# Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

> Kansas City, US · 24 km (15 mi) northwest of Downtown Kansas City

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/mci
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/mci.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: MCI
- **ICAO**: KMCI
- **Timezone**: America/Chicago
- **Runways**: 3
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 12.12M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.flykci.com/

## Overview

## Welcome

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has transformed from a dated facility into a culinary and cultural gateway for travelers, thanks to its new state-of-the-art single terminal. Unlike typical airports overrun by generic fast-food chains, more than 80% of MCI's concessions spring from Kansas City's own vibrant food scene, offering a taste of the local BBQ, Chinese fare, street food, and more. As one navigates through this terminal, it feels more like a curated local food hall, boasting art and design meant to redefine the airport's reputation.

## At a glance

Kansas City International Airport serves approximately 12.12 million passengers annually, with its three runways and single sprawling terminal. Situated 24 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of Downtown Kansas City, it smoothly functions without serving as a hub for any major airline, making it a pleasant stopover point.

## Terminals & layout

The new state-of-the-art terminal at MCI houses 40 gates, accommodating airlines like Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines. Notably, it presents a single-terminal design that curates different concourse "neighborhoods" like the 18th & Vine or City Market areas, each offering localized dining and retail experiences. Though praised for its ambiance, travelers should note that certain concourse areas may crowd during peak hours.

## Getting to and from the city

For those venturing into Kansas City, multiple options are available. The RideKC Bus Route 229 takes about 45-60 minutes to reach downtown, costing $1.50-$2.00, whereas taxis charge $45-$60. A rideshare via app may range from $30-$50. The airport is also linked by courtesy hotel shuttles and a dedicated Rental Car Center bus service, both included in their respective services.

## Traveller essentials

MCI provides various parking options such as Garage, Economy, and Valet Parking. Travelers aiming for cost-efficiency often end up opting for off-site services like The Parking Spot, which offers shuttle connections and at times better pricing for extended durations.

## Dining & shopping highlights

For dining, savor local flavors at Made for KC BBQ Experience or discover international offerings at Bo Lings and Taste of Brazil. Stockyards Brewing Co is the place for a refreshing local beer, and Urban Cafe offers health-conscious travelers vibrant salads. Meanwhile, retail ranges from Charlie Hustle for Kansas City-themed apparel to duty-free stores, satisfying every shopper's need.

## Lounges

The terminal offers two lounges: Delta Sky Club, located above Concourse B, is celebrated for its natural light and expansive views of the airfield. Meanwhile, the USO Lounge near baggage claim caters especially to active-duty military members and their families with free snacks and comfortable seating.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** If you're a fan of local cuisine, allocate extra time to explore more than 80% of Kansas City-based brands in the terminal.

- **Time:** For late or early flights, &Go near Gate B58 operates 24 hours for quick meals.

- **Quiet:** The Quiet Room near the A gates offers a peaceful escape from the bustling terminal.

- **Money:** Consider off-site parking options like The Parking Spot for competitive longer-term rates.

- **Local:** Don’t leave without trying Made for KC BBQ Experience in Concourse A, a must for Kansas City BBQ enthusiasts.

- **Avoid:** Walk the concourses fully before deciding on dining; Urban Cafe and Bo Lings are worth the extra steps.

## Terminals (2)

- **Kansas City International Airport New Single Terminal** — 40 gates · Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
- **Terminal** — 35 gates · Southwest, American, Delta, United
  Single new terminal opened in 2023

## Dining (48)

- **3 Trails Brewing Co.** — Terminal · Brewpub · Casual · $$
- **Aeguna** — Terminal · Cafe / Grab-and-go · $
- **Big Chicken** — $$
- **Bloom Baking Co** — $$
- **Bo Lings** — $$
- **Boulevard Brewing** — brewery bar
- **Boulevard Brewing Co.** — Terminal · Brewpub · Casual · $$
- **Brown & Loe** — $$$
- **Buffalo State Pizza Co.** — pizza shop
- **CHICHO’S** — $$
- **Chick-fil-A** — Terminal · Chicken · Fast casual · $$
- **City Market Coffee Roasters** — coffee shop
- **City Market Food Hall outlets** — $$
- **Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf** — Terminal · Coffee · Café · $
- **Dunkin’** — coffee and doughnut shop
- **&Go (Arrivals)** — Terminal · Grab-and-go market · $
- **&Go (near Gate B58)** — Terminal · Grab-and-go market · $
- **Hi Hat Coffee** — Terminal · Coffee · Café · $
- **Hogshead** — $$$
- **Ike and Rita’s** — $$
- **Jay “Hootie” McShann’s Blues Bar** — bar
- **Made for KC Barbeque Experience** — barbecue restaurant
- **Made for KC BBQ Experience** — MCI · $$
- **Made in Kansas City Marketplace** — marketplace
- **Made of Kansas City Food Hall** — $$
- **Martin City Brewing** — brewpub
- **Martin City Brewing Company** — $$
- **Meat Mitch** — restaurant
- **Messenger Coffee** — $$
- **Minsky’s** — Terminal · Pizza · Casual · $$
- **Parisi Cafe** — cafe
- **Parisi Coffee** — $$
- **Pigwich** — $$
- **Poio** — eatery
- **Safi Fresh** — restaurant
- **Smoke Brewing Co.** — Terminal · Barbecue · Casual · $$
- **Soirée Steak & Oyster House** — steakhouse
- **Soiree Steak & Oyster House** — $$$
- **Stockyard Brewing Co.** — brewpub
- **Stockyards Brewing Co** — $$
- **Stroud’s** — Terminal · American · Casual · $$
- **Taste of Brazil** — $$
- **The Flying Pig** — $$
- **The Leagues** — $$
- **The Leagues Sports Lounge & Eatery** — Terminal · Sports bar & restaurant · $$
- **The Peanut** — Terminal · American pub · Casual · $$
- **Tivoli** — Terminal · Bar · Casual · $$
- **Urban Cafe** — $$

## Lounges (5)

- **Delta Sky Club** — Concourse B, airline lounge
- **Escape Lounge** — pay-per-visit, all travelers · Yes
- **Escape Lounges** — Terminal · Priority Pass, Pre-book, Walk-up, American Express Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve · $45
- **Escape Lounges (The Centurion Studio Partner)** — Terminal · Pay at door (all travelers), Pre-book online, American Express Platinum Card members (free), Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card members on Delta-marketed flights (free), Priority Pass (pre-book eligible) · From about $45 per person when pre-booked; higher walk-up price
- **USO Lounge** — Landside, military lounge

## Shops (37)

- **Barney's Beanery** — Terminal · Food/retail concept
- **Bloom**
- **Charlie Hustle**
- **City Market Food Hall** — food hall
- **CNBC News**
- **CNN Newsstand** — Terminal · Newsstand
- **Costa Coffee Vending** — Terminal · Vending / self-service coffee
- **DirecTor's Cut, Take II** — Terminal · Barber shop
- **Directors Cut Take 2 barbershop** — barbershop
- **Duty Free Store**
- **&Go (Arrivals Retail)** — Terminal · Convenience / travel essentials
- **&Go (B58 Retail)** — Terminal · Convenience / travel essentials
- **Hallmark**
- **Hudson**
- **Ink by Hudson** — Terminal · Convenience / travel retail
- **InMotion**
- **Johnson & Murphy** — shoe and travel accessories store
- **Kansas City Marketplace** — Terminal · Gift shop
- **Kansas City Sports**
- **KC City Market**
- **KCI Market** — Terminal · Convenience store
- **KCI Travel Mart**
- **Lego** — toy store
- **Made in Kansas City** — Terminal · Gift shop
- **Made in Kansas City Marketplace** — marketplace
- **Made in KC Food Hall** — food hall
- **Made in KC Marketplace**
- **Native Son** — Terminal · Apparel / gifts
- **Parisi Market**
- **Relay**
- **Sunglass Hut** — Terminal · Sunglasses / accessories
- **Tech on the Go**
- **The Market at MCI** — Terminal · Convenience / specialty retail
- **The Pitch**
- **The Westside Store** — Terminal · Local gifts
- **Travelmart** — Terminal · Convenience / travel retail
- **Turn the Page KC** — bookstore

## Parking (7)

- **Cell Phone Lot** — Surface lot · Near airport roads
- **Circle Parking** — Short-term lot
- **Economy Parking** — On-site economy lot
- **Garage Parking** — On-site garage
- **Oversize Vehicle Parking** — Surface lot · Designated airport lot
- **The Parking Spot** — Off-site covered and uncovered
- **Valet Parking** — Curbside valet

## Ground transport (13)

- **Bus** — Bus · Varies
  Airport-area and regional bus service may be available seasonally or by operator.
- **Charter Bus Services** — Group coach transport · Similar driving times as other road options (20-45 min to most metro destinations), plus group loading time · Commonly quoted in the $600-1,200 per day range for full‑size coaches serving KCI (varies by operator, hours, and mileage) · By reservation only; schedules fully customized to group needs
- **Hotel Shuttles** — Courtesy hotel vans · 5-15 min ride for most nearby hotels, plus potential 10-30 min wait · $0 (typically included with room) · Commonly every 20-30 min or on-demand within operating hours; not standardized and varies by hotel
- **Private Airport Shuttles** — Pre-booked van service · 20-45 min to most metro destinations depending on distance and traffic · $60-120 per vehicle to common suburban destinations (reported ranges; varies by operator and distance) · By reservation only; no walk-up shared vans with fixed headways
- **Rental Car Shuttles** — Airport rental center bus · 5-10 min shuttle ride plus wait time · $0 (included with rental) · Continuous loops, typically every 5-10 min during normal hours
- **RideKC Bus** — Bus · About 40-60 min to downtown Kansas City · $1.50 · Limited schedule
  Public transit option linking the airport with the city.
- **RideKC Bus Route 229** — Bus to downtown · 45-60 min to downtown (in-vehicle plus transfer/wait time) · $1.50-2.00 · Roughly every 30-60 min, limited hours; not 24/7
- **RideKC Bus Route 519** — Express bus · $1.50-2.00 · .isEmpty
- **Rideshare** — Rideshare · About 20-30 min to downtown Kansas City · $30-50
  Pickup areas are signed at the terminal curbside.
- **Rideshare Pickup** — App-based rideshare · 20-30 min to downtown in normal traffic · $30-50 to downtown depending on time and surge (reported range) · On-demand; wait times commonly 5-15 min, longer late at night or during events
- **Shuttle** — Shuttle · Varies by destination · On request / scheduled
  Hotel and private shuttles use terminal pickup zones.
- **Taxi** — Taxi · About 20-30 min to downtown Kansas City · $40-50
  Available at designated curbside pickup areas.
- **Taxi Service** — Metered taxi · 20-30 min to downtown in normal traffic · $45-60 to downtown including tip (typical reported range) · On-demand when flights arrive; taxis queue outside arrivals

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: If you're a fan of local cuisine, allocate extra time to explore more than 80% of Kansas City-based brands in the terminal.
- _Time_: For late or early flights, &Go near Gate B58 operates 24 hours for quick meals.
- _Quiet_: The Quiet Room near the A gates offers a peaceful escape from the bustling terminal.
- _Money_: Consider off-site parking options like The Parking Spot for competitive longer-term rates.
- _Local_: Don’t leave without trying Made for KC BBQ Experience in Concourse A, a must for Kansas City BBQ enthusiasts.
- _Avoid_: Walk the concourses fully before deciding on dining; Urban Cafe and Bo Lings are worth the extra steps.