Charlotte's central business and entertainment district

About Uptown Charlotte

Uptown Charlotte—the city\'s term for downtown—is the second-largest financial center in the United States after New York, housing the headquarters of Bank of America and Truist Financial. The skyline of glass towers lines wide, walkable streets with public art installations and tree-lined boulevards.

Beyond banking, Uptown has become a cultural and entertainment destination. The Mint Museum Uptown and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art anchor the Levine Center for the Arts. The NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrates Charlotte\'s deep racing heritage. Romare Bearden Park, named for the acclaimed Charlotte-born artist, is a popular green space overlooking the BB&T Ballpark. The South End neighborhood, connected by the LYNX Blue Line light rail, has transformed into a hip district of breweries, restaurants, and street art.

Nearby Landmarks

NASCAR Hall of Fame Mint Museum Uptown BB&T Ballpark Romare Bearden Park Spectrum Center

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $18-28
Time 15-25 minutes

Ground Transportation area, lower level arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the CATS Sprinter Route 5 bus from the airport to Trade/Tryon stop in Uptown. Runs every 20 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $18-28 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The SPRINTER express bus from the airport runs until about 11:30 PM on weekdays, earlier on weekends. Taxis queue at the airport 24/7. Uber and Lyft are readily available at all hours—the late-night fare to Uptown is typically $15–25. Charlotte's Uptown has a lively bar scene, particularly along East Boulevard and in South End.

Luggage Tips

The SPRINTER bus has luggage racks for airport travelers. The LYNX light rail also has space for bags. Taxis and ride-shares accommodate standard luggage easily. Many Uptown hotels offer bell service. If heading to a Panthers or Hornets game with luggage, lockers are not available at the venues—drop bags at your hotel first.

Accessibility

The LYNX Blue Line is fully ADA accessible with ramp boarding and designated spaces. Uptown Charlotte has excellent sidewalks with curb cuts and accessible crosswalks. Major venues (NASCAR Hall of Fame, Convention Center) are fully accessible. The SPRINTER bus is wheelchair accessible with a deployable ramp.