Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a mid-sized airport serving the US state of Missouri.
It is located 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City, not too far from the Missouri River, which forms the state border between Kansas and Missouri.
In 2024, the airport served nearly 12 million passengers, ranking as one of the leading airports in the Midwest.
A new state-of-the-art terminal opened in February 2023, replacing the original three-terminal layout. This was in line with the rapidly growing air traffic and a resurgent travel segment.
Major Airlines - Southwest Airlines
MCI is not a hub airport. There are no airlines with permanent fleets based at the airport or using it as a focus city.
Nevertheless, it is served by most of the major US carriers.
Almost half of all passengers are carried by Southwest Airlines. It connects Kansas to the greatest number of destinations across the USA, although predominantly focused on the southern states.
The remaining 3 airlines forming the Big 4, American Airlines (including American Eagle), Delta Air Lines (including Delta Connection), and United Airlines (including United Express), also provide the necessary connections to some of the USA’s biggest airports. Together, they account for another third of all carried passengers.
The remaining passengers fly with Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, or Sun Country Express.
These carriers offer nonstop flights to cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Terminal Layout and Gates of MCI
Before 2019, MCI had three terminals. The same year, referendum voters overwhelmingly approved the construction of a single airport terminal, which became the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history.
The former terminals were demolished, and a modern dual-concourse terminal with 40 gates was inaugurated in February 2023.
Concourse A: Gates A1–A20 (13 gates)
Concourse B: Gates B40–B69 (27 gates)
Non-precleared international arrivals, predominantly from Mexico, are processed at gates A12, A14, and A16.
Wi-Fi at Kansas City Airport
There is complimentary Wi-Fi service in all public areas of Kansas City International Airport (MCI)!
To connect, select “MCI_FREE_WiFi” from the list of available networks. This will automatically launch your internet browser to the airport welcome page.
The network allows for unlimited and uninterrupted access.
Dining Options at MCI
Many of the restaurants at MCI highlight local Kansas City flavors, but among them, you will also find the easily recognizable American favorites.
With many places to pick from, it could be an overwhelming choice, so here are our favorites at each concourse:
In Concourse A:
Meat Mitch: Award-winning Kansas City BBQ featuring brisket, ribs, and sandwiches near Gate A10.
Soirée Steak & Oyster House serves Cajun-inspired dishes with live jazz and American Jazz Museum exhibits. Find it near Gate A12
Hearth Locavore Kitchen: the cozy fireplace is a highlight, but the farm-to-table fare is not to be underestimated either.
Martin City Brewing Company: A local brewery known for hand-tossed pizzas and craft beers.
Grapes & Grains: Missouri artisan wine and spirits experience in a 360-degree open-air setting.
The Hungry Hatch: While many of the above will make your doctor sigh, the Hungry Hatch offers healthy bowls and wraps with fresh ingredients for a change.
In Concourse B:
Big Chicken: Shaquille O’Neal’s chain for chicken sandwiches and sides. Find it near Gates B60 and B61.
Boulevard Brewing Company: One of the pioneers of Kansas City’s craft beer scene. They also serve bar food like pretzels and nachos.
Brown & Loe: This is the place to go for fine dining with New American dishes like grilled salmon and meatloaf.
Made for KC BBQ Experience Featuring: Black Magic: An immersive BBQ dining experience with rotating pitmasters and live performances near Gates B51, B52, B54.
Bo Lings: If American cuisine is not to your liking, why not try some Chinese dim sum, noodles, or rice dishes?
Taste of Brazil: Rounding up the foreign options, this Brazilian cuisine place in the Food Hall (Atrium B, Near Gates B54, B52) will teach you not to underestimate bold taste.
These are some of the over 50 restaurants, bars, and fast food kiosks that you can choose from at MCI.
Lounges at MCI
There are 3 airport lounges within Kansas City Airport:
Escape Lounges: Located in Concourse A near Gate A5, this common-use lounge is open daily from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Enter by paying the entrance fee of 55 USD (drops to 45 if pre-booked online).
Delta Sky Club: With its two all-weather Sky Decks, Delta looks to “wow” its customers into choosing the Sky Club. It’s located in the mezzanine above Concourse B and offers complimentary cocktails from the full-service bar, fresh and healthy food options from the full buffet, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and flight assistance to those eligible to enter.
USO Lounge: Located near Baggage Claim 5 on the lower level, before Security (landside). It serves only active military members and their families from 4:30 AM until 9 PM daily.
Transportation
Most people arrive at the airport by car. To reach MCI, you can take either Interstate 29 or Interstate 435. It’s best to use app navigation for specific exits.
Public transportation is in the form of Bus Route #229 provided by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). It runs daily and is free of charge. This bus runs between
Taxis can be called via 816-243-2345. They are metered with rates set at 2.50 USD plus 2.10 USD per mile.
A better alternative is to order a ride-sharing service via Uber, Lyft, Iris, or zTrip. Their pick-up locations are in front of Arrivals: look for the purple sign “2K-N”.
Various shuttle companies (SuperShuttle and 5 Guys Transportation, to name just two) provide services at Kansas City Airport. You can see options for private transfers to various destinations in the state here.
Last but not least, rental car companies are consolidated within the Rental Car Facility. To reach, you may use the frequent and free shuttles from the terminal. You can choose from ten providers, including big names like Hertz, Sixt, Dollar, and Thrifty.
Parking at MCI
The following official parking options are available at Kansas City Airport:
Garage Parking: A seven-story parking garage with over 6000 spaces, including electric vehicle charging stations. Very convenient, the closest to the terminal, and not that expensive - 2 USD for the first 30 minutes, 4 USD per hour capped at 28 USD per day.
Surface Lot: A perfect complement to the sheltered option above. This uncovered parking lot is just as close to the terminal, and also costs 4 USD per hour, but is capped lower, at only 20 USD per day.
Economy Parking: Budget-friendly lots with over 15000 spaces and a free 24/7 shuttle service to the terminal, which runs every 20 minutes. This is the cheapest you can park near MCI at only 9 USD per day.
Valet Parking: The valet drop-off area is located just inside the parking garage, across from the check-in hall. Leave your car there and forget about parking until you return, when it will be conveniently waiting for you. This premium service costs 15 USD for the first 4 hours, then 4 USD per hour up to a maximum of 30 USD per day.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Gives you a maximum of 45 minutes for free while waiting for your friends and family to land.
Hotels near Kansas City Airport
The closest hotel to MCI is the Kansas City Airport Marriott. It’s situated within the airport grounds, albeit still about 2 miles away from the terminal. Thankfully, it runs a complimentary shuttle in both directions. This 4-star hotel is a good value for money if you seek convenience and proximity to the gates.
Outside the airport, near the intersection between Interstate 29 and the Mid Continent Trafficway, you will find several other hotels, all of which offer a free shuttle to and from the terminal building. Some of them are:
Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Kansas City Airport
Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport by IHG
To see more airport hotels near MCI and book your stay, click here.
Kansas City, MO, USA
