Kansas City International Airport [MCI] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has undergone renovations. It now features a single terminal and 2 concourses with modern amenities, including dining, shopping, and comfortable seating areas.
• Delta Sky Club is the only lounge at MCI and cannot be accessed by purchasing a day pass.
• Ground transportation options include rental cars, ride-shares, shuttles, and the MetroBus, which provides easy access to downtown Kansas City and surrounding areas.

Kansas City International Airport (MCI), or KCI, as it’s commonly known, served 11.5 million passengers in 2023. In early 2023, MCI consolidated all flight operations into a brand-new spacious terminal, improving gate access, modernizing facilities, and integrating local businesses for dining and shopping opportunities.

MCI is primarily a domestic airport with just a few international routes, including Mexico and Canada. Here’s what you need to know about getting around MCI.

Quick Information

Airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Terminal: 1 terminal and 2 concourses — A and B
Airport Address: 1 International Sq., Kansas City, MO 64153
Distance From Downtown Kansas City: 15 miles (24 km)
Websites: flykci.com
Phone Number: 816-243-5237
Passengers Served: 11.7 million (pre-pandemic)
Destinations Served: 44 domestic and 2 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found online

MCI Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From MCI

MCI Airport Terminal

The new terminal is situated northwest of the old Terminals B and C, which will eventually be demolished. Access roads run along the front of the terminal with 2 levels for departures and arrivals, and a new parking garage sits directly opposite the terminal with over 6,000 spaces.

Level 1 — Arrivals

Baggage claim is located on level 1 along with Customs and Immigration for international arrivals. There are a few cafes and shops in the arrivals hall, and passengers can access ground transportation and the parking garage outside the terminal.

Level 2 — Check-in

Check-in is located on level 2, with the airline desks at either end of the terminal and the security checkpoints in the middle. Passengers can be dropped off at the arrivals curb outside or cross over from the parking garage. There’s a café in the check-in area, but all other restaurants and shops are inside the secure area.

Level 2 — Departures

Once clearing security, passengers will arrive at Concourse A, where there are 13 gates on the same level. Gates A1 to A6, A8, and A10 are to the right and A12, A14, A16, A18, and A20 are to the left. Many shops and restaurants are in the central area and down either end of the concourse.

To reach Concourse B, passengers must continue forward from the security checkpoint along the corridor with moving walkways. Concourse B has 27 gates, with gates B40 to B49 to the right and gates B54 and B56 to B68 to the left. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants in the concourse and a Delta Sky Club near the concourse entrance.

Inter-terminal Transport

Now that MCI only has 1 terminal, getting around the airport is pretty easy without moving between multiple buildings. The light and spacious walkway to Concourse B is 635 feet (193 meters) and there are moving walkways to help travel the distance.

As there is only 1 security checkpoint for both concourses, passengers can move freely between all airside areas for flight connections, provided they don’t need to collect luggage between flights.

Security and Customs at MCI

MCI has 1 security checkpoint with 16 lanes. The opening hours vary according to the flight schedule. Usually, this is at least 2 hours before the first flight departure, but if you plan to arrive earlier, check with your airline.

TSA PreCheck

MCI has TSA PreCheck lanes at the security checkpoint. Opening hours vary, so input your day of travel and arrival time into the TSA website for the schedule.

MCI does not have a TSA Enrollment Center, with the nearest located 4.5 miles away inside Staples at 8450 NW Prairie View Rd.

Global Entry

MCI has Global Entry kiosks for expedited clearance of pre-approved passengers.

The airport has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in the international arrivals area of the terminal on level 1.

CLEAR

MCI participates in CLEAR, a program for expedited security clearance using eye and fingerprint scanning instead of showing an ID at the security checkpoint. The CLEAR lanes are available from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.

MCI Airport Lounges

An 11,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club is now open for eligible passengers.

Airport Dining and Drinks at MCI

MCI has around 30 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food counters, with most located inside the secure area.

MCI Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Points

MCI provides free Wi-Fi for passengers and visitors. To connect, select “KCI_FREE_WiFi” from the available connections.

Charging Stations: Some charging points are around the terminal and at the departure gates.

MCI Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item at Kansas City International Airport, contact the relevant department depending on where you misplaced the item:

• General Areas Such as Restaurants, Shops, Toilets, and Any Areas Outside the Security Checkpoints: Call 816-243-5237
• Parking Lots or Red and Blue Buses: Call 816-243-5201
• Security Checkpoints: Submit an online inquiry to VMD Corp
• Ticketing Counters, Departures Lounges, and Onboard an Aircraft: Contact your airline
• Rental Car Facility or in a Rental Car: Contact the rental company

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Airport Ambassadors can be found throughout the airport to provide directions and assistance with inquiries. Ambassadors are recognizable by their red blazers.

Baby Facilities

MSI has 9 nursing rooms located across the terminal and concourses. These are located:

• In the southern area of the baggage claim
• In the international arrivals baggage claim area
• At the far ends of both the north and south check-in desks
• Concourse A:
  • After the security checkpoint
  • At the south end of the concourse, near Urban Café
• Concourse B:
  • Near gate B49
  • Near gate B57
  • Near gate B61

Pet Relief Areas

MSI has 3 pet relief areas located at:

• Concourse A:
  • At the south end of the concourse, near Urban Café
  • Near gate A8
• Concourse B: Opposite gate B54

Duty-free

There are no duty-free shops at MCI.

Smoking Areas

There are no smoking lounges at MCI. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminal.

Money

ATMs are at the far ends of the north and south check-in desks.

There are no currency exchange services at MCI.

Medical Center

There is no dedicated medical center at MCI.

Luggage

MCI does not have any luggage storage facilities.

Important MCI Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 816-243-5237

Lost and Found: 816-243-5237

Travel To and From MCI

Transportation Options

Public transport, ride shares, and shuttles are available from the commercial curb (second roadway) on level 1. Passengers must cross over the first roadway and look for the color-coded signs for their desired transportation.

MetroBus

RideKC bus route 229 operates between MCI and downtown Kansas City daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Information on maps and schedules can be found online. RideKC buses pick up from the light blue area signposted 2A.

Shuttles and Limousines

Shuttles can be arranged in advance or on arrival at MCI. Check out these shuttle companies that operate from the airport or visit the information counter in arrivals for more information. Limousine services are also available. Shuttles pick-up from the red area signposted 3J to 3N.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators, including Lyft and Uber, operate from Kansas City International Airport and pick up from the purple area signposted 2K to 2N.

Taxis

Taxis pick up from Column 3C and charge $2.50 plus $2.10 per mile with a trip to downtown Kansas City costing around $53, excluding tip. You can also order a taxi by calling 816-243-2345.

Driving to MCI

Arriving From Downtown Kansas City

Take US-169 N and use the left lane to merge onto I-29 N/US-71 N toward KCI Airport/St. Joseph. Keep right to continue on I-29 N and take exit 13 towards KCI Airport. Keep left and merge onto N. 120th St. and continue onto Cookingham Drive for access to the terminal.

Arriving From Overland Park

Take Metcalf Avenue to I-635 N in Mission and follow I-635 N and I-29 N/US-71 N. Take exit 13 towards KCI Airport. Keep left and merge onto N. 120th St. and continue onto Cookingham Drive for access to the terminal.

MCI Airport Parking Information

MCI offers a range of covered, uncovered, short- and long-term parking options to suit your travel plans.

Short-term Parking

Garage Parking

The garage parking lot is outside the new terminal and offers the quickest and most convenient parking. The maximum clearance for the garage is 8 feet 2 inches and there are 52 EV and 4 EV ADA charging spots on level 4, row E.

Long-term Parking

Surface Lot Parking

The surface lot offers uncovered parking closer to the terminal than the economy parking lot. Passengers can walk through the terminal parking lot to reach the surface lot.

Economy Parking Lot

The economy parking lots are located on the outskirts of the airport property near I-29, and blue shuttle buses transport passengers to and from the terminal, as walking is impossible. Electric vehicle charging points are available in the economy lots. Economy parking charges a flat fee of $7.50 per 24-hour period.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is in the terminal garage lot and is signposted as you drive in.

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

MCI has a cell phone waiting lot at 680 Brasilia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153. Visitors may wait for free for up to 45 minutes until they receive a call for curbside pick up.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Parking at Kansas City International Airport is not the most expensive we’ve seen, but booking something a little cheaper is possible.

Daily parking is available from $4 per day when you book with airportparkingreservations.com. These hotels and off-site parking lots operate courtesy buses to and from the airport to provide a great affordable option.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities is available in all airport-operated parking lots and all airport buses are accessible with wheelchair lifts and kneeling capabilities.

Parking Contact Number

General parking inquiries: 816-243-5870

Car Rental at MCI Airport

The rental car center is near the terminal at 1 Nassau Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153. Passengers must ride the grey shuttle bus to the rental center that departs from the commercial curb outside the terminal.

These companies are available at the rental car facility:

Hot Tip: Check out these credit cards that include rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying insurance fees with your rental agency.

MCI Airport Hotels

The Kansas City Airport Marriott is located on airport property on the edge of the Berlin Reservoir. There’s a good selection of 2- and 3-star hotels in the area, located around 1.6 miles from the airport.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Less than 1 mile from the airport, the Kansas City Airport Marriott boasts a great location and key amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and a complimentary airport shuttle. Award nights at the hotel start at 19,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

At the Hilton Kansas City Airport, you’re within 5 miles of the airport and Zona Rosa Town Center via their complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. Guests will enjoy amenities like an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. You can expect award nights at the hotel to cost at least 20,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport offers fast access to surrounding attractions like Jowler Creek Winery and Vineyard for wine tasting or shopping at Zona Rosa. The hotel includes a free shuttle, high-speed wireless internet, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Award nights at the hotel cost at least 20,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip: If you want to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or IHG One Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

MCI consistently ranks among the best airports for on-time performance due to uncongested ground and air space and few weather-related delays or closures. Efficiencies are set to improve further with the new state-of-the-art terminal unveiled in early 2023. The new terminal uses a popular layout of 1 central terminal and subsequent concourses to allow seamless flight connections inside the secure area.