Transportation & Mobility

The journey is just as important as the destination.

Nearby airports, major highways and boulevards, light rail, and greenways make University City an ideal location for business. The area holds one of the lowest commute and travel time averages in the region.

Greenways

University City has the largest greenway network in the region with 14 miles of contiguous greenways that provide bike and pedestrian access to our business parks, neighborhoods, retail centers, parks and UNC Charlotte.

Public Transportation

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates the LYNX Blue Line, a light rail service that currently serves South Charlotte through Center City and into University City. The transit system has bus routes that also serve University City. View the Mobility Map to see a list of transit stations and connecting bus routes. Current bus schedules and more information can be found on the CATS website.

Highways & Roads

The interstate system attracts firms looking to ship goods quickly and easily. Adjacent Interstate 85 heads south to Atlanta and north to Washington, D.C. Interstate 77 passes through Charlotte, connecting Miami to Cleveland, and I-485 provides access to every corner inside and outside of the Charlotte Mecklenburg region.

This market is also served by 6 major highway and arterial roads including Tryon Street/Hwy 29, University City Boulevard/Hwy 49, Harris Boulevard, Mallard Creek Boulevard and Mallard Creek Church Road.

Airports

A short 20-minute drive away, the CLT International Airport is one of the nation’s most respected hubs and has nonstop service to 175 destinations, including 33 international destinations. Destination CLT, a $2.5 billion renovation and construction campaign, will bring the airport expanded concourses, terminals and a fourth parallel runway over the next 10 years. For more details on the Destination CLT capital improvement plan, visit this page.

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (JQF) is within a 10-minute drive of University City and also offers regular jet passenger service.

Businesses with private jets and special arrivals utilize Wilson Air Center.

News

What will microtransit mean for University City?

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) plans to launch a new microtransit pilot program this year that removes the rigidity of bus stops and schedules from the transportation equation in University City.  For years, University City Partners, CATS, and other invested...

2023 Charlotte NYD 5K

Photos by Mariah Graham and Tracy Watts.

Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k

Start 2022 off on the right foot by participating in the family-friendly Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K on North Tryon Street.  The race starts at 10 AM and lasts until Noon. Participants will celebrate their accomplishment and toast the new year with a post-event...

We’re Back…with a Vision!

University City Vision Plan – Connecting: People. Places. Nature. The growth and development being realized in University City is nothing short of transformational.  Major investments in transportation and mobility infrastructure, thousands of new rooftops, new...

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve expansion touches 3 schools

Two public schools and the CPCC Cato Campus have gained important access to a great learning resource, thanks to Mecklenburg County’s recent purchase of 100 acres for the planned Reedy Creek Greenway. The new addition to Reedy Creek Nature Preserve adjoins Northeast...

Starbucks coming to NC 49 at Cross Charlotte Trail

A new building for a Starbucks and other businesses is rising along University City Boulevard within a few feet of the emerging Cross Charlotte Trail (XCLT). The new building at the main entrance to Town Center Plaza replaces a former O’Charley’s restaurant building....

University City launches Barton Creek Greenway Native Meadow

By Azania Herron University City Partners, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens and North Carolina Native Plant Society have partnered to install Barton Creek Greenway Native Meadows, a community native plant project in University City. On April...

Beer garden, major industrial and hotel reuse among rezoning proposals

Proposals for a massive industrial development, sports-facility expansion and adaptive reuse of an existing hotel are among several rezoning proposals in University City being reviewed by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Department. Also being considered: Plans for...

City OKs 6 communities, retail center, water-treatment plant growth

Updated Feb. 18, 2021 Charlotte City Council approved plans for six multifamily housing communities in University City at its January and February zoning meetings. Other approved developments include a single-family community at Hucks and Browne roads; a rental...

Update on University City Regional Library’s future home

Darlene Heater, Executive Director, University City Partners. I am so proud of your advocacy and support for our library.  The people who will determine the future home of University City Regional Library have heard our community’s concerns. Leaders of Charlotte...