Charlottesville Albemarle Airport

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is your air gateway to the heart of historic Virginia, offering travellers a charming blend of convenience and Southern hospitality. Opened in 1955, this airport has evolved into a modern and efficient transport hub serving the Central Virginia region and the Shenandoah Valley. Despite its compact size, the airport provides over 40 daily flights, connecting passengers to key US cities and offering convenient connections for international travel. CHO is the ideal starting point for exploring the heritage of Thomas Jefferson, visiting local vineyards, and enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport stands out for its convenient location and compact layout, making the check-in, security screening, and boarding processes quick and stress-free. The terminal, covering approximately 5,600 square metres, offers all necessary amenities, including car rental desks, cafés, and a gift shop where you can purchase local products. Key airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, and United, operate daily non-stop flights to major hubs—Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Washington—providing easy access to the global route network. Additionally, the airport plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, serving business travellers and tourists, and is located near the National Ground Intelligence Center.

There are several ways to contact representatives of Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Below you will find current contact information presented in a convenient list.

• Official Airport Website: All detailed information regarding flights, services, and regulations can be found at www.gocho.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For enquiries and answers to your questions, you can call: +1 (434) 973-8342.
• Airport Address: 100 Bowen Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22911, USA.
• Email: An official email address for general enquiries is not published. To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the dedicated contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: If your items were lost within the terminal building, contact the airport's Lost and Found via the administration phone: +1 (434) 973-8342. In case of lost luggage during a flight, you must contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information desk number.

Getting to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) from the city centre of Charlottesville is quite simple, as it is located just 13 kilometres to the north. A trip by car usually takes 15-25 minutes, though travel time may increase during peak hours or during events at the University of Virginia. The main ways to get to the airport are taxis, ridesharing services, and private or rented cars.

The most popular and convenient method is taxis or ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. They are available throughout the city and offer quick transport directly to the terminal. The cost of a trip from the centre of Charlottesville is usually between 25 and 35 US dollars, depending on demand and the time of day. To guarantee a car, especially for early morning flights, it is recommended to book a taxi in advance. You can also use private transfer services, which offer a fixed price and enhanced comfort.

If you are travelling by private or rented car, the airport provides convenient parking. There is both Short-Term parking, located directly opposite the terminal and suitable for quick drop-offs or pick-ups, and more economical Long-Term parking for those leaving their car for several days. All parking zones are within walking distance of the airport building. Many major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise) have counters at the airport, making it easy to return a car right before your flight.

Regarding public transport, there is currently no direct regular bus service between the city centre and the airport. Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) city buses do not have a route entering the airport grounds. Amtrak trains arrive at the station in the centre of Charlottesville, so upon arriving in the city by train, you will still need to take a taxi or use another form of transport to reach the airport.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is a modern and compact aviation hub, structured for maximum passenger convenience. The main feature of the airport is its single passenger terminal, which completely eliminates confusion regarding finding the right building or navigating complex transfers. This layout makes navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal has two main levels. On the ground floor, you will find the arrivals areas, flight check-in counters, baggage claim points, and car rental offices. Exits to taxis and shuttles are also located here. Going up to the first floor, passengers enter the departures zone. This is where the security checkpoint is located, after which access to the boarding gates opens up.

Thanks to its small size and efficient organisation, completing all pre-flight formalities at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport usually takes little time. Flight check-in and screening generally proceed quickly and without long queues. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure to check luggage, pass through security, and reach your gate without rushing.

You will not have to worry about getting from one terminal to another or spending time on long walks. All necessary services—from cafés to shops—are located in one building and within walking distance. The simple and logical layout of the airport makes it one of the most comfortable in the region, allowing you to start or end your journey without unnecessary stress.

The history of Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is a story of constant growth and modernisation, reflecting the development of the entire region. The official opening of the airport took place on October 6, 1955. Initially, it was a modest airfield with a single runway, intended to improve transport accessibility for Charlottesville and its surroundings in the state of Virginia, USA. The first scheduled flights were operated by Piedmont Airlines, connecting the city with Washington.

A key moment in the airport's development was the construction of a new terminal in 1990. This event radically changed the appearance and capabilities of CHO, turning it into a modern and convenient transport hub. The old terminal could no longer cope with the growing passenger flow, and the new, more spacious and bright structure became a symbol of a new era for the region's air gateway. Since then, the runway has been extended multiple times to accommodate larger aircraft, and the terminal itself has undergone several stages of expansion to increase passenger comfort.

In the 21st century, the airport continued its course of modernisation. Renovations were carried out aimed at improving screening areas, expanding waiting lounges, and increasing the number of boarding gates. Thanks to its convenient location and high level of service, Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport has repeatedly received positive reviews and set records for passenger traffic, especially during periods of growth in regional tourism and business activity.

Among the interesting facts from the airport's history is its name, which highlights the cooperation between the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. For many years, the airport has played an important role in serving not only tourists coming to see historical landmarks, such as Monticello, but also the needs of the major University of Virginia. Today, CHO is a vital economic asset, providing reliable air connections to the country's largest hubs, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and New York.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is a modern and convenient regional airport offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact dimensions, the terminal is thoughtfully designed to make your journey as pleasant as possible.

Dining and Shopping: At the airport, you can grab a snack or have a coffee at the grill café, which serves a variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages. There is also a shop where you can purchase newspapers, books, souvenirs, and travel essentials. The assortment is adapted to the needs of travellers, so you can easily find everything you need before departure.

Connectivity and Work: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters. For passenger convenience, numerous charging stations for electronic devices are provided. If you need to work in a quieter environment, the airport has a small business centre with workstations.

Comfort and Accessibility: Although there are no separate airline VIP lounges at the airport, there are several comfortable waiting areas. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. Families with children can make use of baby care rooms.

Additional Services: ATMs for cash withdrawals are installed in the terminal; however, currency exchange services are generally not provided, so it is better to arrange this in advance. Basic medical assistance can be provided by airport staff if necessary. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but numerous hotels to suit any taste and budget are located a few minutes' drive away.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is a compact and convenient regional airport, so all main dining points are concentrated in one place. While the selection here is not as vast as in major hubs, you will easily find a place to have a snack before departure or enjoy a coffee.

All cafés and restaurants are located airside, meaning after passing through security control. The main attraction for passengers is a multi-functional establishment that combines a café, grill bar, and shop. Here you can either quickly grab something to go or have a full meal while waiting for your flight.

For those in a hurry, ready-made sandwiches, fresh pastries, salads, and yoghurts are ideal. If time permits, take a look at the grill menu, which usually offers burgers, chicken wings, and hot soups. In the adjacent bar, you can order various beverages, including local specialty drinks from Virginia—a great opportunity to experience local flavours. Prices here are consistent with standard airport levels, meaning they are slightly higher than in the city.

Travellers with special dietary needs, such as vegetarians or those following a gluten-free diet, will be able to find ready-made salads or fruit cups. However, the selection may be limited, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring a snack with you. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning before the first departures and close after the last aircraft has departed.

To ensure your journey through Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) goes smoothly, use these tips. Although it is a small regional airport, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check luggage, pass through security, and board without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save the boarding pass on your phone. Security lines here are generally shorter than in major hubs, but slight delays are possible during peak hours.

Hand Luggage and Security. Standard TSA rules apply to hand luggage. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from your bag for separate scanning. To speed up the process, prepare these items in advance.

Seat Selection and Connections. If you want to enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. For those who value more legroom or the ability to leave the aircraft quickly, an aisle seat is better suited. Passengers with connections should note that Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is compact, and you can get from one gate to another in a few minutes. Immediately after arrival, check the information board to confirm the number of your next boarding gate.

Customs Control and Savings. Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights, most passengers do not encounter customs control. It will only be required if Charlottesville is your first point of entry into the USA, which is rare. To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after screening, and light snacks. If you need parking, it is often more cost-effective to book it online in advance.

Flight Delays. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and possible rebooking options. The airport has several cafés and free Wi-Fi to help pass the waiting time. Familiarise yourself with your rights as a passenger—in some cases, you may be entitled to compensation or hotel accommodation.