of every 20-30 minutes, ensuring you have flexibility in planning your travel. The service runs daily from 5:00 am to midnight, catering to a variety of schedules.
Express Fare: To utilize Route 591, passengers are required to purchase an express bus fare. These fares can be easily obtained from vending machines located at all CLT terminals and bus stops. Additionally, CATS pass holders can seamlessly use their passes for boarding.
Seamless Integration: Route 591 serves as an excellent option for passengers planning to use the LYNX Blue Line light rail system. For example, travelers can board Route 591 at CLT and connect to the Archdale light rail station, granting access to Uptown Charlotte via the LYNX Blue Line.
Luggage Convenience: Traveling with luggage? Rest assured, Route 591 offers ample storage space, making it an ideal choice for passengers with baggage.

Present And Future

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has set its sights on a transformative transportation project: the construction of an airport rail link connecting Uptown Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) by 2030. This endeavor is a pivotal component of a broader rail expansion initiative, projected to carry a price tag ranging from $5 to $7 billion.

The airport rail link is envisioned as a light rail line, seamlessly integrating CLT into the existing LYNX Blue Line light rail system. Spanning approximately 10 miles and encompassing 10 strategically positioned stations, the project is still in the planning stages, with construction slated to commence in 2025.

This ambitious undertaking promises a multitude of advantages, including:

Reduced Travel Time: Commuters will enjoy a swifter and more efficient journey between CLT and Uptown Charlotte.
Traffic Relief: By providing an attractive public transit alternative, the airport rail link is poised to alleviate traffic congestion in the region.
Environmental Gains: The project is expected to contribute to improved air quality, aligning with sustainable transportation practices.
Economic Growth: Enhancing accessibility to CLT is likely to spur economic development in the vicinity.

Notably, the airport rail link project is anticipated to generate thousands of job opportunities during both its construction and operational phases, further solidifying its significance within the community.

Location

For those seeking efficient transportation options to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), CATS buses provide a reliable solution. Departing from Zone D in the Baggage Claim area, CATS buses operate on the lower level of the airport, situated below all of the concourses.

Finding your way to Zone D, Baggage Claim area is a breeze, thanks to well-placed directional signage throughout the airport. Simply follow the signs from your concourse, and you’ll seamlessly arrive at Zone D. Once there, you’ll spot the CATS bus stop located just outside the baggage claim area.

CATS buses offer a convenient and cost-effective means of transit, serving a diverse range of destinations within the Charlotte area. These routes encompass Uptown Charlotte, Northlake Mall, and the LYNX Blue Line light rail stations, among others.

Fares

When traveling on CATS buses, it’s helpful to be aware of the fare options available to suit your needs and budget. While the general fare for boarding any CATS bus is $3.00, there are several discounted fares to take advantage of:

Seniors (62+) and Individuals with Disabilities: Enjoy a reduced fare of $1.50.
Children (Ages 5-11): Young travelers aged 5 to 11 can board for just $1.00.
Families: Families, including up to two adults and four children, can benefit from a fare of $7.00.
Day Pass: If you plan to make multiple bus trips in a single day, consider the day pass option at $7.00.
Weekly Pass: Frequent riders may find the weekly pass, priced at $30.80, a cost-effective choice.
Monthly Pass: For extended stays or regular commuters, the monthly pass offers excellent value at $88.00.

Purchasing your tickets or passes is hassle-free. You can acquire them from the conveniently located vending machines at all CLT terminals and bus stops. Alternatively, opt for the CATS app, which provides a convenient platform for ticket and pass purchases. Keep in mind that the app often features discounts and promotional offers.

Where Can I Buy My Ticket?

Obtaining your CATS bus tickets and passes is a straightforward process designed for your convenience. Here are some essential details to keep in mind:

Onboard Purchase: Passengers have the option to buy CATS bus tickets directly from the driver while boarding. However, it’s important to note that the driver may not always have change available for cash payments. Additionally, large bills, such as $50 or $100, may not be accepted.
Vending Machines: For a hassle-free experience, vending machines are conveniently located at all CLT terminals and bus stops. These machines accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring accessibility for various payment methods.
CATS App: Embrace the digital age and streamline your ticket and pass purchases with the CATS app. Available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, this user-friendly app offers a convenient platform for securing your travel fare.

For smoother boarding and to avoid potential delays, it’s advisable to purchase your tickets or passes before boarding the bus, especially when paying with cash. Here are some additional tips to enhance your purchasing experience:

Prepare Your Fare: Ensure you have the exact fare ready when boarding. If you plan to pay with cash, having the correct amount on hand will facilitate the transaction.
CATS App Benefits: Explore the CATS app to conveniently purchase tickets and passes. Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions regularly featured on the app.
Discounted Fares: Take advantage of reduced fares available for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children, aligning your fare options with your specific needs.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the available purchase methods, you can make your CATS bus journey more efficient and cost-effective.