Hertz Car Hire
Kansas

On arrival at MCI, the most direct way to the Hertz desk is to use the airport’s consolidated rental car shuttle. After you’ve collected your luggage, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Shuttles." These buses run in a continuous loop between the terminal and the separate rental car facility, and operate for late-night arrivals. The shuttle avoids any need to walk between terminals and takes you straight to the building where the Hertz desk is located.

The most effective plan is for both parties to meet at the MCI Rental Car Center. The air traveller should collect their bags and take the common airport shuttle to the facility. The driver from Overland Park can go directly to the Rental Car Center’s address using GPS, as it has public access and parking. Meeting in the main lobby gives a comfortable, indoor place to connect before going together to the Hertz desk to handle the rental paperwork.

When travelling with family and substantial luggage, it’s sensible to allow roughly 75 to 90 minutes from landing to driving away. This accounts for deplaning, a potentially long walk to baggage reclaim and waiting for all your bags. You should also allow time for the shuttle ride to the rental facility and fitting child seats. Building in this buffer helps ensure a more relaxed start to your trip.

The car park at the MCI Rental Car Center is usually very well lit and provides an excellent opportunity to inspect the vehicle. Before you leave the facility, find an empty bay away from the main traffic flow within the garage. This lets you take your time for a thorough walk-round inspection under bright, even lighting, checking for scuffs, dents or chips and documenting them without feeling rushed by other drivers.

For a straightforward drive into downtown, the simplest route is to take I-29 South from the airport. Continue on I-29 South as it merges with I-35 South, then take the US-169 South exit (the Broadway Bridge). This route brings you directly into the heart of downtown Kansas City with minimal lane changes and effectively bypasses the more complex downtown loop interchanges.

Most hotels in the compact Power & Light District have designated short-term passenger loading zones directly in front of their main entrance. The best approach is to drive straight to your hotel’s address and use that area. It’s wise to have one person stay with the vehicle while the other checks in. After unloading, move the car to a nearby car park for longer-term parking to avoid blocking traffic on the district’s busy one-way streets.

For a morning departure from downtown, it’s advisable to leave for MCI at least two hours before your flight’s boarding time. That provides a generous buffer for potential rush-hour traffic on I-29 North, which can be unpredictable. It also allows time to refuel the rental, complete the return process at the facility and take the shuttle back to the terminal.

A reliable route that bypasses the most complex downtown interchanges is to take I-29 South from the airport to US-169 South across the Broadway Bridge. As you come into downtown, follow signs for I-35 South and then take the exit for Southwest Trafficway. This main thoroughfare leads you south towards the Plaza on surface streets, allowing a more relaxed approach without abrupt, last-second highway lane changes.

When driving along the KC Streetcar route, the most important rule is never to stop your vehicle on the tracks. The streetcar shares a lane with traffic and makes frequent stops that will halt the flow of cars behind it. Pay close attention to signage, as turning across the tracks is often restricted. Treat the streetcar like any other large vehicle: give it space and anticipate its stops to ensure a safe, smooth driving experience.

The most efficient strategy for parking in Westport, particularly at night, is to use one of the paid public car parks or lots in the area. Street parking is available but often limited and can lead to frustrating searches on narrow, congested streets. Choosing a central car park lets you leave your car in a secure, well-lit place and explore shops, restaurants and nightlife on foot.

Driving between the two Kansas Cities is generally seamless as the state line runs through the middle of the metro area. A common point of confusion occurs on highways like I-70 or I-35, where exits either side of the state line can have similar names. Pay attention to your sat-nav and confirm whether your destination is in Missouri (KCMO) or Kansas (KCK) to choose the correct exit.

To minimise time in traffic, plan journeys against the typical commuter flow. Travel south from Kansas City to Overland Park in the late morning or early afternoon after the morning rush. Plan your return north to Kansas City for later in the evening. Using the I-435 loop to travel between destinations can also help bypass the direct but often congested north–south routes like I-35 during peak hours.

A few miles south of the airport on I-29, near the Tiffany Springs Parkway exit, there’s a large commercial area with many shops, coffee outlets and restaurants. The spacious car parks there are ideal for pulling over to programme your navigation, adjust seats and settle passengers. This lets you get organised for your drive into the city without the pressure of being on a busy highway shoulder.

The most straightforward and least complicated night route to Lawrence is to take I-435 South from the airport area. Follow I-435 as it skirts the western edge of the metro and then merge onto I-70 West. This route completely avoids downtown Kansas City interchanges. I-70 is a direct, well-lit highway to Lawrence, making it a simple, low-stress option for night travel.

The key to a smooth arrival at Arrowhead Stadium is to plan ahead and arrive early. The Truman Sports Complex is accessible from I-70 and I-435 with large signs directing traffic. Check your event ticket or the team’s website for the recommended gate based on your seat location. Follow the directions for your designated gate and have your parking pass or payment ready to avoid last-minute lane changes and get directly to the correct lot.

These two major attractions are conveniently located opposite each other. The best plan is to park once in the large car park behind Union Station. That garage serves both venues and is linked to the museum by a pedestrian bridge. By parking here you can easily walk between Union Station, the museum and the Liberty Memorial tower, saving time and avoiding paying for parking twice.

The most direct and generally least congested route to the Kansas City Zoo is via Bruce R. Watkins Drive (US-71). Take the Swope Parkway/Elmwood Avenue exit and follow the prominent brown-and-white zoo signs. To avoid the worst traffic, especially at weekends or holidays, aim to arrive early, ideally within the first hour of opening.

To create an efficient barbecue tour, group your chosen restaurants geographically to minimise driving time. Plan a linear route, such as starting near the airport or downtown and working south through the city into the Kansas suburbs. For example, begin in the 18th & Vine district, then head to Midtown and finish in an original Kansas City, Kansas location. A north‑to‑south or east‑to‑west progression prevents backtracking and reduces time in cross‑town traffic.

The most challenging area for visitors is the downtown loop where I-70, I-35 and other highways converge around the city centre. In this section exits can appear on both the left and right with little warning. Another complex area is the Grandview Triangle in south Kansas City. Use a sat‑nav with lane‑assist guidance and pay close attention, getting into the required lane well before your exit.

During major events primary north–south streets like Main Street and Grand Boulevard through the Crossroads and Power & Light District are often closed. Visitors get into trouble by trying to drive directly into the closed area. The best approach is to use surrounding highways, such as I-670, to reach the edge of the event area, find parking in a garage or lot and walk the remainder to avoid detours and roadblocks.

A day trip to Omaha is manageable – it’s about a three‑hour drive north on I-29. Leave Kansas City early in the morning to make the most of the day. A convenient break is St. Joseph, Missouri, roughly an hour into the drive, which offers historic sites and places to stretch your legs. This lets you arrive in Omaha with plenty of time to explore before returning in the evening.

The key to a successful westbound day trip on I-70 is to start early and focus on one main destination. Topeka, the state capital, is only about an hour away and makes for an easy outing. For Manhattan, a two‑hour drive, leaving Kansas City by around 08:00 is recommended. This gives you several hours to explore Kansas State University and the Aggieville area before returning in the late afternoon.

Although most of the drive to the Lake of the Ozarks is on major highways, the final 30–60 minutes involve winding two‑lane country roads. These routes often have sharp bends, hills and variable speed limits, so allow more time than your sat‑nav might estimate. It’s also sensible to programme your final destination before leaving the main highway, as mobile signal can become unreliable in remote areas.

For a relaxing scenic drive head south from the Country Club Plaza along Ward Parkway. This route is noted for its beautiful historic homes, fountains and lush landscaping and offers a pleasant tour of one of the city’s prettiest areas. Another option is to drive north of the Missouri River along Route 9 through the charming town of Parkville. Both drives provide nice views and are simple to follow.

Good rendezvous points are large, easy‑to‑find car parks with clear landmarks. The parking area at the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a great central option, offering ample space and an iconic meeting spot. For locations in the southern metro area, the large car parks of major shopping centres like Oak Park Mall in Overland Park or the Country Club Plaza are also convenient.

During sudden heavy downpours prioritise visibility and slowing down. Turn on your lights and reduce your speed significantly to avoid aquaplaning. Double your following distance. If the rain becomes so intense that you cannot see road markings or other vehicles, the safest action is to take the next exit and wait in a safe location, such as a petrol station or rest area, until conditions improve.

In freezing temperatures bridges and elevated ramps are always the first surfaces to become icy. This is especially true for the complex interchanges in the downtown loop and on I-435. Locals reduce speed considerably and avoid sudden braking or steering when crossing these structures. Shaded areas that don’t receive direct sunlight can also remain icy long after other roads have cleared, so remain cautious.

Most primary highways within the immediate Kansas City metro area are free to drive. However, if your plans include driving west toward Topeka or south toward Wichita, you will encounter the Kansas Turnpike, which is a toll road. Before you start, check your GPS app’s settings to allow or avoid tolls according to your preference. You can also ask the Hertz staff how tolls are handled for your rental vehicle.

For a stress‑free early morning return, the best strategy is to refuel the rental the night before your flight. If you need to top up in the morning, use one of the many petrol stations in Platte City just a few miles north of the airport on I-29. This prevents a frantic search for a station at the airport entrance. From there follow the clear signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach MCI to ensure you are in the correct lane.

As you drive toward the airport the roadway splits into separate lanes for airline terminals and rental car returns. Watch for the large overhead signs and move into the designated "Rental Car Return" lane early. Once inside the consolidated rental car facility you’ll see additional signs directing you to the specific return lanes for each company. Follow the signs for Hertz to guide you directly to the correct drop‑off area.

For short daytime errands or visits in downtown Kansas City, metered on‑street parking is often the most convenient and cost‑effective option. Areas such as the River Market and the Crossroads Arts District have ample on‑street parking and most meters accept card or mobile app payment. For stops of an hour or two this is usually more practical than using a larger car park.

A good approach is to park once and use the free KC Streetcar. Park for the day in the large garage at Union Station, which houses Science City. After your visit hop on the streetcar outside and ride into the Crossroads Arts District to explore breweries and galleries on foot. This eliminates the hassle of finding multiple parking spots and makes for a more relaxed day.

The most direct route from downtown is to take I-35 North to I-435 East. Worlds of Fun has its own clearly signed exit off I-435. The entrance roads typically begin to congest about an hour before the park opens. To minimise waiting, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the gates open to get ahead of the main rush.

A frequent mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough for a turn. If you miss your turn, the safest recovery is to continue to the next intersection. Do not attempt a sudden, unsafe lane change. Drive one block further, make a series of three turns around the block and re‑approach your intended street from a new direction.

To avoid the worst commuter traffic when heading to Johnson County, aim to travel during off‑peak hours, typically between 10:00 and 15:00. A good route from the Plaza is to take Main Street or Southwest Trafficway south. These routes connect to Shawnee Mission Parkway, a major east–west artery that provides access to much of Johnson County without forcing you onto the busier I-35 during rush hour.

Sat‑nav directions are most likely to be confusing in the downtown loop where multiple highways like I-70 and I-35 are stacked. The rapid succession of ramps and left‑hand exits can make audio prompts hard to follow. The Grandview Triangle in south KC is another tricky spot. In these areas it helps to have a passenger watch the map display to anticipate lane changes and exits.

A low‑stress strategy is to park a few blocks away and walk. Rather than using garages immediately adjacent to the T‑Mobile Center, consider parking in a lot in the Crossroads Arts District to the south or a garage further north along the KC Streetcar line. After the concert you can walk back to your car and easily access a main road, bypassing the immediate gridlock around the venue.

The most convenient place to stock up after leaving the airport is the commercial area in Platte City, a few miles north of MCI on I-29. That area has several large grocery stores, convenience shops and fast‑food outlets right off the highway. Stopping there lets you grab snacks, drinks and supplies before you get too far into your journey without navigating unfamiliar city streets.

Several attractions are accessible for those with limited mobility. The Nelson‑Atkins Museum of Art has a convenient drop‑off circle directly in front of the main entrance and an adjacent car park. Union Station also has a good drop‑off area with level access to the grand hall. The National WWI Museum and Memorial allows drop‑offs near the top of the hill, considerably reducing walking to the entrance.

An efficient two‑day plan groups activities geographically. On day one focus on the northern and central parts of the city—River Market, the downtown core and the Crossroads Arts District—parking once and using the streetcar to move between them. On day two explore the southern attractions, including the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson‑Atkins Museum and Brookside. This approach reduces driving time and prevents backtracking across the city.