Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Usama
Home to around 60 rides and a 72-acre waterpark, Carowinds in Charlotte is one of North Carolina’s most visited attractions. This sprawling amusement park ranks fifth in the world for the most number of coasters, with plenty of award-winning rides for thrill seekers to enjoy. Our Carowinds parking guide offers all the information you need for your visit, from admission fees and operational hours to convenient lots, hotel parking options, and updated rates.
Park Hours & Admission
Operational dates and hours vary daily. View the day’s park hours here.
The attraction offers daily tickets, season passes, and discounts for groups and the military. Daily admission starts at $39.99 (excluding taxes and fees), while season passes start at $7 per month. To save, we recommend purchasing tickets online as gate tickets are more expensive.
The park offers free admission to children two and under, while children of season pass-holders ages 3 to 5 are eligible for free Pre-K Season Passes.
Convenient Parking at Carowinds
Parking is hardly a problem at the amusement park, thanks to the massive on-site parking lot available to accommodate visitors. The main lot accepts vehicles 30 – 45 minutes before the attraction opens. Visitors should arrive early to circumvent long lines.
Single-day parking passes are available in both general and VIP parking options (the latter allows parking closer to the entrance). We recommend pre-paying your parking spot online to save. All season pass-holders enjoy free general parking.
| Parking Ticket | Rate |
| Single-Day General Parking | $25 |
| Single-Day VIP Parking | $35 |
If you’re visiting the Carolina Harbor water park, consider parking closer to the location by driving past the main parking lot until you reach the water park lot. This lot opens at 11 AM for daily ticket holders and 10:30 AM for season pass holders and cabana guests.
Complimentary Hotel Parking
Several hotels within walking distance from the park offer free parking for guests. Consider these options if you want to spend the night near the park.
| Hotel | Address |
| SpringHill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds | 1000 Coasterview Dr |
| Comfort Inn At The Park | 1200 Mae St |
| TownePlace Suites Fort Mill at Carowinds Blvd | 3519 Lakemont Blvd |
| Sleep Inn Fort Mill Near Carowinds Blvd | 3540 Lakemont Blvd |
| Quality Inn At The Park | 3560 Lakemont Blvd, |
Public Transit Options
Visitors may ride CATS bus lines 42 and 82X to the Carowinds Blvd & Pleasant Rd station, just a 5-minute walk from the attraction. Visit the Charlotte Area Transit System website for stops, schedules, and fares.
Find Cheap & Convenient Parking in Charlotte
Exploring Charlotte? Read our comprehensive parking guides before traveling to the city:
You can also compare and reserve airport parking spaces quickly and easily by reading our Charlotte Airport Parking guide.