National Car Rental
Kansas City

Kansas City International's new single-terminal design makes finding your rental car straightforward. Once you deplane, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." This will guide you directly to the airport's consolidated rental car facility, which is conveniently located in the adjacent parking garage. There is no need for shuttles or navigating between different terminal buildings, ensuring a smooth and direct path from your gate to the National counter.

While timing can vary, a reasonable estimate during a busy period is around 45 to 60 minutes. This accounts for walking from your gate through the concourse, a brief stop at the rental counter, and selecting your vehicle. The new terminal's efficient layout helps minimize walking time. Having your reservation details and driver's license ready will help expedite the process at the counter, getting you on your way more quickly.

Traveling with only a carry-on gives you a significant time advantage at MCI. After deplaning, you can bypass the baggage claim area entirely. Follow the airport signage directly toward the rental car facility located within the main parking garage. This direct route is the most efficient way to reach the National counters, complete your rental agreement, and get to your vehicle without delay.

A great strategy for families is to divide tasks upon arrival. One adult can take the children and proceed directly to the National rental car counter to begin the pickup process. Meanwhile, the other adult can head to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Once the car is ready, the driver can loop back to the arrivals curb to conveniently pick up the rest of the family and the bags.

Even late at night, navigating MCI remains simple and secure. The airport's modern design is well-lit, and signage for key areas like rental cars is clear and easy to follow. The path to the consolidated rental car facility is indoors and straightforward, regardless of the time. You can proceed with confidence, as the route from the gate to the National counter is designed to be intuitive for all arriving passengers.

Rental car facilities at major airports like MCI are accustomed to handling flight delays. National's counter is typically staffed to accommodate all scheduled flight arrivals, even those that are significantly late. Including your flight number in your reservation is always a good practice as it helps the staff anticipate your arrival. You can expect the pickup process to be the same, allowing you to get your vehicle and continue your journey.

For a trip that combines city and suburban travel, a mid-size sedan or a compact SUV offers an ideal balance. These vehicles are maneuverable enough to navigate downtown parking garages and tighter city streets with ease. At the same time, they provide ample comfort and space for longer drives on the highway to surrounding suburbs like Overland Park or Lee's Summit. This versatility ensures you're prepared for any driving scenario on your itinerary.

The primary route from MCI is I-29 South, which is generally straightforward. The first major decision point is the interchange with I-635, where you'll need to be in the correct lane well in advance. As you approach downtown, you'll merge onto US-169 South via the Broadway Bridge, which can have heavy traffic. Using a GPS and paying close attention to the lane guidance will make navigating these key interchanges much smoother.

To minimize complex turns, take I-29 South from the airport to US-169 South, which takes you over the Broadway Bridge directly into downtown. From there, follow signs for the Downtown Loop (I-670) and take the exit for Truman Road or Broadway Boulevard. This approach brings you to the edge of the Power & Light District on major thoroughfares, allowing you to find a parking garage before venturing onto the smaller one-way streets.

The Country Club Plaza is known for its beautiful but sometimes complex street layout, which includes boulevards, roundabouts, and smaller side streets. Most shops and restaurants are serviced by numerous integrated parking garages, which are the easiest parking option. Before you arrive, it's helpful to identify the best garage for your destination using a map app, as entrances can be found on all sides of the district.

The drive between downtown and Overland Park, primarily via I-35, experiences significant congestion during typical commute times. Expect heavy southbound traffic from roughly 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and heavy northbound traffic from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If your schedule is flexible, planning your drive outside of these peak windows will result in a much quicker and less stressful trip. The journey can take twice as long during rush hour compared to other times.

On most of Kansas City's major roads, left turns are controlled by dedicated turn lanes with green arrow signals, making them safe and straightforward. However, in some older neighborhoods or downtown areas, you may encounter unprotected left turns that require you to yield to oncoming traffic. Navigation apps are generally reliable, but it's always wise to be patient and wait for a safe opening if you find yourself in an unfamiliar or busy intersection.

Yes, the areas around the T-Mobile Center, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and the Power & Light District are frequently impacted by events. Concerts, sporting events, and festivals can lead to road closures and heavy traffic, especially on evenings and weekends. It's a good practice to check a live traffic app for closures before heading downtown and to have an alternate parking garage in mind.

The key to a smooth gameday experience at Arrowhead is to arrive very early, typically three to four hours before kickoff, to avoid the worst traffic backups on I-70 and I-435. This also allows you to find a good parking spot and enjoy the famous tailgating scene. After the game, be prepared for a lengthy exit process; relaxing in your spot for a while after the game ends can let the initial traffic surge clear out.

Attending a game at Kauffman Stadium is very similar to Arrowhead, as they share the Truman Sports Complex. The experience is defined by highway access and massive surface parking lots, requiring you to arrive early to manage traffic. This contrasts sharply with downtown venues like the T-Mobile Center, where you'll rely on a network of public and private parking garages scattered throughout the surrounding blocks.

For the most relaxed visit to the Kansas City Zoo, plan to arrive either right when it opens in the morning or after 1:00 PM in the afternoon. Arriving early ensures you get a prime parking spot close to the entrance before the largest crowds build up. An afternoon arrival allows you to miss the initial morning rush, often finding a spot left by families who are finishing their visit.

Midwestern thunderstorms can bring intense downpours that dramatically reduce visibility, so turning on your headlights and slowing down is essential. In Kansas City, be particularly cautious in low-lying areas and underpasses, which can be prone to flash flooding. Areas along Brush Creek, the Turkey Creek floodplain, and parts of the industrial West Bottoms are known to be susceptible during heavy rain events.

The consolidated rental car facility at MCI is a large, covered parking garage that is well-lit 24/7. This provides an ideal environment for inspecting your vehicle, regardless of the weather or time of day. You'll be protected from the elements and have excellent visibility to walk around the car, check for any prior damage, and familiarize yourself with the controls before you drive off.

To comfortably accommodate golf clubs or other large equipment, renting a standard or full-size SUV is your best option. These vehicles offer generous cargo space without needing to fold down the rear seats, ensuring you have plenty of room for both your gear and your passengers' luggage. The high liftgate and wide opening also make the process of loading and unloading your bulky items much easier.

Using a rental car is an excellent way to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum and its surroundings. The museum has a large, convenient parking garage located on its northeast side, making access simple. Once parked, you can easily walk to the adjacent Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kansas City Art Institute. This allows you to park just once to enjoy multiple cultural attractions in the area.

The most efficient plan is to drive between the two neighborhoods and park once in each. Main Street provides a direct route connecting the Crossroads and the area just east of Westport. Find a central spot in a surface lot or garage in the Crossroads, explore on foot, and then drive to Westport and do the same. This approach is far more convenient than trying to move your car between multiple venues within the same district.

To make a barbecue crawl manageable, group your destinations geographically. For example, visit the legendary spots in Kansas City, Kansas, together, then plan another leg of your tour for places in the Crossroads or south of the Plaza. Also, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as the mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner rushes. Parking will be much easier to find, and you'll likely experience shorter lines.

Yes, this area is exceptionally car-friendly and easy to access from major roads like Main Street or I-670. Union Station and Crown Center are connected by a pedestrian bridge and share a massive, multi-level parking garage. The signage is very clear, directing you to either the Union Station side or the Crown Center side, so you can park conveniently for whichever destination you plan to visit first.

Hotels in the convention center district often have compact loading zones and underground or multi-story garages. Be prepared for potentially tight turns and lower vertical clearance than you might find in a suburban lot. When you pick up your rental, being mindful of its size can be helpful. It's also a good idea to unload your luggage quickly at the hotel's entrance before proceeding to park the vehicle.

For a stress-free morning departure, plan to leave downtown about two and a half hours before your flight time. This budget allows for 45-60 minutes of potential rush-hour traffic, 15 minutes for the rental car return process, and ample time to walk to security and your gate. If you are traveling outside of peak commute hours (7-9 AM), you can likely leave closer to two hours before your flight.

The most frequent mistake drivers make is missing the dedicated exit for "Rental Car Return" on the main airport loop. The signage appears relatively early, and some drivers continue toward the "Departures" or "Arrivals" curbs by habit. Keep an eye out for the specific rental car signs as you approach the terminal garage to ensure you make the correct turn into the return facility.

The airport's cell phone lot is the perfect place for this task. It is located just a minute or two away from the rental car return facility and offers a calm, no-pressure environment. You can take all the time you need to sort through your belongings, gather any trash, and organize your luggage before you proceed to the official return lane.

The drive from MCI to Lawrence is very straightforward and makes for an excellent day trip. After picking up your vehicle, you will follow signs for I-435 West. You'll take that for a few miles before merging onto I-70 West, which you will follow for about 40 miles directly to Lawrence. The entire journey is on well-maintained interstate highways and typically takes less than an hour.

A day trip to St. Joseph is highly practical and easy to manage. The drive is about one hour north of MCI, almost exclusively on I-29 North. Once you are clear of the immediate airport area, the traffic is usually light, and the drive is a simple, straight shot through the rolling hills of northwest Missouri. It's a relaxing trip that allows for plenty of time to explore the city's historic sites.

Independence is an easy side trip, located just east of Kansas City off I-70. For a short visit, driving is the best option. Most of the main attractions, including the Truman Presidential Library and the historic Independence Square, offer ample and often free dedicated parking lots. This makes it very convenient to park your car and explore the key sites on foot without any hassle.

The Kansas Speedway is part of the large Village West retail and entertainment district, accessible via I-435 and I-70. On a typical day, traffic is manageable, similar to any busy shopping area. However, on major race weekends or Black Friday, expect extreme traffic congestion on the surrounding highways and access roads. On those days, you should plan to arrive several hours early and be prepared for significant delays when leaving.

This day trip is very doable, as the drive is a straight shot of about two hours each way on I-70 East. To make the most of your day, plan to leave Kansas City by 8:00 AM to arrive in Columbia mid-morning. This gives you a full day to explore the university campus or downtown. Aim to begin your return drive by late afternoon to avoid potential evening traffic heading back into Kansas City.

For a pleasant scenic drive, consider taking Missouri Route 45, also known as the Tom Watson Parkway, northwest from Parkville. This road follows the bluffs along the Missouri River and offers a much more relaxed pace than the interstate. You can drive through historic small towns and enjoy the rolling landscape. It's a great way to see the local countryside without the stress of heavy highway traffic.

It is not complicated at all; in fact, you might do it without even noticing. The border is simply a street, aptly named State Line Road, that runs north-south through the metro area. Your GPS navigation will handle transitions seamlessly, and there are no special signs or procedures. For a visitor, the two cities function as one large metropolitan area, and driving between them is a daily routine for locals.

To avoid the heaviest traffic, try to schedule your travel between downtown and the suburbs during off-peak hours. Plan to pick up your car at MCI and drive to your first location between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. When it's time to return to the airport, a mid-day flight is ideal. This strategy helps you avoid the intense morning (7-9 AM) and evening (4-6 PM) rush hours on the major highways.

For visitors new to the city, the Country Club Plaza and the Crown Center complex are among the easiest areas to navigate by car. Both were designed with driving in mind and feature numerous large, clearly marked parking garages that are simple to access. Suburban areas like Overland Park in Kansas are also very car-friendly, with most destinations offering spacious, free surface parking lots.

The new MCI terminal and its attached rental car facility are modern, bright, and very well-signed, making for a comfortable solo arrival at night. The path is entirely indoors and well-lit from the gate to the National counter. Once you have your vehicle, take a few moments in the secure, well-lit garage to adjust your seat, mirrors, and set up your GPS before you begin your drive.

This is a great one-day plan that is easy to manage with a car. Start your day at the National WWI Museum and Memorial; you can park in its dedicated lot and then walk across the street to also visit Union Station. After you're done, get back in your car for the short, five-minute drive south to the Country Club Plaza. Park once in any of the Plaza's central garages to explore its shops and restaurants on foot for the rest of the afternoon.

A perfect solution is to choose a meeting point in a location like the Zona Rosa Town Center, which is very close to the airport, or in a central suburb like Overland Park. These areas are easily accessible from major highways and offer an abundance of restaurants and cafes with large, free parking lots. This allows everyone to arrive and park without the stress or expense associated with navigating downtown.