Car Hire in Charlotte - Getting to Charlotte
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport serves all major domestic and most international routes, including those directly to and from the UK. It is situated west of the city off I-85.Transport into the city is available in the form of airport shuttle buses, charging about US$8, and taxis, slightly more expensive at about US$15. However, most major hotels provide complimentary transport from the airport in private minibuses.
The US road network is both well-connected and well-maintained, and its high quality and efficiency make driving a pleasure. Charlotte sees the confluence of several major highways, with I-77 coming in from Columbia, South Carolina, and intersecting with I-40 as it continues north to Virginia.
I-85 enters Charlotte from the southwesterly direction of Greenville, South Carolina, then heads northeast, crossing the I-40 between Winston-Salem and 'the Triangle' - the area around Duke University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. I-277 leads directly into Charlotte.
Trains are a good travel option, being reasonably priced and less cramped than buses. Amtrak offers a daily service to Charlotte from Washington DC, Atlanta and destinations beyond. There is also a daily service to and from Raleigh and Durham.
The US bus system is affordable, reliable and extensive, with Greyhound and other services operating between most major centres in the country. The only drawback is the relative discomfort, especially over long distances.
