Travel Note
SPEED - Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) operates flights from many major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest, as well as budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier. CONVENIENCE - If you decide to drive, gas prices in North and South Carolina are consistently below the national average. EXPERIENCE - While it's not the fastest way to get there, we will always recommend taking Amtrak! With comfortable coach seating that actually reclines, freedom to move throughout the train, and a Café Car, you'll quickly fall in love with train travel. The station is less than two miles from almost everywhere in Uptown/City Center. The Carolinian and the Crescent lines run from New York to Charlotte (13.5 hours). The Crescent also runs from New Orleans (19 hours).
Travel Note
As nice as the hotels in Uptown Charlotte/City Center are, their rates can be steep. If you are driving to Charlotte or renting a car, considerably lower prices can be found in neighborhoods such as Collingwood, University Place, or Yorkmount, as well as two airport-adjacent locations, Airport North and Airport South. All of these areas have rates up to 75% lower than the lowest you'll find in Uptown! The surrounding cities of Gastonia, Concord, and Monroe are twenty-five-minute drives, as is beautiful Lake Norman. These are excellent locations to search for AirB&B rental properties.
Train
CATS is comprised of both bus and light rail service. Over seventy routes cover all of Charlotte's neighborhoods, as well as the surrounding cities mentioned in the Hotel Tip. One-way fares are $2.20 for adults and $1.10 for over 62 as well as children, students K-12 with valid ID, and those with disabilities. Round trip fares are $4.40 and $2.20, respectively, with one-day unlimited rides costing $6.60. Purchase passes via the CATS Pass app or at area grocery stores. You can also purchase while boarding, but you'll need exact change.
Travel Note
Check if your hotel has a courtesy shuttle! If not... The cheapest option is operated by CATS. The Sprinter Bus (Route 5) runs to and from the airport every twenty minutes on Monday through Friday from 5:05am to 12:59am and every half hour from Saturday to Sunday from 5:05am to 12:55am. It takes about a half hour to get to Center City and makes stops near several hotels.
Travel Note
Lyft and Uber rideshare pick-up is located on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level, lower level, Zone 4. Taxi service is available curbside on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level. There are four taxi companies available through the queue: City Cab, Crown Cab, Green Cab, and Yellow Cab. These companies are evaluated annually to ensure all taxis have a GPS system, take credit cards, and adhere to CLT guidelines. Their flat rates are $25 to Center City and $14 within three miles of the airport.
Travel Note
If you want to park near the Ceremony venue, use the Mint Street Parking Facility across the street at 410 South Mint Street. Let us know in advance if you'd like a pre-validated pass for $20. There are also nearby surface parking lots.
Travel Note
If you want to park near the Dinner venue, use the Center City Green Garage two blocks away at 316 East 6th Street. It is connected to the Springhill Suites Hotel, with entrances on both 5th Street and 6th Street. Exit on the 5th Street/Springhill Suites side. When the meter prints the ticket, it must say Center City Green in bold or the restaurant will be unable to validate it. They also won't be able to validate the ticket if you leave it in your car, so don't forget to bring it with you.
Travel Note
Sue is a huge fan of SpotHero, which allows you to digitally reserve parking spots via their app or website. They make it easy to find and compare prices as well as parking lot features, then provide a pre-paid pass/reservation instantly via e-mail.
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If you are looking to stay by the airport, consider the Microtel. Clean, comfortable rooms with the most helpful staff!
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In the heart of Southeast Charlotte, Ms. Elsie's offers the blissful solitude of a tropical island in the midst of a major urban city. While the exterior of the Inn is contemporary, the interior invokes the spiritual vibrations of the Caribbean.
House Or Rental
From the Rosanne styled living room to The Fresh Prince of Charlotte mural, this is a home that will take you back to one of the greatest decades of all time. Nestled in the back of a community just seventeen minutes from Uptown Charlotte, Home of the 90's is guaranteed to make you fall in love. Bring your 90's clothes for some Instaworthy pictures!