KCI New Terminal slated to open in 2021; credit VisitKC
Kansas City Transportation
Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is a midsize airport with excellent service throughout the Midwest and good service for the rest of the nation and Canada. Its central geographic location and low congestion make it an attractive alternative to changing planes in Chicago for domestic flights. There are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and WiFi among its passenger amenities. KCI AIRPORT TERMINAL MAP
Available Car Rentals are Ace, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. The most direct route to Downtown when you leave the airport is the I-29 freeway, which connects to the I-35 freeway, then take Independence Ave, and follow the signs. Taxis: Catch a taxi to downtown KC for ~$35 at the baggage claim level of each terminal.
Amtrak is hosted by Union Station at 30 West Pershing Road. There are twice daily round-trip trains for this route:
Amtrak Missouri: Kansas City-Jefferson City-St. Louis-Springfield-Chicago
As upgrades incrementally complete through 2021, Amtrak service in Chicago-Springfield-St. Louis corridor will upgrade to 110 mph and more daily trains. Afterward, Amtrak service in the St. Louis-Jefferson City-Kansas City corridor will be upgraded as well.
KC Streetcar is a single, free-to-ride line from downtown to attractions in the southern part of the city. Travelers will find the line to be useful.
KC Streetcar on Main Street; credit VisitKC
Kansas City Freeway System makes ample use of its prairie space with one of the nation’s most extensive and modern freeway systems. It is designed to get you quickly to Downtown, the airport, and several smaller business centers throughout the region. Freeway drivers here tend to be some of the most courteous in the nation. Nevertheless, freeways radiating from downtown and the airport are often clogged during rush hour.
