Enterprise Car Hire
Kansas

At the new Kansas City International Airport terminal the hire car experience is designed for convenience. All hire car desks, including Enterprise, are located inside the terminal on the first level, just past baggage reclaim. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the overhead signs for 'Rental Cars'. The vehicle pickup location is in the adjacent car park, which is connected to the terminal by a short covered walkway, eliminating the need for shuttle buses.

Arriving late at MCI is generally straightforward for hire car customers. The hire car facility is directly opposite the terminal, so you can walk there without waiting for a shuttle. While counter staffing may be reduced during late hours, the process remains efficient. Leaving the airport is simple as the car park connects directly to the main airport roads, which are well lit and clearly signed, allowing you to get on your way with minimal delay.

The drive from MCI to downtown Kansas City typically takes about 25–30 minutes in light traffic. However, during weekday rush hours, generally 7:00–9:00 and 16:00–18:00, you should allow more time. Expect the drive to take anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes, depending on conditions. The primary route, I-29 South to I-35 South, can experience significant congestion near the downtown loop.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route from MCI to the Country Club Plaza is to take I-29 South from the airport. This interstate becomes US-71 South. Continue on US-71 South and take the exit for Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. Head west on Cleaver Blvd, which will lead you directly towards the Plaza area. This route avoids the more complex downtown highway loop and provides a relatively direct path to your destination.

The simplest route from MCI to Overland Park, Kansas, is designed to bypass the most complex downtown interchanges. From the airport, take I-29 South towards Kansas City. Merge onto I-635 South, which skirts west of the downtown core. Continue on I-635 South into Kansas and then merge onto I-35 South. From I-35 you can easily access major Overland Park exits like 95th Street, College Boulevard, or I-435, depending on your hotel’s location.

When driving from MCI, the most challenging area for visitors is typically the downtown loop, where I-29, I-35, I-70 and US-71 converge. This section involves multiple lanes merging and exiting in quick succession, often with short notice. Specifically, the transition from I-29 South to I-35 South requires careful attention to lane positioning. Using a GPS and reviewing your route beforehand can help you anticipate these merges and navigate them more confidently.

A notable address quirk in Kansas City is the state line dividing Kansas City, Missouri, from Kansas City, Kansas. It's crucial to ensure your GPS has the correct city and state, as many street names exist on both sides. Additionally, some older GPS systems may have trouble with the reconfigured interchanges around the downtown loop. For destinations like Crown Center or Union Station, be aware there are multiple entrances and your GPS might not always direct you to the most convenient one for parking.

Several petrol stations are conveniently located just a few minutes from the airport, making it easy to refuel before returning your hire car. As you approach MCI on I-29, take the Cookingham Drive exit, which is the main airport exit. You will find multiple well-known petrol station brands right along this road before you reach the terminal and hire car return area. This allows for a quick, stress-free stop without needing to navigate unfamiliar side streets.

For an early morning flight, the hire car return process at MCI is very efficient. The return car park is clearly marked and located directly opposite the main terminal. Plan to arrive at the hire facility about 20–30 minutes before you would typically want to be at the airline check-in desk. This allows ample time to complete the vehicle return, gather your luggage, and take the short covered walkway back to the terminal for check-in and security, ensuring a low-stress start to your travel day.

To make the pickup process smoother with children, it's helpful to have one adult wait with the children and luggage in the terminal's main hall while the other adult proceeds to the hire desk. The desks are located just past baggage reclaim on the first level. Once the hire agreement is complete, the driver can retrieve the car from the attached car park and drive it to the terminal's departures or arrivals kerb to collect the rest of the family and luggage, minimising the distance you have to carry everything.

The most direct route to Arrowhead Stadium from most of the city is via I-70. The stadium is located at the Truman Sports Complex, which has its own dedicated exits off the interstate. From the west you'll take I-70 East to the Blue Ridge Cutoff exit. From the east you'll use I-70 West and exit at Manchester Trafficway. Most fans enter through Gate 5 or 6 off Blue Ridge Cutoff, but it's wise to purchase your parking pass online in advance and follow the specific directions provided for your designated lot.

To fully enjoy the experience and avoid the worst of the traffic for a Royals game, plan to arrive at the Truman Sports Complex at least 90 minutes to two hours before the first pitch. This is especially true for popular weekend or evening games. Arriving early allows you to park without stress, find your seats, and soak in the pre-game atmosphere. Traffic on I-70 and surrounding access roads like Blue Ridge Cutoff can become very congested in the final hour leading up to the game.

The T-Mobile Center is located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, easily accessible from I-670. Take the exit for Downtown/Central Business District, which will lead you to streets like Broadway or Grand Blvd. Several large car parks are attached to or located near the arena. Be aware that for major events, streets immediately surrounding the venue, such as Grand Blvd, may be closed to through traffic, so it's best to plan on parking a block or two away and walking the final distance.

For a barbecue tour, parking difficulty varies by neighbourhood. Historic spots in areas like Kansas City, Kansas, or near the 18th & Vine District often have their own dedicated parking lots, making access simple. In contrast, popular barbecue restaurants in denser areas like the Crossroads Arts District or Westport rely more on street parking or paid lots, which can be challenging to find during peak dinner hours or on weekends. Planning your visits for off-peak times can make parking much easier in these busier neighbourhoods.

Using a hire car for downtown sightseeing is practical, but the best strategy is to park once and explore a specific area on foot. For example, you can park in a central car park near the Power & Light District and easily walk to the T-Mobile Center and nearby restaurants. Then you can drive to another area like the River Market or Crown Center and park again. The free KC Streetcar also connects these key downtown districts, offering a great alternative to moving your car for shorter distances.

Parking for Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial is quite convenient. Union Station has a large multi-level car park located on its west side, offering ample space for visitors. For the WWI Museum, which sits just south of Union Station, there is a dedicated surface lot on the south side of the memorial, accessible from Kessler Road. Both options provide direct and easy access to these popular attractions without the need to search for on-street parking.

Driving in the Crossroads Arts District at the weekend, particularly during the evening or on a First Friday, requires extra patience. The area becomes very active with pedestrians, and on-street parking is extremely limited and fills up quickly. The streets are a mix of one-way and two-way, so it's important to pay close attention to signage. Your best bet is to find a paid surface lot or car park on the periphery of the district and then enjoy exploring the galleries, shops and restaurants on foot.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has its own car park located on the north-east side of the building, which is the most convenient option. To secure a spot easily, it's best to arrive within the first couple of hours after the museum opens, especially on weekends or free-admission days. If you arrive mid-afternoon, the car park may be full. In that case you can often find street parking in the surrounding Southmoreland neighbourhood, but be sure to check for any posted time limits or restrictions.

For visitors, the main things to know about driving downtown are the KC Streetcar and the network of one-way streets. The streetcar runs along a dedicated track, primarily on Main Street, and shares the lane with traffic, so be mindful not to drive on the tracks and watch for its stops. Many of the north–south and east–west streets downtown are one-way, which helps with traffic flow but requires you to plan your turns in advance. Using a GPS is highly recommended to navigate this grid effectively.

The key to navigating between the two Kansas Cities is knowing that the state line runs right through the metro area. The Missouri side (KCMO) contains the downtown business district, the Plaza and Arrowhead Stadium. The Kansas side (KCK) is home to attractions like the Kansas Speedway and many famous barbecue joints. When using a GPS, always double-check you have entered the correct city and state (MO or KS) for your destination, as many street names are duplicated on both sides of the state line.

For most driving within the immediate Kansas City metropolitan area, including suburbs like Overland Park, Olathe and Lee's Summit, you will not encounter any toll roads. The highway system is generally free to use. However, if your travel plans include longer drives west toward Topeka or south toward Wichita, you will be using the Kansas Turnpike (I-70 and I-35), which is a toll road. Be prepared for toll plazas if you are planning day trips to these destinations.

From Lenexa or Olathe in Johnson County, you have several great day trip options that avoid downtown Kansas City traffic. You can easily drive south on I-35 to visit the charming town of Louisburg, home to a cider mill and a drive-in theatre. Alternatively, heading west on K-10 offers a pleasant drive to the historic city of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas and a vibrant downtown. Both routes allow you to explore the region without dealing with the complexities of the downtown highway loop.

A day trip to Lawrence is an easy and rewarding experience. The drive from the Kansas City area typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes via I-70 West or K-10 West. To explore the main downtown area, Massachusetts Street (known as 'Mass Street'), the most convenient parking can be found in the multi-level public garages located on New Hampshire Street and Vermont Street, just one block away. These garages offer hourly rates and are a much easier option than searching for limited on-street parking directly on Mass Street.

The drive from Kansas City to Topeka is very straightforward and typically takes about one hour. The primary route is I-70 West, which is part of the Kansas Turnpike system, so you will encounter tolls. The motorway is well maintained and generally flat, making for an easy drive. There are no particularly tricky stretches for newcomers; just be prepared for the toll plazas at the beginning and end of your journey on the turnpike portion of the interstate.

Shawnee Mission Park is one of the largest parks in the area and is very easy to access by car. Located in the suburbs of Johnson County, you can reach it via major roads like I-435 and Shawnee Mission Parkway. The park has an extensive network of internal roads that lead to various points of interest, including the lake, trails and picnic areas. Parking is abundant, with numerous large, free car parks conveniently located near all major attractions within the park, so you'll have no trouble finding a spot.

A day trip to Weston Bend State Park is a beautiful drive, taking about 45 minutes from downtown Kansas City. The best route is to take I-29 North to the town of Weston, then follow the well-marked signs on Route 273 and Route 45. The final few miles are on smaller, two-lane state highways that wind through scenic farmland and hills. These roads are paved and well maintained, but it's wise to drive at a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery and watch for local traffic.

A same-day trip to the Flint Hills is very doable and highly recommended for a unique scenic experience. The drive to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City takes about two hours via I-35 South and US-50 West. It's important to plan ahead, as services like petrol stations and restaurants become sparse once you leave the interstate. Be sure to have a full tank of fuel before you exit I-35 in Emporia, and consider packing snacks and water for your journey through the beautiful but remote prairie landscape.

The most practical and direct route from Kansas City to Wichita is to take I-35 South, which is part of the Kansas Turnpike. The drive takes approximately three hours. A great stopping point for a break is about halfway through the trip at the Emporia service plaza, which offers fuel, food and restrooms directly on the turnpike. For a more scenic stop, you can exit at Cassoday to see the heart of the Flint Hills before continuing your journey south to Wichita.

The most straightforward route from MCI to Manhattan is to take I-435 West to I-70 West. This will take you all the way to Manhattan, with the drive lasting about two hours. On a K-State football game weekend, expect significantly heavier traffic on I-70, especially on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The final stretch into Manhattan on Highway 177 can also become congested, so it's wise to add at least an extra 30–45 minutes to your planned travel time.

When driving in Kansas City during the winter, flexibility is key due to unpredictable weather. Always check the forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly. Allow for extra travel time, especially during your morning commute, as bridges and overpasses can be icy even when roads seem clear. Major highways are typically treated and cleared quickly, but it's wise to reduce your speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden manoeuvres to maintain control on potentially slick surfaces.

Spring and early summer are peak storm seasons in the Kansas City area. If you are driving and a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued for your location, the safest course of action is to pull over and seek sturdy shelter in a building if possible. Avoid stopping under overpasses, as this can create a dangerous wind-tunnel effect. Staying informed through local radio or weather apps is crucial, and it's always better to delay your travel plans than to drive into a dangerous storm.

Road construction is a common feature in the Kansas City metro, particularly during the warmer months. Major interstates like I-435, I-35 and I-70 frequently have ongoing projects that can cause lane closures and delays. The downtown loop is also an area of frequent updates and repairs. To avoid surprises, it's highly recommended to use a real-time traffic app on your phone, which will provide the most current information on construction zones and suggest alternate routes to help you navigate around delays.

If you're driving at night in Kansas City for the first time, the safest approach is to stick to the major, well-lit motorways like I-435 and I-35. Before you start your drive, review your route on a map or GPS so you can anticipate your exits. It's also wise to stay in the centre or right-hand lanes to avoid last-minute lane changes for exits. The highway system is generally well signed, but having a clear plan will boost your confidence and reduce stress.

The Country Club Plaza is known for its abundant and free parking options, many of which are surface lots or spacious car parks. Several large multi-storey car parks are strategically located throughout the district, offering easy access to shops and hotels. Many of these are open 24/7 and are well lit, providing a secure place to leave your car overnight. Your hotel will also likely offer dedicated parking, so it's a good idea to check with them about their specific options when you arrive.

Driving from MCI to the nearby airport hotels is very simple. The main cluster of hotels is located just south of the airport along I-29 and NW 112th Street. After leaving the airport terminal area you'll take Cookingham Drive to I-29 South for just a mile or two. The exits for the hotel district are clearly marked and the access roads are straightforward, designed specifically to serve airport traffic. You can typically get from your hire car to your hotel lobby in under ten minutes.

While Kansas City isn't a ski destination, if you're travelling with bulky gear for other purposes, vehicle choice is important. An SUV or a minivan would be the most practical option to ensure you have enough cargo space for your equipment and luggage. When you book your hire, consider selecting a vehicle class that explicitly mentions larger cargo capacity. This will prevent any issues with fitting your gear upon arrival and make your travels around the city much more comfortable.

Visitors are often surprised by how quickly speed limits can change on major thoroughfares. For example, on roads like US-71 (Bruce R. Watkins Drive), the speed limit can drop significantly as you approach more congested areas or junctions with traffic lights. Similarly, when you exit a motorway onto a main road like Shawnee Mission Parkway, the speed limit will decrease from motorway speeds to around 45–55 mph. Paying close attention to posted signs is essential to avoid any issues.

The drive from Kansas City to Branson takes about three and a half to four hours. To avoid fatigue, plan to leave Kansas City in the morning after rush hour, around 09:00 or 10:00. This allows for a relaxed drive with a planned stop for lunch in Springfield, which is about two-thirds of the way there. On your return trip, leaving Branson after breakfast will get you back to Kansas City before the evening rush hour, making the drive less stressful on both ends of your trip.

The drive between Kansas City and St. Louis is a straight shot on I-70 East and takes about four hours. To minimise traffic stress, try to depart Kansas City between 09:00 and 14:00 to avoid morning and evening rush hours. This timing should also help you arrive in the St. Louis area before its evening commute begins. The drive itself is mostly through rural areas, with Columbia being the only city of significant size along the way, making for a generally smooth and easy journey.

To efficiently visit multiple Kansas City neighbourhoods, it's best to group your stops geographically. A logical route could start south at the Country Club Plaza, then move north to Westport and Midtown. From there you can continue north to the Crossroads Arts District and finish in the downtown Power & Light District or the River Market. Using a mapping app to plot your destinations in advance will help you create a linear path that minimises backtracking and saves valuable driving time.