Hertz Car Hire
Kansas City

After collecting your luggage at Kansas City International Airport, you will need to proceed to the consolidated Hire Car Centre. Look for the prominent grey and blue signs directing you to the hire car shuttle bus stops, which are located just outside the baggage claim level at each terminal. These complimentary shuttles run continuously and will take you on a short ride to the separate facility where the Hertz desk is located. The whole process is well signed and intended to be straightforward for arriving passengers.

If your flight lands during a peak travel time, such as a weekday evening, it's sensible to build a little extra time into your schedule for the hire process. Factoring in the shuttle ride from the terminal to the Hire Car Centre and possible queues at the service desk, you might want to allow 30 to 45 minutes from when you have your bags until you are driving away. This buffer helps ensure a low-stress start to your visit, especially if you have dinner plans or need to get to your hotel.

To ensure a smooth return, the most effective method is to enter Kansas City International Airport Rental Car Return directly into your sat nav or mapping app. This specific search term is more reliable than using the general airport address. As you approach the airport property, be sure to also watch for and follow the official airport signs with the hire car return symbol. These signs will guide you directly to the correct entrance, helping you avoid the passenger drop-off and pick-up loops.

An excellent and convenient meeting point for your group is the main lobby of the Hire Car Centre. Since everyone will need to take the shuttle bus to this facility regardless of their arrival terminal, it serves as a natural, central location. You can wait comfortably indoors while the nominated driver completes the hire paperwork. This avoids any confusion trying to coordinate a kerbside pickup at the busy terminal and allows everyone to gather their belongings before heading out.

Under normal conditions, the drive from MCI to the Power & Light District takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. However, when there is a major concert, sporting event or convention downtown, you should anticipate significant delays. During these times, travel time can easily extend to 45 minutes or even an hour, with the most congestion occurring as you exit the motorway into the downtown core. It's always a good idea to check a live traffic app before you leave the hire facility.

For visitors prioritising easy driving and parking, the Country Club Plaza and the suburban city of Overland Park, Kansas, are excellent choices. The Plaza offers numerous free and spacious parking garages, making it simple to park once and explore the area's shops and restaurants on foot. Overland Park features wide streets, ample surface parking at hotels and attractions, and direct access to major motorways like the I-435 and I-35. Both areas provide a less congested experience than the downtown core.

The most direct route to Overland Park from MCI that bypasses the complexity of downtown is to use the western loop of the I-435. From the airport you will take the I-29 South for a short distance to the I-635 South. You then follow the I-635 South until it merges with the I-35 South, which runs directly through Overland Park. This path keeps you on major, well-signed motorways and helps you avoid the more intricate series of interchanges in the central city.

I-435 is the main beltway encircling the metropolitan area, and it experiences significant congestion during typical rush hours from about 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00. The southern portion of the loop, particularly near the I-35 and US-71 interchanges, can be especially slow. When driving on these motorways during peak times, allow plenty of extra travel time, be prepared for stop-and-go traffic and give yourself ample space to change lanes for your exit well in advance.

The most direct route to Arrowhead Stadium from downtown is to take the I-70 East. The Truman Sports Complex, where the stadium is located, has its own dedicated exits directly off the motorway. As you approach, large overhead signs will direct you to the appropriate exit for the stadium. Visitors typically enter the complex through one of several gates, and attendants will guide you to a parking spot from there.

While the drive from the Country Club Plaza to Kauffman Stadium is only about 15–20 minutes in light traffic, you should plan to leave much earlier on a game day. To allow for heavy traffic on the motorways, parking and the walk to your seats, it is advisable to depart from the Plaza at least 75 to 90 minutes before the scheduled start of the game. This provides a comfortable cushion to avoid any last-minute rush and allows you to settle in before the first pitch.

Exiting the parking lots at the Truman Sports Complex after a Chiefs game requires considerable patience, as gridlock is standard. It can often take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour just to get out of the lots and onto the motorway. A common strategy is to simply relax in your car for a while after the game ends, letting the initial surge of traffic dissipate. This can make for a much less stressful departure experience.

Parking for these adjacent destinations is very convenient for visitors with a hire car. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a large, dedicated parking garage on its property, which is the easiest option for visiting the museum. The Country Club Plaza is famous for its numerous free public parking garages interspersed throughout the district. You can easily find a spot in one of these garages and then explore the area on foot.

A great strategy for a barbecue crawl is to group your chosen restaurants by neighbourhood to minimise driving and parking hassles. For instance, you could park in a central spot in the Crossroads Arts District and walk to a couple of nearby locations. In more suburban areas or neighbourhoods like the Westside, you'll often find dedicated lots or ample street parking, making quick in-and-out stops much easier. Planning your route geographically is the key to a successful and efficient crawl.

Driving directly within the Crossroads Arts District during a First Friday event is extremely difficult and not recommended. Many streets are closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate the large crowds and street vendors, and parking becomes exceptionally scarce. The best approach is to park your hire car on the periphery of the district, such as in a garage downtown or near Union Station, and then walk into the event. Arriving early in the evening is crucial for securing a parking spot.

This is one of the easiest dual visits to plan in Kansas City, as the two attractions are located right next to each other. The most convenient plan is to drive to Union Station and park in the large, multi-level garage situated on its west side. This garage provides direct, covered access to the station. From there, you can explore Union Station and then take a short, scenic walk across the lawn to the entrance of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

A day trip to Lawrence is very straightforward, as it's an easy 40 to 50-minute drive west from Kansas City on Interstate 70. Once you arrive in Lawrence, be aware that traffic directly on and around the University of Kansas campus can be congested, with limited parking, especially when classes are in session. For a more relaxed experience, consider parking in the public garages or at the metered spots along Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence and exploring the shops and restaurants there.

The Legends Outlets and Kansas Speedway are located together in Kansas City, Kansas, right off the junction of the I-70 and I-435. The area is designed for easy car access with vast, open parking lots. On a typical day, driving and parking are simple. However, on major race weekends or during large concerts, expect significant traffic delays on the approaching motorways, and plan to arrive several hours earlier than your event's start time.

When planning a trip to the scenic areas north of the city like Weston, it's wise to start with a full tank of fuel, as service stations can be infrequent. The drive will take you from major motorways like the I-29 onto smaller two-lane state and county roads. These roads are generally well maintained but can be narrow and winding. For better navigation in areas with spotty mobile coverage, consider downloading your route map for offline use before you leave.

A day trip to the Lake of the Ozarks is ambitious but certainly possible, though it will be a very long day. The drive is approximately three hours each way, meaning you'll spend about six hours in the car. The route primarily follows US-71/I-49 South before transitioning to state highways. A popular town to stop for a break and to grab supplies is Clinton, which is about halfway and serves as a gateway to the lake region.

The drive from Kansas City International Airport to St. Joseph is exceptionally easy and direct. From the airport area you will get on the Interstate 29 North and simply stay on that motorway for the entire journey. The trip takes about 45 to 50 minutes and requires no complex navigation or interchanges. It's a straight shot on the motorway, making it a perfect, low-stress day trip for history buffs.

Your location at MCI is ideal for heading north with minimal stress. To get to Omaha you will take the I-29 North, which is accessible almost immediately from the airport roads. For Des Moines you will take the I-29 North for a few miles and then follow clear signage to merge onto the I-35 North. Both routes allow you to get on your way quickly without having to navigate through any of Kansas City's downtown traffic.

During winter snow or ice events, you should exercise extreme caution, particularly on the area's numerous bridges, overpasses and elevated motorway ramps. These surfaces freeze much faster than ground-level roads and can become very slick. The downtown loop is comprised of many such structures. It is essential to reduce your speed significantly, increase your following distance and avoid any sudden braking or acceleration to maintain control.

Midwestern thunderstorms can bring intense downpours that severely reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. Be prepared for ponding water on motorways, especially in the outer lanes. Low-lying areas and underpasses can be prone to flash flooding. Brush Creek, which runs near the Country Club Plaza, is a known flood risk, so it's wise to be extra cautious on roads in that vicinity during a heavy storm.

For a late-night arrival, it's best to have a simple plan. Most restaurants will be closed, so your food options will likely be limited to 24-hour fast-food drive-thrus or petrol station convenience stores near the airport. Before leaving the hire facility, make sure your hotel's address is loaded into your sat nav. The major motorways from MCI into the city are well lit, but having your route pre-planned will make the drive to your lodging much smoother and less stressful.

To ensure a smooth, on-time arrival for an early flight, plan to be on the road from downtown to MCI before 07:00. The primary route, I-29 North, begins to see heavy southbound commuter traffic around that time, which can cause some northbound delays as well. Leaving between 06:15 and 06:45 typically allows you to complete the 25 to 30-minute drive with minimal traffic, giving you plenty of time at the airport.

The MCI Hire Car Centre is well suited for getting organised before you hit the road. After completing your paperwork, you'll proceed to your assigned vehicle in a covered parking garage. This provides a spacious and weather-protected environment where you can take your time to install car seats, load your luggage, and adjust your mirrors and seating without feeling rushed by traffic. It's an ideal place to get everything settled for your journey.

A mid-size saloon is an excellent all-round choice for a typical Kansas City visit. It offers a comfortable ride on the motorways for day trips to places like Lawrence or Weston, while remaining nimble enough to easily navigate downtown streets and fit into parking garages at the Plaza or your hotel. This vehicle class provides a good balance of fuel economy, comfort and manoeuvrability for the diverse driving conditions you'll encounter.

Before you leave the hire car lot, it's a smart idea to do a quick test pack with your largest items. Open the boot to confirm your golf clubs or bulky suitcases fit comfortably. If needed, check how the rear seats fold down to create more space. Most importantly, arrange your items to ensure they do not obstruct your view out of the rear window, as maintaining clear visibility is essential for safe driving.

Parking garages in newer hotels or in suburban areas are typically spacious, but those in older buildings, particularly downtown or near the Plaza, can be quite tight. In these older structures, you should be mindful of low clearance heights, especially if you've hired a larger SUV. It's also important to take sharp turns up or down ramps slowly and watch for concrete support pillars that can make parking spaces feel narrow.

The most convenient strategy is to choose a hotel that offers on-site parking and use that as your base. You can leave your hire car securely parked while you explore the immediate downtown area on foot or by using the free KC Streetcar. When you're ready for a day trip, your car is easily accessible without the daily hassle of searching for a new parking spot upon your return in the evening.

The Country Club Plaza is a fantastic central meeting point, easily accessible from major routes like the I-35 and US-71, and it offers plenty of free garage parking. For those meeting between downtown and the northern suburbs, the Zona Rosa town centre is another great option, located just off the I-29 with ample parking. Both locations have numerous restaurants and coffee shops, making them perfect for reconnecting with friends or family.

The most direct way to drive to the River Market is by taking the downtown exits from the I-35 or I-70 and following signs for the market or City Market. On busy Saturday or Sunday mornings, the large surface lots adjacent to the market fill up very quickly. To secure a spot, it's best to arrive before 10:00. Otherwise, you can usually find street parking a few blocks south or west of the main market area.

The most straightforward and scenic route connecting the Country Club Plaza and downtown is Main Street. This major north-south artery runs directly between the two districts and is a primary route for the KC Streetcar downtown. Using Main Street allows you to avoid motorway traffic and the complex grid of one-way streets that characterises some parts of the downtown core. It's a direct and relatively low-stress drive.

When driving in the downtown corridor, particularly along Main Street, you will be sharing the road with the KC Streetcar. Be aware that the tracks are embedded in the road surface and can be slippery when wet, so avoid making sharp turns over them. Always be alert for the streetcar, which has the right of way, and never stop your vehicle on the tracks. Pay close attention to lane markings, as some lanes are shared with the streetcar.

To ensure a stress-free departure, plan to arrive at the airport's Hire Car Centre at least two hours before your domestic flight's boarding time. This allowance covers the time it takes to complete the vehicle return process and check out with staff. You must also account for the shuttle bus ride back to the main terminal and the time needed to check in luggage and clear security. Adding an extra 30 minutes during peak travel periods is always a wise precaution.

If a significant flight delay means you'll be picking up your car late at night, the best strategy is to simplify your initial drive. Instead of navigating to a distant or complicated location in the dark, consider staying at a hotel near the airport for the first night. This minimises stress and allows you to get settled quickly. You can then start your drive into the city or to your primary destination feeling refreshed and in daylight the next morning.