In 9 hours or under, you can fly out of Charlotte and land in Europe. Here are your options
As an East Coast flight hub that’s one of the busiest in the world, you’ll find plenty of travel options when flying out Charlotte Douglas International Airport. So when wanderlust hits and you want to take off, you can consider one of CLT’s options to fly direct to Europe, and you’ll be on your way to exploring the world just a touch faster.
Our direct flight guide includes information on airlines, flight times, estimated cost ranges for summer flights and even a few suggestions on what to do in each place once you get there.
Here are the European destinations where you can fly directly from CLT:
Dublin, Ireland (seasonal, March 5-Oct. 25)
Wistful travelers can to Ireland’s capital city of Dublin directly from Charlotte to see castles and other historical sights. The city offers places to explore celtic artifacts and immerse yourself into the world of Irish authors, too. While you’re there, you can spend time in an Irish pub, watch traditional dancers and savor fine dining after you’ve dug into its famous fish and chips, paired with a pint of Guinness.
Airline: American Airlines
Flight time: Traveling direct from Charlotte to Dublin takes about 8 hours.
Price: $2,000+ to $4,000+
Frankfurt, Germany
When you land after a direct flight from Charlotte to Frankfurt, Germany, you can expect to find a city that centers on banking and trade where history buffs have the freedom to roam. You can peek into the past at the Frankfurt Historical Museum, which includes a model of the town before it was devastated by World War II bombings, and St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, which has stood since medieval German emperors ruled. Take your pick of Michelin starred restaurants to dine in, but don’t miss out on trying the city’s namesake frankfurters and other German sausages, either.
Airline: American Airlines
Flight time: Traveling direct from Charlotte to Frankfurt takes about 9 hours.
Price: $1,000+ to $3,000+
London, England
Anglophiles will delight in flying straight into London’s Heathrow Airport and setting out to see Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. During your stay, you can hop on one of its iconic bus tours, then take in the 360-degree views from the London Eye. You’ll also likely want to make time for an afternoon tea, along with exploring the diversity of British cuisine.
Airline: American Airlines
Flight time: Traveling direct from Charlotte to London takes just over 8 hours.
Price: $800+ to $2,000+
Madrid, Spain
Art and culture lovers can catch a direct flight from Charlotte to Madrid, then stroll through some of the world’s most notable art galleries. You can do a deep dive at the 200-year-old Prado Museum, see more than 100 works by Pablo Picasso at The Reina Sofia Museum or watch street musicians and artists at the historic Plaza Mayor. During your stay, check out flamenco dancing at a tablao, snack at tapas bars and try out one of the city’s centuries-old restaurants.
Airline: American Airlines
Flight time: Traveling direct from Charlotte to Madrid takes about 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Price: $1,450+ to $4,000+
Munich, Germany
Charlotte’s craft beer fans can step off a direct flight to Munich and head straight to an Oktoberfest celebration (taking place Sept. 21-Oct 6, 2024) or stake out one of the city’s many beer gardens. Steer in another direction and you can check out the BMW Museum and other car lovers’ attractions. Before you return, check out the city’s rich bread baking history or a take a tasting tour through the city’s renowned Viktualienmarkt to nosh on sausages, bread and cheese.
Airline: American Airlines, Lufthansa
Flight time: Traveling direct from Charlotte to Munich takes 9 hours.
Price: $1,600+ to $2,600+ via American Airlines or $900+ to $2,000+ via Lufthansa.
Paris, France (seasonal, June 5-Sept. 3)
The romance — and the cheese — of Paris await you after a direct flight from Charlotte. This year, you’ll be fighting the crowds there for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but the more the merrier, right? The Eiffel Tower is a must-see, along with the Arc de Triomphe. No trip to Paris would be complete without stopping in a cafe to soak up the city’s culture, but you’ll also want to arrange a visit to one of its world-class restaurants.
Airline: American Airlines
Flight time: Traveling direct from Charlotte to Paris takes just over 8 hours.
Price: $1,600+ to $4,000
Rome, Italy (seasonal, March 31-Oct. 25)
Foodies will delight in a direct flight from Charlotte to Rome, Italy, home to some of the world’s best pasta, pizza and wine. Make time for sightseeing at the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. Then head toward some of the best restaurants in Rome to settle in for a culinary treat. Take your time and relax in a wine bar afterward to savor a glass — or a few.
Airline: American Airlines
Flight time: Traveling direct from Charlotte to Rome takes about 9 hours and 15 minutes.
Price: $1,000+ to $2,300+
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