Kansas City International Airport

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) serves the Kansas City metropolitan area, straddling the Missouri-Kansas border. Located 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the airport underwent a major transformation with the opening of a new single terminal in February 2023.

The brand-new Kansas City International Airport terminal replaced the outdated 1970s-era circular terminals. The modern facility features 39 gates, extensive amenities, and significantly improved passenger experience.

Key airlines: Southwest (largest), Delta, American, United, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit, and Icelandair (seasonal).

MCI is north of the city:

• To downtown Kansas City, MO: 15 miles, 20-30 minutes
• To Country Club Plaza: 18 miles, 25-35 minutes
• To Kansas City, KS: 20 miles, 25-35 minutes
• To Lawrence, KS: 45 miles, 50-60 minutes

Interstate access is straightforward via I-29 and I-435.

Uber and Lyft operate at MCI with pickup at the designated area outside baggage claim.

• To downtown KC: $25-35
• To Country Club Plaza: $30-40
• To Power & Light District: $25-35
• To Overland Park: $40-50

Taxis available from the ground transportation area:

• Similar prices to rideshare
• Flat rates available to some destinations

RideKC Bus (Route 229)

Route 229 connects the airport to downtown Kansas City:

• Route: Airport → Downtown KC → Union Station
• Frequency: Every 60 minutes
• Journey time: 50-60 minutes to downtown
• Cost: $1.50
• Hours: Limited schedule; check ridekc.org

Public transit is limited. Most visitors use rideshare or rental cars.

Super Shuttle / Shared Vans

Shared ride services available—book in advance for lower costs than taxis.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Garage (covered)	$24/day	Terminal attached
Surface Lot	$16/day	Short walk or shuttle
Economy Lot	$10/day	Free shuttle

Book online at flykci.com for potential discounts.

The new terminal has excellent dining options:

Post-Security:

• Joe's Kansas City BBQ: World-famous KC barbecue—get the Z-Man sandwich
• Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue: Another top KC BBQ option
• Stroud's: Famous pan-fried chicken
• Quay Coffee: Local KC coffee roaster
• Arrowhead Club: Sports bar
• Spin! Neapolitan Pizza: Local pizza chain
• BRGR Kitchen + Bar: Upscale burgers

Best bets: You cannot leave Kansas City without trying BBQ. Joe's KC and Jack Stack are both available at the airport.

Network: MCI Free WiFi

• Cost: Free, unlimited
• Speed: Excellent in the new terminal
• No registration required

SIM cards available from:

• InMotion store in the terminal
• Various carriers represented

Alternatively, purchase from carrier stores in the metro area.

ATMs located throughout the terminal:

• Near baggage claim
• Food court area
• Post-security

The new terminal has good retail options:

• Made in KC: Local Kansas City products and souvenirs
• KC BBQ Store: Sauces, rubs, KC merchandise
• Hudson News
• Tech accessories
• Duty-free (limited)

Best souvenir: Kansas City BBQ sauce—Gates, Joe's KC, or Bryant's.

The Club MCI

• Location: Post-security, near gates
• Access: Priority Pass, Lounge Club, or ~$45 walk-in
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, comfortable seating
• Hours: 05:00-20:00

Delta Sky Club

• Location: Near Delta gates
• Access: Delta Sky Club members, Delta One/First, Delta Reserve Amex
• Amenities: Full Delta lounge experience

Hotels near MCI are located along the I-29 corridor. The new terminal is convenient for early flights or late arrivals.

Kansas City straddles Missouri and Kansas, known for jazz, BBQ, and Midwestern hospitality:

Top attractions (with travel time from airport):

• Country Club Plaza: 30 min—Spanish-inspired shopping district, fountains, restaurants
• National WWI Museum: 25 min—world-class museum and memorial
• Power & Light District: 25 min—entertainment district with bars, restaurants, sports
• Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: 30 min—outstanding free art museum with iconic shuttlecocks
• 18th & Vine Jazz District: 25 min—American Jazz Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
• Union Station: 25 min—beautiful Beaux-Arts station with Science City

BBQ pilgrimage (Kansas City BBQ is world-renowned):

• Joe's Kansas City (formerly Oklahoma Joe's): The Z-Man sandwich
• Q39: Modern, award-winning BBQ
• Jack Stack: Upscale, famous burnt ends
• Gates BBQ: Classic, "Hi, may I help you?"
• Arthur Bryant's: Historic, legendary sauce

Sports:

• Chiefs (NFL): Arrowhead Stadium, one of NFL's loudest
• Royals (MLB): Kauffman Stadium, "The K"
• Sporting KC (MLS): Children's Mercy Park
• Current (NWSL): Women's soccer at CPKC Stadium

Local tips:

• Kansas City spans two states—downtown is in Missouri, but you'll likely cross into Kansas
• The city has more fountains than any city except Rome
• Jazz heritage: 18th & Vine was the heart of 1920s-40s jazz scene
• KC is very car-dependent—rideshare or rental recommended
• Streetcar: Free downtown streetcar connects attractions (limited range)
• Best BBQ strategy: Try multiple spots—burnt ends at one, ribs at another
• Spring/Fall offer best weather; summers are hot and humid