Kansas City International Airport, also known as KCI, is a modern and efficient airport located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. As the primary airport serving the Kansas City metropolitan area, KCI is a popular choice for travelers looking to explore the Midwest or connect to destinations around the world. With its convenient location and state-of-the-art facilities, traveling with Kansas City airport is a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, KCI offers a wide range of amenities and services designed to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. From on-site dining and shopping options to free Wi-Fi and helpful airport staff, Kansas City Airport has everything you need for a seamless travel experience. Below are a few tips to help make your travel experience as easy as possible.
Reminders for Before You Leave
To make your life easier when you get to KCI, follow these few tips before you head out!
- Make sure the name on your plane ticket matches the name on your driver’s license or any other form of government identification you may be using when traveling.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight boards to ensure you have enough time even if the lines are long
- Check the weight of your luggage. Many airlines charge extra for bags over 50 lbs. Also, be sure to put any large liquids or gels in your checked bag.
- Know what items you can and cannot bring on the plane, refer to the TSA list of prohibited items.
Where to Eat and Drink
There are few options at MCI, so how do you make the right decision when choosing where to eat from the restaurants available? Whether you need a quick snack or want to enjoy a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options available at Kansas City International Airport!
Here are a few restaurants coveted as the “best restaurants” at MCI:
- Boulevard Brewing Company: This is a good place to stop if you are looking for a quick bite and a beer! They feature their own beers as well as some sandwiches and sides to go along with a drink.
- Great American Bagel Bakery: This spot serves fresh-baked bagels where you can customize which toppings you would like, and you could even make a bagel sandwich! They also have salads and beverages available.
- Heineken Kiosk: This is a great place for a quick stop for a beer and they also serve sandwiches and snacks available as well.
Know your Kansas City International Airport Parking Options
Some short-term parking options at MCI include:
Hourly and Daily Parking at MCI
Here are the current short-term parking options at Kansas City International Airport:
- Park Economy: This lot is available to park at and has a free 24-hour shuttle service (the blue buses) available that runs 24/7 at 20-minute intervals.
- Rates: $7.50 per 24 hour period
- Park Garage: Garages are open 24/7 and are within walking distance of the terminal. The rates are as follows:
- First 30 min: $1.00
- 30-60 min: $3.00
- 1-7hrs: $3.00
- 7-24hrs: $23.00
- Each additional day is $3.00 per hour or a daily maximum of $23.00.
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is another lot near MCI that also offers daily and long-term airport parking.
- Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport.
- Daily rates are $12.00 a day for covered parking and $11.00 a day for uncovered parking.
All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term parking, over 30 days, can be made through STOW IT.
Long-Term Parking Options at Kansas City International Airport
STOW IT IT’s partnership with The Parking Spot allows customers to access long-term parking, storage, and shuttle services to-and-from the airport. This parking alternative will save you a ton of money. This is a great option for long-term travelers who need monthly or yearly parking. Other options like MCI’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable for long-term parking.
With STOW IT long-term KCI/MCI Parking options, you will pay about $7.50 per day for the monthly rate.
STOW IT’s parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience makes this a no-brainer!
Transportation vs. Parking
Rideshares and public transport are two very commonly used ways to get to and from the airport. Although they both have their pros and cons. Public transportation is usually not the preferred method of transportation for most individuals and rideshares can become very pricey and not always reliable.
Public transportation pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Convenient
Public transportation cons:
- Safety risks
- Health risks
Rideshare pros:
- Has different car options if traveling with many individuals or a lot of luggage.
- Available at odd hours
Rideshare cons:
- Many times, they have a flat rate to the airport which is not always made clear when you request a ride.
- Supply of drivers is never guaranteed, especially if you are coming in after daylight hours.
Common Kansas City International Airport Q&A
How do I pick up/ drop off someone at the MCI Airport?
You can use any short-term parking lot or garage for pick-ups and drop-offs or you can use curbside options.
The MCI airport also has a Cell Phone Waiting Lot where you can park and wait for your passenger to deplane and get their baggage to avoid driving loops while waiting. The maximum wait time is 45 minutes at this lot.
What options are available for long-term parking at Kansas City Airport?
You can park in any of the on-site garages and lots for long-term parking. Although off-site airport parking alternatives are where you will find the cheapest rates for long-term parking.
STOW IT offers long-term off-site airport parking at the cheapest rate at KCI/MCI. You can choose between covered or uncovered spots, and they have a free shuttle service is provided that will take you to and from the airport.
What is the difference between long-term and short-term parking?
Short-term parking is great if you are picking someone up or are planning to be at the airport just for a couple of hours. Long-term airport parking is more cost-effective compared to short-term parking if you plan to be parked at the airport for many days, or even months.
Are there shuttle services available for off-site long-term parking at Kansas City Airport?
Yes. Free shuttles run every 10-15 minutes that will take you to and from the off-site parking lot to your terminal. These shuttles operate 24/7.
Can I reserve a long-term parking spot at KCI ahead of time?
Yes, you can reserve a parking spot before your travels here.