Thrifty Car Hire
Kansas City

Kansas City International Airport is laid out to make locating your rental car straightforward, even after a late arrival. After collecting your luggage, follow the prominent overhead signs for the Rental Car Shuttle. These grey-and-blue buses run continuously and will take you directly to the consolidated rental car facility a short ride away. Once inside the building you’ll easily spot the Thrifty counter to complete your paperwork and receive directions to your vehicle in the adjacent car park.

At peak times such as a busy weekend it’s sensible to build in a generous buffer. Allow time for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for luggage and then taking the shuttle to the rental car centre. The shuttle itself is quick, but you may encounter a queue at the rental counter. A good rule is to allow at least 60 to 90 minutes from landing to driving away to ensure a relaxed start to your trip.

For a less stressful drive into the city, the simplest route is to take the I-29 South from the airport. You’ll then merge onto US-169 South, which crosses the Missouri River and leads into the city centre. This route avoids the more complex, multi-level interchanges of the main downtown loop and uses clearer surface roads with fewer abrupt merges — ideal for first-time visitors.

The Crossroads Arts District has a mix of parking options. Street parking exists but can be limited, particularly evenings and weekends. The most reliable choice is one of the many paid public car parks or surface lots dotted around the neighbourhood. It’s also worth checking with your hotel, as many provide guest parking that’s often the most convenient and secure option.

To reach the Country Club Plaza while avoiding complex junctions in evening traffic, consider taking the I-29 South to US-169 South. As you approach downtown, US-169 becomes Broadway Boulevard, a major surface thoroughfare. Continue south on Broadway, which will lead you toward the Plaza area. This keeps you off the busiest parts of the downtown highway loop and relies more on main city arteries that are easier to navigate.

The most direct route to Overland Park is typically I-29 South to I-635 South, which then connects to I-35 South into Johnson County. An alternative is the I-435 beltway. First-time visitors are often caught out by congestion at major interchanges, particularly where I-635 meets I-35 during rush hour. Using a real-time traffic app is recommended to anticipate slowdowns and pick the best route.

Driving to Arrowhead Stadium requires planning on game day. The key is to leave the airport well in advance to beat the heaviest traffic on I-435 and I-70. As you approach the Truman Sports Complex, follow electronic signage and staff directions for parking, as they manage a complex system of entry gates. Be prepared for significant post-game delays; many fans choose to tailgate afterwards to let traffic subside.

To reduce stress when driving to Kauffman Stadium, aim to arrive at least an hour before the first pitch. This provides a comfortable buffer for traffic, parking and walking to your seats. Use a navigation app for live traffic updates on I-70 and I-435. If possible, pre-purchasing a parking pass online can also speed up your entry into the stadium lots.

The downtown loop where I-70, I-35 and I-670 intersect is known for tight curves, left-hand exits and short merge lanes. This area needs full attention, as local commuters make quick manoeuvres. Parts of US-71 (Bruce R. Watkins Drive) also have unusually short on-ramps. In these areas it’s best to slow down, increase following distance and be decisive when changing lanes.

The easiest, most direct route to Lawrence is to take I-435 South from the airport area and connect with I-70 West. This interstate leads all the way to Lawrence and is part of the Kansas Turnpike, a well-maintained toll road. While there are no specific permanent speed traps to note, it’s wise to watch for changing speed limits, especially through construction zones or approaching toll plazas.

When returning your car for a morning flight you’ll mostly be driving against peak commuter flow, which helps. However, roads to the airport can still be busy. A safe plan is to allow about 45 to 60 minutes for the drive from downtown to the rental car facility. This gives a comfortable cushion for unexpected slowdowns and ample time for the return process and shuttle to the terminal.

The drive to Topeka is primarily on I-70 West, which becomes the Kansas Turnpike. The most convenient stops are the official Kansas Turnpike service centres located directly on the highway; they offer fuel, food and restrooms without needing to exit local roads. Alternatively, the city of Lawrence is about halfway and has several exits with amenities located very close to the motorway for a simple on‑and‑off stop.

The drive to St. Joseph is a straightforward, roughly hour-long trip north on I-29. The river crossing on the interstate is simple and comparable to other major highway bridges. Downtown St. Joseph is laid out on an easy grid system, making it simple to navigate, and parking is usually plentiful near museums and historic sites, so exploring by car should be hassle-free.

Visiting the Truman Library in Independence is convenient by car. From Kansas City, take US-24 East (Independence Avenue) as a direct route. The smoothest parking approach is to follow signage to the library’s large, dedicated visitor car park. Using this lot avoids hunting for on-street spaces and navigating busier local roads around the site, making for a stress-free arrival.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial and Union Station are conveniently next to each other, so a combined visit is simple. The best approach is to park once: follow the signs for Union Station and use its large multi-level car park on the west side of the building. From there you can easily walk to both attractions, saving time and the hassle of moving your car.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is very accessible by car. The easiest place to park is the museum’s underground car park, with an entrance directly off Oak Street. There are also designated drop‑off zones near the main entrance. Bear in mind that surrounding roads such as Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard are busy thoroughfares, so plan turns in advance using a map.

Timing is key for a smooth visit to the Kansas City Zoo. Arriving right when the zoo opens in the morning is the best way to avoid the longest queues for parking and admission. The zoo is within the large Swope Park — follow directional signs once inside. On busy days or during special events staff will direct traffic into the various car parks, so follow their guidance.

Driving in the Power & Light District requires extra attention due to a dense grid of one-way streets. Main thoroughfares like Grand Boulevard, Walnut Street and Main Street have specific traffic flows. The trickiest part is often finding garage entrances, which can be set mid-block. It’s highly recommended to identify your preferred car park on a map before arrival and plan your final approach.

Kansas City can experience intense thunderstorms that severely reduce visibility on highways such as I-35 and I-70. In heavy rain it’s crucial to slow down, switch on headlights and increase following distance. Some low-lying areas, like roads near Brush Creek or in the West Bottoms district, can be prone to localised flooding. If you encounter standing water, it’s safest to find an alternative route.

During winter weather, road crews prioritise treating major interstates including I-70, I-35, I-435 and US-71. These routes are generally the safest for travel. However, exercise extra caution on elevated surfaces that freeze first — particularly bridges, overpasses and exit ramps across the city, which can be icy even when main carriageways appear clear.

The downtown highway loop is a distinctive feature of Kansas City, and local drivers use it with confidence that can surprise visitors. Expect quick, decisive lane changes to reach desired exits, some of which are on the left. For visitors, the best strategy is to know your exit in advance, get into the correct lane early and keep a steady speed. If you’re just passing through, staying in a middle lane is often the calmest option.

A handy place to stop and get organised after leaving the rental facility is Zona Rosa Town Center, just a few minutes south of the airport. This open‑air shopping district has ample, easy parking where you can adjust car seats and arrange luggage without feeling rushed. You’ll also find restrooms, coffee shops and casual restaurants — a low-stress first stop before heading into the city.

Most hotels near MCI are clustered along the KCI Corridor and Tiffany Springs Parkway, just off I-29. After leaving the rental car facility follow signs for I-29 South toward Kansas City. The key is to stay in the right-hand lane and take one of the first two exits. Missing these will keep you on the interstate heading toward downtown, so watch the signs closely as soon as you merge onto the highway.

The route to Omaha is a straight run north on I-29. For easy breaks use the official state-run rest areas located directly on the motorway. If you need more services like fuel or a variety of food options, the city of St. Joseph, Missouri offers several exits with amenities very close to the highway, allowing a quick, convenient stop without navigating deep into the city.

A day trip to the Flint Hills is easily done in a standard rental car. Take I-70 west from Kansas City and then exit onto the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway (Route 177). This paved byway provides superb views and is well maintained. To stay safe, stick to the main paved byway and other marked state highways, avoiding unmarked gravel or dirt roads.

A successful barbecue crawl is about good logistics. Plan your route geographically to minimise drive time between neighbourhoods like the Crossroads, Midtown and the 39th Street West area. Visit popular spots during off-peak hours such as mid‑afternoon to improve your chances of finding parking. In areas with limited street parking identify a central public car park where you can leave the car and walk to one or two nearby restaurants.

For a simple drive to Westport take I-29 South from the airport area and merge onto US-169 South. That route crosses the Missouri River and becomes Broadway Boulevard. Continue south on Broadway until you reach Westport near 43rd Street. For predictable parking, look for the large public car park or one of the paid surface lots, which are easier than hunting for on‑street spaces in the busy neighbourhood.

Major highways in Johnson County such as I-35 and I-435 are busiest during typical weekday commuter hours. The morning rush from about 7:00 to 9:00 and the afternoon rush from 16:00 to 18:00 can be particularly stressful with heavy, slow traffic. Driving during the middle of the day, in the evening or at weekends is generally much more relaxed.

The primary toll road you may encounter is the Kansas Turnpike, which covers a large portion of I-70 west of the city. Most rental vehicles are set up to handle tolls seamlessly, often using a system that bills charges back to your rental agreement. To avoid surprises it’s good practice to ask the staff at the rental counter for a brief explanation of how their tolling programme works.

GPS directions are most challenging in the downtown loop where multiple interstates stack and weave together. Voice commands for exits that are close together or on the left can confuse drivers unfamiliar with the area. Another spot is around the Country Club Plaza where frontage roads and roads with different names can sometimes mislead navigation apps. It helps to review your route on the map briefly before you set off.

Kansas City is an excellent stopover city, sitting at the crossroads of I-70 and I-35. For quickest access consider staying in neighbourhoods adjacent to the highway like the Crossroads Arts District or the area around Crown Center. These locations offer a good selection of hotels and restaurants just a minute or two off the interstate, minimising time spent navigating city streets and allowing a smooth departure.

The consolidated rental car facility at MCI is an excellent spot to get organised. Once you have your keys and have located your vehicle in the parking garage, you can take all the time you need. The bays provide a calm, quiet space away from busy terminal kerbside traffic, allowing you to load luggage, adjust mirrors and seats, and programme your satnav before you even start the engine.

When visiting the River Market the most convenient option is to use the large surface car parks located directly north and west of the City Market building. These paid lots offer ample space and easy access. At weekends, especially during the farmers market, they can fill up so arriving earlier in the day is wise. On-street parking is also available in nearby blocks but watch for posted time limits.

For a day visiting breweries and distilleries the safest, most practical plan is to park the rental and use other transport. A good approach is to drive to a central neighbourhood with multiple venues, such as the Crossroads Arts District, and park in a secure car park for the day. From there you can walk between several spots or use rideshare services and the KC Streetcar to travel to other locations responsibly.

Driving to Worlds of Fun is straightforward — the park sits just off I-435 on the north-east side of the city and is well signed with a dedicated exit. In peak summer you should expect queues of cars entering the park’s large parking areas, especially mid-morning. The process is generally well organised with staff directing cars to available spaces.

This is a common challenge. Always confirm the state — Missouri (MO) or Kansas (KS) — when entering an address into your satnav. Many street names and number ranges are duplicated on both sides of the state line. Double-checking the city and state in your navigation app before you start your drive is the best way to avoid a time-consuming mistake.

One common mistake is missing the specific "Rental Car Return" exit from the main airport roadway; the signs appear before the terminal and some drivers continue toward the drop-off lanes. Another frequent issue is underestimating the time needed for the shuttle bus from the return facility to the terminal. It’s wise to allow at least 15–20 minutes for the shuttle journey to avoid a last‑minute rush.

The best place to wait is the airport’s Cell Phone Lot. This designated waiting area is a minute or two from the terminal and allows you to park for free until your party is ready. Once they have their bags and are standing at the arrivals curb they can call you and you can drive over for a quick, easy pickup. This avoids circling the busy terminal roads.

A smooth early-morning return starts with a simple plan. The night before, organise and pack your luggage in the car so it’s ready to go. In the morning, top up the fuel at a station near the airport as your last stop before heading to the rental facility. Follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return" to avoid wrong turns. This sequence ensures you arrive with a full tank and can quickly unload bags before hopping on the shuttle to the terminal.