Car Hire
Kansas City

After collecting your luggage at Kansas City International Airport, look for signs directing you to Ground Transportation and the rental car shuttle. All rental companies are located in a consolidated facility off-site, not within the terminal itself. You will board a complimentary grey shuttle bus from the arrivals curb that takes you on a short ride directly to the rental car centre, where all the service counters are located together.

As a general guideline, it's sensible to allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you drive away in your rental car. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and taking the shuttle to the rental facility. The final step is completing paperwork at the counter, and this buffer helps accommodate potential queues during peak travel times, ensuring a low-stress start to your trip.

The best approach is to include your flight number in your car rental reservation. This allows the rental agency staff to track your arrival time and hold the vehicle for you. If you experience a significant delay or a flight change, it's also good practice to call the local MCI branch directly to inform them. This simple communication helps them prepare for your arrival and makes the process seamless, whatever the hour.

For a straightforward drive to downtown Kansas City, the most common route is to take I-29 South from the airport. You will then merge onto US-169 South, which leads you directly toward the downtown area and the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. This path is generally well-signed and helps you bypass some of the more complex interchanges until you are closer to the city centre, making for a less confusing initial drive.

To reach the Power & Light District, follow the main route from MCI toward downtown Kansas City via I-29 South and US-169 South. As you approach the Missouri River, your sat-nav will guide you onto the downtown freeway loop, likely I-670 East. From there, look for exits for Broadway Boulevard or Central Street, which will put you right in the heart of the district and prevent you from getting turned around.

On days with a Chiefs game or a major event, anticipate significantly heavier traffic on the main arteries, especially I-70 and I-435 near the Truman Sports Complex. For downtown events, streets around the T-Mobile Center will be congested with both vehicles and pedestrians. It is essential to allow considerable extra travel time, listen to local traffic reports, and have your parking plan figured out in advance to minimise stress.

If your hotel in the Power & Light District offers parking, that is typically the most convenient option. If not, the area has several large, well-lit public car parks, such as the KC Live! garage on 13th Street. Using a central garage allows you to park your car securely and then explore the entire district, including the T-Mobile Center and surrounding restaurants, on foot without worrying about moving your vehicle.

Driving in the Country Club Plaza at the weekend can be busy, with many pedestrians and vehicles navigating its Spanish-inspired architecture. While on-street parking is very limited and highly sought after, the Plaza is known for its numerous free parking garages. The easiest strategy is to head directly for one of these multi-level garages, which offer convenient access to all the shops and restaurants without the frustration of circling for a street space.

The most straightforward parking plan for the Nelson-Atkins Museum is to use the museum's on-site parking garage, located on the east side of the building off Oak Street. This garage provides direct and easy access to the museum entrance. Using this dedicated facility is far simpler than trying to find parking in the surrounding residential streets, which can be difficult and time-consuming, allowing you more time to enjoy the art.

Parking at Union Station, even during busy times, is made simple by its large, four-level car park located on the west side of the building. This is the primary parking area for both Union Station and Science City visitors. While it can get crowded, there are typically spaces available on the upper levels. Following the signs to this car park is the most efficient way to park without having to search for other options.

The most direct route to the Kansas City Zoo from downtown is to take US-71 South. You will see clear signs for Swope Park and the zoo exit. Once you enter the park, continue to follow the specific directional signs for zoo parking. These signs are designed to guide visitors efficiently to the large, dedicated lots and help manage traffic flow within the expansive park.

To ensure an easy arrival at Worlds of Fun, plan to get there either shortly before the park opens or in the early afternoon, after the initial morning rush has subsided. The park is conveniently located right off I-435 and has very large car parks, so finding a space is not difficult. Arriving during these off-peak entry times simply makes the process of getting off the motorway, through any toll plaza, and into a spot much quicker.

For a direct drive to Overland Park that bypasses downtown Kansas City, the best route is to take I-435 South. This motorway acts as a loop around the city, and you can follow it to the various exits for Overland Park, such as Metcalf Avenue or Roe Avenue. An alternative is taking I-29 South to I-635 South, which then connects to I-35 South, another major route into the suburban area.

Driving between the two Kansas Citys is quite simple as they are directly adjacent, separated by the state line. The most common connectors are major highways like I-70, I-670, and I-35, which cross the line seamlessly. To be efficient, try to group your activities geographically, spending a portion of your day on the Kansas side before driving over to your destinations on the Missouri side, which minimises unnecessary back-and-forth travel.

The downtown loop where these major highways converge requires your full attention, as lanes can split with little warning. The best advice is to use a sat-nav with lane-assist guidance and know your exit number or street name well in advance. Try to move into your target lane early rather than waiting until the last second. Staying calm and predictable is key to navigating this busy section of roadway like a local.

The downtown loop, where I-70, I-35, and I-670 intersect, can be challenging for visitors. Due to the proximity of exits and overlapping highways, GPS instructions can sometimes feel a second too late. It's highly beneficial to review your route beforehand and pay close attention to the overhead road signs, as they often provide the clearest, most immediate guidance through these complex interchanges.

It is very realistic and, in fact, the best way to experience Kansas City's legendary barbecue scene. The key is to plan your route logically, grouping restaurants by neighbourhood to minimise drive time. Many iconic spots are located outside the downtown core, where a car is essential. To make parking easier, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as a mid-afternoon lunch, when lots are less crowded.

To optimise your barbecue tour, start at the location furthest from your base and work your way back, which prevents you from repeatedly crossing through central traffic. Research your chosen spots in advance; some have large lots while others rely on street parking. Visiting on a weekday instead of a weekend, and aiming for an early lunch around 11:00 or a later one after 14:00, will help you avoid the biggest crowds and find parking more easily.

Driving in the Westport entertainment district at night can be slow and congested, with heavy pedestrian traffic and limited on-street parking. For a less stressful experience, most visitors opt for one of the paid public car parks or the multi-level garage located off Pennsylvania Avenue. Parking in a designated lot allows you to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on foot without the hassle of searching for a spot on the busy side streets.

The Crossroads Arts District is characterised by a grid of streets, many of which are one-way, so it's important to pay attention to signage. Street parking is mostly metered and can be competitive, especially in the evenings and during the popular First Fridays event. For more reliable parking, look for the numerous surface lots and a few public garages scattered throughout the district, which are often the easiest option.

A day trip to Lawrence is an easy and enjoyable drive, typically taking about 45 minutes west on I-70. Once you arrive in downtown Lawrence, the best strategy for parking is to head directly for one of the public car parks located just a block or two off Massachusetts Street. These car parks offer affordable hourly rates and save you the trouble of hunting for timed street parking, letting you start exploring the shops and restaurants right away.

The drive to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence is quite straightforward. From downtown Kansas City, you can take US-24 East for a direct route. Upon arrival, you'll find parking very convenient, as the library has its own large, free car park located right in front of the building, ensuring you won't have any issues finding a space.

Planning a trip to Weston Bend State Park is very low-stress with a rental car. Simply take I-29 North from Kansas City and follow the clear signs for the park near the town of Weston. Once inside the park, the main road leads you to several designated parking areas. These lots are conveniently situated near major trailheads, scenic overlooks, and picnic shelters, allowing you to easily drive between different points of interest.

The historic site includes the Truman Home and other nearby buildings. The best plan is to start at the visitor centre, which has its own dedicated parking lot where you can leave your car. From there, you can walk to the Truman Home for your tour. Parking directly at the home is on residential streets and is very limited, so using the visitor centre lot is the recommended and most convenient approach.

Reaching this major entertainment complex is simple, as it's located at the junction of two main motorways, I-70 and I-435, in Kansas City, Kansas. The area is well-signed from either direction. On major race days at the Kansas Speedway, you should plan to arrive several hours early to account for heavy traffic leading into the complex and to navigate the extensive car parks.

Children’s Mercy Park is part of the large entertainment district at I-435 and I-70, making it easy to access by car. For the smoothest experience, plan to arrive about 60 to 90 minutes before the match begins. This allows you to avoid the worst of the entry traffic and easily find a spot in one of the many large parking areas that surround the stadium and the adjacent retail area.

On event days, the Truman Sports Complex becomes a hub of activity with managed traffic patterns. Expect significant delays on I-70 and I-435 as you approach the exits. Once you enter the complex, staff and digital signs will direct you to specific parking lots to ensure an orderly flow. It's highly advisable to purchase your parking pass in advance and follow the directed routes rather than relying solely on GPS.

A great way to structure this itinerary is by working geographically from south to north or vice versa. For example, start your day at the Country Club Plaza, then drive north on Main Street to the National WWI Museum and Memorial at Liberty Memorial. Afterward, continue heading north into downtown to explore the River Market. This linear route minimises driving time and prevents you from backtracking across the city.

Driving in the River Market requires extra awareness, particularly at weekends. You'll be sharing the road with the KC Streetcar, so be mindful of its tracks and stops. The area also has high pedestrian traffic and a mix of one-way streets. A patient and observant driving approach is best, and you should be prepared to circle a block or two to find parking during peak times.

Visitors to City Market typically use the large surface parking areas that surround the main market. During the week, finding a spot is generally easy. However, on Saturday mornings for the farmers market, these lots fill up extremely early. If you arrive after 09:00 on a Saturday, be prepared to park in ancillary lots a few blocks away and enjoy a short walk to the market.

When travelling with children, prioritise parking in garages or dedicated attraction lots over on-street parking. Garages provide more space between vehicles, making it much easier and safer to open doors fully to get kids and buggies in and out. Many of Kansas City's family-friendly destinations, like the zoo and Union Station, have large, convenient lots designed to accommodate these needs.

The most efficient way to handle a pickup at MCI is to wait in the airport's cell phone lot until your relatives have collected their bags. Once they call you, you can drive to the designated arrivals curb to meet them. This avoids circling the busy terminal roads and allows for a quick and easy loading process before you head on to your hotel.

The immediate Kansas City metropolitan area is free of toll roads, so you can navigate the city and its suburbs without needing to pay tolls. However, if your travel plans include driving across the state of Kansas on I-70, be aware that this motorway becomes the Kansas Turnpike outside the metro area and does have tolls. Most rental car companies have systems in place to manage these payments for you.

Making a quick grocery stop is easy to do on your way from the airport. After leaving the rental facility, take I-29 South and get off at the Barry Road or Tiffany Springs Parkway exits. These areas are just a few miles from the airport and have several major grocery stores, retailers, and restaurants, allowing you to stock up conveniently before heading to your final destination.

You'll find several convenient petrol stations for refuelling right before your return. A number of options are located along Cookingham Drive, the main road leading into the airport terminals and rental car centre. Additionally, the Tiffany Springs Parkway exit off I-29, just before the airport turnoff, has multiple stations that are easy to access without getting caught in terminal traffic.

For an early morning flight, plan to arrive at the rental car return centre about 30 minutes before you would normally want to be at the airline check-in desk. This provides a comfortable buffer for the vehicle check-in process and the shuttle bus ride back to the terminal. Building in this extra time ensures you won't feel rushed as you head to security and your gate.

The most efficient method is to first drive to the departures curb at the main terminal. Here, you can drop off your passengers and all the luggage so they can proceed to check-in. After they are safely on their way, you can drive the car to the nearby rental return facility by yourself, making the process much simpler than managing luggage on the shuttle bus.

During a heavy thunderstorm, visitors should be cautious of sudden decreases in visibility and water pooling on the roadways, which can cause aquaplaning. Some motorway underpasses and low-lying areas in the city are prone to quick flooding, so it's wise to avoid driving through standing water. Slowing down and increasing your following distance are the most important adjustments to make in these conditions.

In winter, Kansas City can experience ice, especially during overnight freezes. Bridges and overpasses are the first surfaces to become slick, so approach them with extra caution, even if the main roads seem clear. It's important to allow extra travel time in the mornings for road crews to treat the motorways and to drive at a reduced speed, avoiding any sudden braking or acceleration.

To avoid the worst of Kansas City's commuter traffic, plan to begin your road trip outside of peak rush hour. For a trip north to Omaha on I-29 or south to Wichita on I-35, aim to be on the motorway before 07:00 or after 09:30 on weekdays. Similarly, when returning to the city, try to time your arrival for after 18:30 to ensure a smoother drive back to your hotel.