Kansas City International Airport, or MCI, recently underwent a facelift by eliminating the old complex, and in its place stands a new one with modern amenities, arts, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Here’s an ultimate guide to MCI Airport, including terminal details, amenities, parking, transportation, nearby hotels, and attractions.
About Kansas City International Airport
Kansas City International Airport, 22 miles from downtown Kansas City, serves over 11.5 million annual passengers. It is commonly referred to as MCI, the Kansas City airport code, or KCI. The airport first opened in 1972, and in 2023, a new terminal replaced the old one. It features a single terminal and two Concourses, Concourses A and B.
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Concourse A is near the security check-in and has 13 gates, and Concourse B, which is further away from the check-in, has 27 gates. You can either walk along the corridor or take the moving walkways to reach there.
The airport mostly operates domestic routes, with 44 domestic routes and two international routes to Canada and Mexico. Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Apple Vacations, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Vacation Express, and Viva Aerobus are the flights operating from MCI.
MCI Airport History
Kansas City International Airport first opened in 1972, featuring a unique “Drive to Your Gate” concept. While this design was revolutionary at the time, over time, it became outdated and inefficient. The terminals were not well equipped for large aircraft like the Boeing 747. They also had difficulty adapting to post-9/11 security measures, which led to renovations and the construction of a new, single-terminal facility in 2023. The new terminal offers modern amenities, expanded international service, and a more efficient layout.
Where Is MCI Airport?
MCI Airport is at 1 Kansas City Blvd., Kansas City, MO 6415, about 22 miles from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
MCI Airport Map
The Kansas City Airport map will help you locate the terminals and gates.
MCI Parking & Transportation
Kansas City Airport offers onsite parking at Economy Parking, Surface Lot, Garage Parking, and Valet Parking. While onsite parking lots are close to the terminal, the rates are on the higher side. Your alternate option for MCI Airport parking is to reserve a space at the nearby lots, where the rates are much cheaper than the onsite lots.
Transportation: Public transportation, car, taxi, or rideshare services, chartered services, shuttles, and rental cars are available to and from MCI Airport.
Public Transportation
Metro Bus Service, the RideKC, offers free trips to and from the airport daily. RideKC bus route 229 runs daily between MCI and Downtown Kansas City between 5 am to 11 pm. For details about bus routes and schedules, visit the RideKC website.
Pickup Location: Commercial Curb on Level 1. Follow the signage to find Blue color-coded signs “SIGNPOST 2 A”.
Lyft/Uber
MCI approved App-Based Ride Share services are Iris, Lyft, Uber, and zTrip. An UberX drive from the airport to Kansas City will cost an average of $39.
Pickup Location: Follow the signs towards the Arrivals commercial curb on Level 1. You will see purple signposts‘ 2K-N.’
Taxi
You can call the taxi service at 816-243-2345. The taxicab starts at $2.50, with an additional $2.10 per mile. The rates vary depending on waiting times and traffic delays. A drive from the airport to Kansas City Downtown will cost approximately between $50 and $65.
Drop off: Departures curb at the Upper Level
Pickup: Head to the Commercial curb at the Lower Level and look for the Yellow coded sign “Columns 3A-D.”
Limousine Services
You can hire shuttle services and limousine services on the VisitKC website. Please note that the Kansas City Aviation Department is not responsible for this service. So, check the review and choose a reliable service.
Pickup: On the Commercial curb at the lower level. Look for the red coded sign “Columns 3E-H.”
Hotel shuttle pickup: At the Arrival curb on the lower level. Look for the green coded sign “Columns 3J-N.”
Car Rental Services
The rental car facility is at 1 Nassau Circle, Kansas City, MO 64153, and a free shuttle service (Gray Bus) is available to drop you off there. To get to the rental car shuttle bus stop, follow the signs on the Arrivals commercial curb, and you will see the grey-coded sign “Signpost 2E.”
Here is a list of companies offering car rentals at Kansas City Airport.
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
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Kansas City International Airport Hotels
Here is a list of some of the best hotels near Kansas City Airport.
Kansas City Airport Marriott
📍775 Brasilia Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153
☎️ +91 – 816-464-2200
🚗 About 0.8 miles
Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport
📍11728 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States
☎️ +91 – 816-801-8400
🚗 About 3.3 miles
Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City International Airport
📍7640 NW Tiffany Springs Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64153
☎️ +91 – 816-891-7788
🚗 About 3.1 miles
Quality Suites Kansas City International Airport
📍11951 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States
☎️ +91 – 816-464-5500
🚗 About 3.1 miles
Homewood Suites by Hilton Kansas City-Airport
📍7312 NW Polo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153
☎️ +91 – 816-880-9880
🚗 About 5.3 miles
Ramada by Wyndham Platte City KCI Airport
📍7312 NW Polo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153
☎️ +91- 816-219-1286
🚗 About 6 miles
Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
📍11828 NW Plaza Cir, Kansas City, MO 64153
☎️ +91- 816-464-2423
🚗 About 2.2 miles
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City Airport
📍 11831 NW Plaza Cir, Kansas City, MO 64153
☎️ +91- 816-270-1200
🚗 About 1.3 miles
Sleep Inn Kansas City International Airport
📍7611 NW 97th Terrace, Kansas City, MO
☎️ +91- 816-891-0111
🚗 About 3 miles
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MCI Airport Lounges
| Lounge | Location | Hours |
| Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Club | Concourse B, at the Concourse entrance | 4:15 am to 6:15 pm |
| Escape Lounges (Opening Shortly) | Concourse A North near Gate A5 | |
| USO Lounge | Baggage Claim #5 on the lower level (Arrivals) Outside Security | 9 am to 6 pm |
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MCI Airport Food and Dining
| Restaurants | Location |
| Urban Cafe | Concourse A South, Near Gates A14, A16, A20 |
| Bo Lings | Concourse A North, Near Gates A10, A8 |
| Boulevard Brewing Co. Beer Hall | City Market Food Hall, Atrium B,
Near Gates B57, B54, B52 |
| Martin City Brewing Company | Near Gate A12 |
| The Leagues Sports Lounge & Eatery | Concourse B South, Gates B54, B56, B57, B59 |
| Made of Kansas City Food Hall | Concourse A North, Gates A10, A8 |
| Parisi Coffee | Atrium A, Gates A12, A10 |
| Hearth Locavore Kitchen | Concourse A North, Near Gates A6, A8, A10 |
| Buffalo State Pizza Company |
Atrium B, Near Gates B54, B57, B52 |
| Jay Hootie McShanns, a Blues Bar | Concourse A North |
| City Market Coffee Roasters | Near Gates B52, B51, B54 |
| Bloom Baking Co. | Concourse A North, Near Gates A8, A10 |
| Safi Fresh | Atrium B, Near Gates B52, B54, B57 |
| Messenger Coffee Co. | Concourse B North, Near Gates B46, B47 |
| Brown and Loe | Near Gates B51, B52 |
| Salumeria Cervasi Deli | Concourse B South, Near Gates B60, B61 |
| Taste of Brazil |
Atrium B, Near Gates B54, B52 |
| Guy’s Deli and Bar | Concourse B North, Near Gates B46, B48, B47, B49 |
| Safi Fresh |
Atrium B, Near Gates B52, B54, B57 |
| Soiree Steak & Seafood House | Concourse A South, Near Gates A12, A14 |
| The Made For KC BBQ Experience Featuring OG Bandits | Near Gates B51, B52, B54 |
| City Market Food Hall | Atrium B, Near Gates B52, B54 |
| Big Chicken | Concourse B South, Near Gates B60, B61 |
| Mother Earth Coffee | Arrivals |
| Messenger Coffee Co. | Concourse B North, Near Gates B46, B47 |
| Bo Lings | Atrium B, Near Gates B54, B57, B52 |
| Cinnabon | Concourse B North, Gates B49, B47, B48, B46 |
| Auntie Anne’s | Atrium B, Gates B51, B52 |
| Dunkin’
|
Concourse A South, Gates A14, A16 |
| Departures | |
| The Hungry Hatch Bowls & Wraps | Concourse A North, Gates A10, A8 |
Other Restaurants at MCI Airport
| Restaurants | Locations |
| Pigwich | Near Gates B52, B54, B57 |
| Big Chicken | Concourse B South, Gates B60, B61 |
| Parisi Coffee | Atrium A, Near Gates A12, A10 |
| Salumeria Cervasi Deli | Concourse B South, Gates B60, B61 |
| Smoothie King | Concourse A North, Gates A6, A8, A10 |
| Stockyards Brewing Co. | Atrium B, Near Gates B54, B52 |
| Guy’s Deli and Bar | Concourse B North, Gates B46, B48, B47, B49 |
| Meat Mitch | Atrium A, Gate A10 |
| The BBQ Spot | Concourse B South, Gates B54, B52 |
| Grapes and Grains | Atrium A, Gates A10, A12 |
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Kansas City International Airport Amenities
- ATMs
- Duty-Free
- Family Restrooms
- Lounges
- Lost & Found
- Nursing Rooms
- Pet Relief Areas
- Quiet Room
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Volunteers
- WiFi & Charging
Kansas Airport Art and Sculptures
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Throughout the terminal, Kansas International Airport showcases a large collection of artworks from local, regional, and international artists, including framed drawings, paintings, photography, textiles, floor mosaics, ceramics, digital and electronic art, and sculptures. You will find artwork even in the airport garages.
To promote artists and artistic growth, Kansas City Airport participates in a program by the Kansas City, Missouri, called the “One Percent for Art” program, which means one percent of the construction budget is allotted for public art installations.
Things to See near MCI Airport
Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery
📍116905 Jowler Creek Rd, Platte City, MO 64079
☎️ +91- 816-858-5528
Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery, Missouri’s first green winery, is hardly 15.5 miles from the airport (about 20 minutes). It offers wine tastings, tours, and events, including live music, trivia nights, and seasonal celebrations.
The Springs Aquatic Center
📍 9400 N Congress Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153
☎️ +91- 816-513-7860
This water park, roughly 5.1 miles (about 10 minutes) from the airport, is a must-visit if you are traveling with your kids.
Urban Hikes Kansas City
☎️ +91- 913-229-649
If you are in the mood for hiking, Urban Hikes Kansas City offers a 3- to 5-mile guided hike. You can explore street art and learn a bit of Kansas history. Be ready to take a load of photos for your social media.
The Escape Game Kansas City
📍320 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112
☎️ +91- 816-677-6834
The Escape Game Kansas City in Country Club Plaza is about 23 miles from the airport (about 30 minutes) and offers a 60-minute fun adventure in five unique escape rooms. Several shops, restaurants, and entertainment are available nearby, which you can visit after your adventure.
Kansas City Fun Tours
📍 Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
☎️ +91- 816-500-5417
Kansas City Fun Tours, the only trolley tour in the city, offers a guided tour of around 25 popular attractions in and around Kansas City.
Barley Bus Tours & Transportation
📍 325 E 31st St Suite B, Kansas City, MO 64108
☎️ +91- 816-323-3889
Barley Bus Tours & Transportation gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the local attractions and taste different types of beers at the breweries and distilleries.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City
📍 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
☎️ +91- 816-471-4386
LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Crown Center is roughly 21.5 miles (about 25 minutes) from the airport. The center offers family entertainment with Lego rides, a 4D cinema, and a play area. You can also enjoy shopping at the gift shop.
Restaurants near MCI
- Scott’s Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29: Barbeque restaurant at 11920 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153
- Smokehouse Barbecue – Kansas City, MO – Zona Rosa: Barbeque at 8451 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153
- The Big Biscuit: Breakfast Restaurant at 6332 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154
- Nick and Nino’s Pub: at 0024 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153
- Twin Peaks: Sports Bar at 8660 N Boardwalk Ave, Kansas City, MO 64154
- The BrewTop Pub and Patio: Bar & Grill at 8614 N Boardwalk Ave, Kansas City, MO
MCI Airport Fun Areas for Kids
There’s an aviation-themed children’s play zone, kid-sized planes, and an air traffic control tower, which is also wheelchair accessible. Variety KC is responsible for this play area and is open 24/7.
Accessibility at MCI Airport
The airport offers accessible facilities throughout. There are special rooms, including a quiet room for those who need a quiet place and a sensory room, which is an interactive room at Atrium B near Concourse B for those who have autism, dementia, or other sensory processing challenges.
Passengers needing a wheelchair or any special assistance must request the airline before their arrival and also at the time of booking. Passengers can also request assistance once they reach the airport by contacting the airline representatives.
Security at Kansas City International Airport
The Airport has only one security checkpoint, which has 16 lanes and is on Level 2, sandwiched between the airline counters. The operating hours may vary depending on the flight schedule. The checkpoints will open 2 hours before the flight departure.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck lanes are available at MCI. The TSA PreCheck allows travelers to go through the screening without removing their shoes, belts, or jackets.
You can Pre-enrol TSA PreCheck through CLEAR. The Enrollment center is at the Main Terminal, on the Departure Level, across from the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. The opening hours are between 6 am and 6 pm.
CLEAR
Kansas City Airport participates in CLEAR, which is an expedited security clearance using biometric scanning. CLEAR Lanes are open for both standard and TSA PreCheck between 4 am and 6 pm.
The Enrollment Center is at the Main Terminal, on the Departure Level, across from the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. The opening hours are between 4 am and 6 pm. You can follow the TSA PreCheck and CLEAR signage.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a program that expedites clearance upon arrival for pre-approved international travelers. The Enrollment Center is at Kansas City International Airport, 1 Kansas City Boulevard, Suite 30, Kansas City, MO 64153.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at MCI
The airport provides free Wi-Fi for all passengers. To use this service, select the network “‘MCI_FREE_WiFi” and start browsing.
Charging stations are available in both the concourses and near gates, and seating with charging stations is available near the gates.
Final Note
With the new and improved terminal, MCI is one of the best airports in terms of service, convenience, and amenities. The airport offers a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by art installations and a variety of shops and restaurants to pass the time. The single-terminal layout makes it easy to move between concourses, allowing travelers to shop or dine anywhere within the terminal with ease.
How far is Kansas City Airport to Downtown Kansas City?
MCI is about 22 miles from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and takes about 30 minutes to drive.
Where is Kansas City International Airport?
Kansas City Airport is at 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. The airport is about 22 miles from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
How early do you have to arrive for the international flight at MCI Airport?
You must arrive a minimum of three hours prior to your international flight schedule and two hours before your domestic flight.
How big is Kansas City Airport?
MCI or KCI Airport covers about 10,680 acres (about 16.7 square miles) with three runways. The airport houses a single terminal with two concourses and 40 gates.
What does MCI stand for?
MCI is the IATA code for Kansas City International Airport.
Does Kansas City Airport have a hotel attached?
No! However, there are several hotels near Kansas City Airport, including Kansas City Airport Marriott, Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport, Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City International Airport, Quality Suites Kansas City International Airport, Homewood Suites by Hilton Kansas City-Airport, and Ramada by Wyndham Platte City KCI Airport.
How many airports does Kansas City, Missouri have?
Kansas City, Missouri, has two main airports, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC).
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