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Airport Transportation

Kansas City International Airport

MCI · KMCI · Kansas City

Airport facts

Name
Kansas City International Airport
IATA code
MCI
ICAO code
KMCI
City
Kansas City
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
39.3017, -94.7139
Time zone
America/Chicago

About Kansas City International Airport

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the main airport for Kansas City, Missouri, in the United States, and for the wider metro area on both sides of the state line with Kansas. It lies in Platte County, about 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City.

Southwest Airlines carries about half of the airport's passengers and flies the most routes, including Denver, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Las Vegas and Orlando. Delta, American and United connect Kansas City with their hubs, and Alaska Airlines flies to Seattle.

Since February 2023 every flight uses a single new terminal with 40 gates on two concourses, A and B. It replaced the airport's three older circular terminals, so arrivals, departures, baggage claim and the main parking garage now sit in one place.

From the airport, most travelers head to downtown Kansas City and the Plaza area, to Overland Park and the Kansas suburbs, or further on to Lawrence, Topeka, St. Joseph and Columbia, which are served by shared shuttles.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Kansas City Aviation Department

Runways

Three: two parallel north–south runways and one east–west runway

Passengers per year

About 11.5 million in 2025

Terminal opened

Single terminal opened 28 February 2023, with 40 gates

Largest airline

Southwest Airlines, about 49% of passengers

Arrival tips for Kansas City International Airport

MCI has one terminal, so every arrival ends up in the same baggage claim whichever concourse your gate is in. If you are flying in from abroad, you clear US immigration and customs before you reach the public area; most flights here are domestic, so the arrival is usually quick.

Collect your bags and follow the ground transportation signs. Rideshare, taxis, hotel shuttles and pre-booked cars each have a signposted pickup area outside the terminal, and the parking garage sits right next to the building if someone is meeting you by car.

Public buses run by RideKC link the airport with downtown Kansas City roughly once an hour, so check the timetable before relying on them. There is no rail link to the airport. Shared shuttles serve Lawrence, Topeka, St. Joseph, Columbia and nearby military bases, and are worth booking ahead.

Kansas City is on Central Time. Winters can be cold and summers hot, so check the forecast before you land.

Ground transportation

Most visitors use a rideshare, taxi or pre-booked car, as the airport is 15 miles from downtown and has no rail link.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you outside the terminal, the easiest option for families, groups and trips to Overland Park, Lawrence or Topeka.

  • Taxi from Kansas City airport

    Taxis wait at the signposted rank outside the terminal. Door to door, but the fare adds up over the 15 miles to downtown.

  • Rideshare

    Rideshare apps pick up at the signposted zone outside the terminal. Fares rise at busy times.

  • RideKC bus to downtown

    Public buses run between the airport and downtown Kansas City roughly hourly. The cheapest option, but slow and infrequent.

  • Shared regional shuttles

    Private shuttles serve St. Joseph, Columbia, Topeka, Lawrence and nearby military bases; book ahead.

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Terminals

Terminal

One terminal for all flights, opened in 2023, with Concourse A (gates A1–A20) and Concourse B (gates B40–B69).

Airlines and destinations

Alaska Airlines

Seattle/Tacoma; Portland (Oregon) seasonal

Airline guide

American Airlines

Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines

Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–LaGuardia, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma

Airline guide

Southwest Airlines

Atlanta, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love Field, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, and more

Airline guide

United Airlines

Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, San Francisco

Airline guide

Parking

Terminal parking garage

A seven-story garage next to the terminal with about 6,200 spaces, including stalls with electric vehicle chargers.

Off-site parking

Off-airport lots with shuttle buses to the terminal.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Kansas City airport from downtown?

Kansas City International Airport is about 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, in Platte County. The airport has no rail link, so most travelers reach downtown by car, taxi or rideshare; public RideKC buses also run roughly once an hour.

How many terminals does Kansas City International Airport have?

MCI has one terminal. It opened on 28 February 2023 with 40 gates on two concourses, A and B, and replaced the airport's three older circular terminals. Every airline checks in, boards and collects bags in the same building.

Which airline is biggest at Kansas City airport?

Southwest Airlines is the largest airline at MCI, carrying about 49% of passengers and flying the most destinations. Delta, American and United are next, followed by Alaska Airlines, which flies to Seattle and seasonally to Portland, Oregon.

Is there public transport from Kansas City airport?

Yes, but it is limited. RideKC public buses connect the airport with downtown Kansas City roughly once an hour. There is no train or streetcar to the airport, and shared private shuttles serve regional cities such as Lawrence, Topeka, St. Joseph and Columbia.

Does Kansas City airport have a parking garage?

Yes. A seven-story garage next to the terminal has about 6,200 spaces, including stalls with electric vehicle chargers. Off-site parking lots with shuttle buses to the terminal are also available.

Is Kansas City airport in Missouri or Kansas?

Kansas City International Airport is in Missouri, in Platte County north of the Missouri River. It serves the whole metro area, including Kansas City, Kansas, Overland Park and the other Kansas suburbs across the state line.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from MCI