Traveling by plane is fun — jet-setting over rolling hills and beautiful blue waters, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else. The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. Luckily, we’re doing the heavy lifting so flying in and out of KC can be a breeze.
The new terminal at the Kansas City International Airport opens on Tuesday, Feb. 28. We toured the terminal to help make your time at KCI as smooth as possible, and we created this guide that covers everything from parking and gates to food, drink, and nonstop flights.
Before you read on — bookmark or save this guide, so the next time you fly, you’ll be a pro before even leaving your home.
What to know
- Website | FlyKCI.com, meet FlyKC.com. This new website will help answer your questions.
- TSA | Security check times will vary — 16 lanes are centrally located next to the check-in desks. Infrequent fliers can check out these travel tips.
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this interactive map will get you started. Think of the shape of the terminal like a big “H” for “home.”
- Food and drink | Between four coffee roasters, three barbecue options, three craft breweries, two food halls, and other local favorites, this terminal features 50+ food and retail options.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
- Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
Did you know? KCI’s identifier code is actually MCI, which stands for Mid-Continent International Airport. That’s what it used to be called before the name change in 1972.
Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a best friend who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. arrival. Parking in the garage or surface lot is $1 for 30 minutes and $3 for 30-60 minutes. Prices increase by $3/hour (up to five hours in the surface lot and eight in the garage). The price per day is as listed:
- Garage parking | $25/day
- Surface lot parking | $18/day
- Economy parking | $7.50/day
The new parking garage has 6,200 spaces, including 52 spaces for electric vehicles. Red light/green light technology hangs from the ceiling, indicating available spaces.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle, rideshare, or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are suggested by KCI:
- RideKC | Bus | Route #229 connects with the East Village Transit Center downtown KCMO and the Boardwalk Square Park & Ride lot.
- Sunrise Shuttle | Shuttle | This private van service gives 10% off for veterans.
- Roundabout Transportation | Shuttle | This Johnson County-focused service also provides child car seats.
- Ben’s Transportation Service | Shuttle | This company also offers limo services.
- Kansas City Airport Taxi | Taxi | Call a cab at (816) 243-2345.
The new drop off and pick up zones — now on separate levels — have dedicated shuttle, rideshare, and taxi curb space. Here’s a map.
Did you know? If you’re going to pick someone up, KCI’s cell phone lot is located at 680 Brasilia Avenue (also with electric vehicle charging stations).
Nonstop flights
KCI offers 46 nonstop flights — 44 domestic, plus two international flights — to Toronto, Canada and Cancun, Mexico. Here are six nonstop flights to nearby locations.
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
- St. Louis | Southwest | Daily | Three Monday-Friday, one Saturday, two Sunday
- Chicago-O’Hare | American, United | Daily | See individual airlines
- Chicago-Midway | Southwest | Daily | Six Sunday-Friday, four Saturday
- Minneapolis | Delta | Daily | See airline
- Nashville | Southwest | Daily | Three Sunday-Friday, two Saturday
- Austin | American, Southwest | Daily | See individual airlines
Gates
These areas include the following stores and services nearby:
Concourse A | Made In KC, Lego store, Air Travel Experience, clothing, tech, and barber shops
- Gates A1-A10 | Various | The Market at 18th & Vine
- Gate A12-A20 | Various, international | The Market at 18th & Vine
Concourse B | City Market, Brookside Local, Turn The Page, Sensory Room, Children’s Play Area
- Gates B40-52 | United, Delta | Everything Travel kiosk
- Gates B54-69 | Southwest | &GO (powered by Amazon “Just Walk Out” tech), The Pitch Convenience
Food and drink
See the full map, or check out our highlights:
A Concourse | Martin City Brewing, Meat Mitch, Parisi Coffee, Urban Café, Made of KC Food Hall, Smoothie King, Soiree Steak and Seafood House (featuring the American Jazz Museum + performance stage).
B Concourse | City Market Food Hall, Stockyards Brewing Co., Barbecue Experience, The Leagues Sports Lounge & Eatery (featuring McCormick Distillery + Negro Leagues Baseball Museum).
