How to get to and from Kansas City airport (MCI): bus, train, taxi and transfers

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Kansas City airport (MCI), 32 km from Kansas City. See also the airport guide for general information.

The airport is located about 25 to 30 minutes by car from Downtown Kansas City. All commercial ground transportation operators pick up passengers on the lower commercial roadway (Commercial Curb) on the Arrivals level.

Public Transit Bus

Metropolitan agency RideKC operates route 229 (Boardwalk/KCI), linking the terminal directly to Downtown Kansas City and East Village. Service runs daily between 4:50 am and 10:50 pm, with an average trip time of 50 to 60 minutes. Intermediate stops include Boardwalk Square MetroCenter and Prairie View.

Several private shuttle companies provide regional service to destinations across Missouri and Kansas, including Wichita, Lawrence, Boonville, Columbia, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley, Saint Joseph, and Topeka.

Regulated Taxis

Licensed taxis have a designated loading zone at the arrivals commercial curb, by columns 3A through 3D. Fares are regulated by city ordinance ($2.50 USD flag drop plus $2.10 USD per mile). You can also request a cab using the courtesy phones in baggage claim or by calling +1 816 243 2345. Travel time to downtown is approximately 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Rideshare (TNC)

Authorized rideshare companies including Uber, Lyft, zTrip, Iris, and Turo pick up passengers at the arrivals commercial curb, at the purple-marked signage posts 2K through 2N.

Regional Shuttles and Private Transfers

The express United JOCO (Johnson County United Airport Drop & Ride) shuttle links MCI with Overland Park and Lenexa. In addition, hotel and private transfer shuttles use clearly marked pickup areas along the arrivals curb.

Private Shuttle and Transfer Companies

Several licensed private operators offer scheduled and point-to-point transfer services from the terminal:

1st Shuttle Service
5 Guys Transportation
Abe's Transportation
Champion Shuttle
David's Transportation
Day and Night Transportation
Exclusive Transportation
Gratitude Transportation
Ground Transportation Services
Jump Street Shuttle
SuperShuttle
Sunrise Shuttle Transportation

More information on airport ground transportation

Book ahead

Private transfer from MCI Rent a car at MCI

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Tips for getting to and from MCI

Going to the airport

Leave earlier than you think you need to: Kansas City airport is 32 km from Kansas City. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at MCI.

Leaving the airport

After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
Looking for the taxi rank, the train station or the rental desks, or meeting someone? See the MCI airport map and share a meeting point.
Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at MCI.
Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near MCI.

Content written by German Giudici

Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.

Getting to and from Kansas City airport