Dollar Car Hire
Kansas City

Once you have collected your bags from baggage reclaim at Kansas City International Airport, look for the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation". These will direct you outside the terminal to the designated shuttle-bus pick-up zones. The car hire facility is located away from the main terminal, so you will board a shared shuttle serving all rental agencies. The ride is typically short and the buses run on a continuous loop for convenience.

The Dollar Car Rental counter at Kansas City International Airport is located in a consolidated Rental Car Centre, which is a separate facility away from the main terminal. To reach it, you will need to take a complimentary shuttle bus from a designated stop outside baggage reclaim. This modern, centralised facility houses multiple car hire companies, making it a convenient one-stop location. Your hire vehicle will be parked in an adjacent multi-storey car park connected to the centre.

For a late-night arrival at MCI, the process remains straightforward and well lit. After collecting your luggage, follow the "Rental Cars" signs to the shuttle stop. These shuttles typically run 24/7 to accommodate all flight schedules. Once at the Rental Car Centre, go to the Dollar counter to complete your pick-up. The facility is designed for easy navigation, with clear signage from the counter to your vehicle in the attached car park.

On a typical weekday afternoon, a realistic timeline from getting off the aircraft to having your keys can vary based on several factors. Allow time to walk from your gate, wait for and collect luggage, then wait for and ride the shuttle to the Rental Car Centre. Once there, counter time depends on how many customers are ahead of you. A smooth experience might take around 45 to 60 minutes, but it’s sensible to allow up to 90 minutes so you don’t feel rushed.

A convenient, easy-to-find meeting point at MCI is the baggage reclaim area for the last flight to arrive. Each carousel is clearly numbered, making it a simple landmark. Alternatively, the main seating areas near the terminal exits—just before you go outside to ground transport and shuttle stops—offer a comfortable place to gather. This lets your whole group assemble with all luggage before heading to the car-hire shuttle together.

The most practical spot is near the Rental Car Centre shuttle pick-up area, just outside the baggage reclaim doors. This area typically has some seating and keeps your group out of the main foot traffic inside the terminal. It allows the designated driver to take the shuttle, collect the car, then circle back to the terminal’s passenger pick-up kerb to collect everyone and the luggage. This minimises the need to haul bags back and forth on the shuttle.

After completing the rental at the Dollar counter, your rental agreement will specify where your vehicle is parked. This typically includes a row letter and a bay/space number in the adjacent car park. The car park is well signed with large, clear markers for each row, usually suspended from the ceiling or posted on columns. Follow the signs from the counter into the car park and head straight to your designated row to find your car efficiently.

Before leaving the Dollar lot, a quick checklist helps ensure a smooth start. First, walk around the car and take photos of its condition from all angles to document any existing scratches or dents. Inside, adjust mirrors, seat and steering wheel for comfort and visibility. Test the headlights, indicators and windscreen wipers. Finally, pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth/infotainment system for hands-free calls and navigation.

Immediately after leaving the Rental Car Centre at MCI, you can use the airport’s cell phone lot as a safe place to pull over. It’s intended for drivers waiting to collect arriving passengers and provides a calm environment to programme your sat nav, connect your phone and organise your belongings. This lets you get settled before merging on to major routes such as I-29 or I-435.

When leaving the MCI airport complex, the most common confusion point is the initial merge on to the main roads. Pay close attention to signs for I-29 North versus I-29 South. If you’re heading to downtown Kansas City or most surrounding suburbs, you’ll want I-29 South. Accidentally taking I-29 North sends you towards St. Joseph and away from the metro area. Always cross-check your sat nav direction against the overhead motorway signs as you exit the airport loop.

The most direct, least confusing route from the airport to downtown Kansas City is via Interstate 29 South. After leaving the Rental Car Centre, follow the clearly marked signs to join I-29 S. Stay on it for about 15 miles. As you approach the city, I-29 merges with I-35 S. From there you can take several downtown exits, such as Broadway or the 12th Street viaduct, depending on your destination.

To reach the Crossroads Arts District from MCI, take I-29 South to I-35 South and use a downtown exit such as Broadway Blvd. For overnight parking, first check whether your hotel offers dedicated guest parking, which is often the most secure and convenient option. If not, the area has several public garages and surface lots. The large garage near the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a well-known landmark and offers easy access to the district.

The most convenient parking for the Power & Light District is the KC Live! parking garage, directly adjacent to the entertainment complex with an entrance on 13th Street. This large multi-storey garage provides direct, covered access to the district’s restaurants and venues. It’s popular with visitors because you can park once and explore the pedestrian-friendly area on foot. Many local businesses also offer parking validation, so it’s worth asking when you eat or shop.

The simplest plan is to park in the large four-level garage on the west side of Union Station, accessible from Broadway Blvd or Kessler Road. It offers plenty of spaces and a covered walkway leading directly into the rear of Union Station, keeping you sheltered from the weather. From inside the station, you can explore or walk across the connecting bridge to the entrance of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

The easiest route from MCI to the Country Club Plaza is to take I-29 South, which becomes US-71 South after downtown. Continue on US-71 South and take the exit for Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd, heading west, which leads directly to the Plaza. For parking, the Plaza has numerous free garages, which is very convenient for visitors. Garages near The Cheesecake Factory (Nichols Road) or near Barnes & Noble (Central Street) are centrally located and easy to find.

When visiting the River Market, a good approach is to park in one of the large surface lots around the City Market itself, near 3rd Street and Grand Blvd. Much of this parking is free, especially at weekends. Once parked, the neighbourhood is very walkable, making it easy to visit the market stalls, restaurants, and the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Arriving earlier on a Saturday improves your chances of getting a convenient space.

To make a BBQ tour easier, plan stops geographically to minimise driving back and forth across the city. Group restaurants by area—for example, do KCK locations in one outing and downtown/south KC in another. Most classic BBQ joints, even famous ones, are outside the dense downtown core and have their own car parks, so access is usually straightforward. Using a navigation app to map the route in advance helps create an efficient and enjoyable food tour.

First-time drivers should be ready for the downtown loop where I-70, I-35, I-670 and US-71 converge. These interchanges can be complex, with lanes splitting for different routes in quick succession. Know your next turn/exit well in advance and move into the correct lane early. The interchange where I-29 meets I-35 just north of the Missouri River can also be tricky, so close attention to your sat nav is important.

Weekday rush hour can significantly affect drive times from MCI into Kansas City. The morning peak (roughly 7:00–9:00) and afternoon peak (4:00–6:00) can add 20–40 minutes. Traffic is often heaviest on I-29 South in the morning and on the downtown loop in the afternoon. For a calmer drive, aim for mid-morning to early afternoon (10:00–14:00) or after about 18:30.

For an easy-to-follow drive to Overland Park, take I-29 South from the airport area, then follow signs to merge on to I-635 South to cross the Missouri River into Kansas. Continue on I-635 South to the interchange with I-35 South. Take I-35 South, then use exits such as 87th Street, 95th Street or College Boulevard for your specific destination in Overland Park. This route keeps you on major interstates and avoids downtown Kansas City traffic.

The easiest drive to Lawrence from MCI is to take I-435 West/South around the city until it meets I-70 West (the Kansas Turnpike). Take I-70 West for about 30 miles to the Lawrence exits. For downtown parking, there are several multi-storey public garages on New Hampshire Street and Vermont Street with affordable hourly rates. Near the University of Kansas campus, the Mississippi Street Garage is a convenient option for visitors.

The simplest drive to Children’s Mercy Park for a Sporting KC match is to take I-435 South from the airport area. You’ll stay on I-435 for much of the journey as it loops around the western edge of the metro. Take the exit for State Avenue West and the stadium will be clearly visible. The venue is surrounded by large car parks, and it’s best to arrive early to secure a space and avoid the heaviest traffic just before kick-off.

To avoid the longest back-ups at Arrowhead Stadium, arrive several hours before kick-off, as tailgating is a major part of the fan experience. Use I-435 to approach the Truman Sports Complex and take Exit 63A for Raytown Road/Stadium Drive. Another effective option is approaching from the east via I-70 and using the Blue Ridge Cutoff exit. Having your parking pass pre-purchased and displayed can also speed up entry to the lots.

The easiest approach to Kauffman Stadium is via I-70, taking Exit 9 for Blue Ridge Cutoff/Stadium Drive. First-time visitors often get caught out by the sheer traffic volume and the multiple gates for the Truman Sports Complex, which contains both Kauffman and Arrowhead. Watch for signs directing you specifically to Kauffman Stadium parking (often labelled with letters such as 'A' or 'J'). Arriving at least an hour before first pitch is strongly recommended so you can navigate the lots comfortably.

Visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by car is straightforward. The museum has its own underground garage with the entrance on Oak Street, which is the most convenient option and provides direct access to the Bloch Building entrance. For a short visit, this garage is ideal as it’s secure and reasonably priced. There is also some free on-street parking on nearby roads such as 45th Street, but spaces can be harder to find at peak times.

For a relaxed day trip to the historic town of Weston, the drive is scenic and simple. From the MCI area, take I-29 North for a few miles, then exit on to MO-273 North, which leads directly towards Weston. Once you arrive, the town is very visitor friendly, with plenty of free on-street parking along Main Street and nearby side streets. You can park once and spend the day walking to shops, wineries and restaurants.

A good ‘park once’ strategy is to use the KC Streetcar. Drive downtown and park for the day in a garage or lot in the River Market area, where parking is often more available and affordable. From there, take the free KC Streetcar, which runs a 2.2-mile route through the heart of the city. It connects key destinations such as the Power & Light District, the Crossroads Arts District and Union Station, letting you explore without moving your car.

A mid-size saloon or a compact SUV generally offers the best balance for a Kansas City trip. These vehicles are manoeuvrable enough for the sometimes tight turns of downtown car parks, while still providing comfort and space for passengers and luggage on longer drives or day trips. A larger vehicle is certainly manageable, but a mid-size option is a great compromise between city agility and motorway comfort.

With multiple large suitcases, look for vehicles with deep, square-shaped boots—often found in full-size saloons—as they accommodate rigid luggage well. An even better option is a standard or mid-size SUV, which provides a taller, open cargo area and more flexible stacking. Before leaving, it’s wise to test-fit your largest bags to ensure everything fits comfortably without blocking rear visibility.

The most practical place to fit car seats is at your assigned bay in the Rental Car Centre car park. It’s covered, well lit and away from moving traffic, giving you the time and space to secure seats correctly. You can install the seats fully and buckle the children in before starting the engine, ensuring everyone is safe and settled before navigating out of the airport complex.

Before driving off, verify the system works properly with your phone and cable. Plug your phone into the vehicle’s USB port to make sure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto launches on the infotainment screen. Confirm you can access maps, place a hands-free call and play audio. Checking this while parked prevents you from troubleshooting while trying to navigate unfamiliar roads around the airport.

International visitors should remember that in the US you drive on the right. Kansas City’s motorways are wide and generally well maintained, but traffic can move quickly. Watch speed limits, which are posted in miles per hour. At many junctions, you may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. Using sat nav is strongly recommended to help you anticipate turns and exits.

A convenient first stop for supplies is the Tiffany Springs area, a few minutes south of the airport via I-29. You’ll find major retailers such as Target and Walmart, both with large, easy-to-use car parks. The shopping area is right off the motorway, making it simple to exit, get what you need, then rejoin your route towards the city without complicated local roads. It’s ideal for snacks, drinks and any forgotten travel items.

Just south of the airport along I-29, near the Ambassador Drive and Tiffany Springs Parkway exits, you’ll find several petrol stations that are very easy to access. Brands such as QuikTrip are common and are known for large forecourts, multiple pumps, and straightforward entry and exit directly off main roads. These sites are designed for high traffic and are ideal for a quick, low-stress fuel stop before continuing into Kansas City.

As you drive back towards MCI, stay in the lanes signed for "Rental Car Return". On the main access roads closer to the airport, signage splits to direct passenger vehicles towards "Departures" and "Arrivals". The Rental Car Centre entrance is a separate turn-off before you reach the terminal loop. Following the rental-return signs will take you straight to the return facility and help you avoid congestion in passenger drop-off areas.

The most common mistake is missing the dedicated Rental Car Return turn-off and accidentally following signs for airline departures instead. This is especially easy after dark when visibility is lower. The rental-facility signage appears relatively early as you approach the airport complex. If you end up in the terminal passenger drop-off lanes, you’ve gone too far and will need to loop back around to find the correct entrance.

For the smoothest sequence, first follow signs for "Departures" and drop off passengers and luggage at the appropriate airline kerb. Once they’re safely out, continue along the airport loop road. The signs will guide you back towards the main exit, where you can then follow signs for "Rental Car Return". This lets you complete the departures drop-off and proceed directly to the return facility without getting lost.

After returning your vehicle and completing the check-in process at the Dollar counter, exit the Rental Car Centre and board one of the complimentary airport shuttles. These buses run continuously back to the main terminal building. The shuttles stop at designated points along the departures kerb. Get off at the stop for your airline and head inside to check in for your flight.

For an early-morning flight, the shuttle ride from the Rental Car Centre back to the terminal can sometimes take longer than expected. Although the drive is short, you may need to wait a few minutes for a shuttle, especially during peak departure periods when they fill quickly. It’s also sensible to allow a small buffer for the return inspection and receipt process. Building in an extra 15 to 20 minutes for these steps can help ensure a stress-free trip to your gate.

To keep a bi-state itinerary simple, group activities geographically. Plan Kansas-side stops (such as Kansas City, KS, or Overland Park) on the same day, and group Missouri destinations (downtown KC, the Plaza, Independence) together. This reduces time spent crossing the state line back and forth. Using a navigation app with live traffic updates is also invaluable for travelling efficiently between the two states.