Kansas City International Airport [MCI] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: April 26, 2021

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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Kansas City International Airport (MCI), or KCI, as it’s commonly referred to, served 11.7 million passengers in 2019, making it the second busiest year in the airport’s history. MCI currently operates out of 2 separate terminals, but construction is now underway to consolidate activity and increase capacity into 1 central terminal. Completion is planned for early 2023.

MCI is primarily a domestic airport, with just a few international routes, including Mexico and Canada.

Quick Info

Airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Terminals: 2 terminals — B and C
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
Destinations: 47 domestic and 4 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

Airlines Operating From MCI

Terminal B

• Allegiant Air
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines

Terminal C

• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Apple Vacations
• Frontier Vacations
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines
• Vacation Express
• Viva Aerobus

MCI Airport Terminals

Kansas City International Airport has 2 terminals — B and C — that are in the shape of incomplete circles. Access roads run along the front of Terminals B and C, with Terminal B served by Rome Circle and Terminal C served by Beirut Circle. Both terminals are connected by International Circle and Bogata Circle, with easy access from I-29 and I-435.

Parking can be found directly in front of the terminals and between them along the connecting roadway. Although the terminals are not connected, passengers can ride the regular shuttle buses that operate from outside the terminals.

Terminal B

Terminal B is on the west side of the airport and operates mostly regional and domestic flights. Allegiant, Delta, and Southwest are based out of Terminal B’s 18 gates numbered B32 to B35, B37 to B41, B43, B45, B50, B52, and B56 to B60.

Most of the facilities for arrivals and departures are based on the lower level, including the ticketing desks, security checkpoints, and the departure gates. Some shops and restaurants are located on the upper level.

Terminal C

Terminal C operates domestic and international flights and is located on the east side of the airport. Airlines operating from this terminal include American, Alaska, Spirit, and United.

As with Terminal B, most of the facilities are on the lower level, including baggage claim, access to ground transportation, and the security checkpoints. Terminal B has 22 gates numbered C61 to C64, C68 to C69, C72, C73, C76 to C79, C81 to C85, and C87 to C90.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Terminals B and C are not connected, so passengers must ride the on-airport shuttle bus for terminal connections. Red shuttle buses operate between the terminals and the circle parking garages and run every 15 minutes. Blue buses operate between the terminals and the economy parking lots every 20 minutes.

All shuttles stop outside the terminal buildings and are indicated with overhead signs.

Security and Customs at MCI

MCI has 4 security checkpoints in total across the airport, with 2 in Terminal B located near gates 31 to 35 and 56 to 60. Terminal C also has 2 checkpoints near gates 61 to 69 and gates 76 to 85.

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, be sure to check with your airline.

TSA PreCheck

MCI has TSA PreCheck lanes at all 4 security checkpoints. 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. The nearest office is 18 miles away at 4321 NE Vivion Rd., Ste. 100, Gladstone, MO 64119-2809.

MCI does participate in Enrollment on Arrival at Terminal C arrivals daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Global Entry Program

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

The airport has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in Terminal C near gate 90, open Monday and Friday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

MCI Airport Lounges

There are no airport lounges at Kansas City International Airport.

Dining and Drinks at MCI

MCI has around 20 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food counters, with most located inside the secure area.

MCI Wi-Fi and Charging Points

MCI provides free Wi-Fi for passengers and visitors to both terminals. To connect, select “KCI_FREE_WiFi” from the available connections. If you have any issues, you can contact the support line at 816-243-3176 or dial 3176 from the white courtesy phones that are available around the terminals.

Charging Stations: You’ll find some charging points located around the terminals 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
• Shuttle buses: call 816-243-5544
• Security checkpoints: submit an online inquiry to AKAL Security
• 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 provide assistance with inquiries. They are recognizable by their red blazers.

Baby Facilities

MSI has 2 nursing rooms located in Terminal C. 1 is located inside the holding room for flights with Alaska, American, Frontier, and Spirit, and the other is in the United departure lounge.

Traveling With a Pet

MSI has 4 pet relief areas outside the secure area. These outdoor grassy areas can be found at either end of Terminals B and C.

Passengers flying with Alaska, American, Frontier, or Spirit have access to an additional pet relief area located inside the secure area of Terminal C. This is located near gate C83.

Smoking Areas

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

Money

ATMs are located throughout the terminals.

Luggage Storage

MCI does not have any luggage storage facilities.

Important MCI Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 816-243-5237

Parking: 816-243-5870

Lost and Found: 816-243-5237

Travel to and From MCI

Transport Options

MetroBus

RideKC bus route 229 operates between MCI and downtown Kansas City daily from 5:28 a.m. to 11:18 p.m. The fare for a single journey is $1.50. More information on maps and schedules can be found here.

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.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators such as Lyft and Uber operate from Kansas City International Airport and are permitted to pick-up from any door at the arrivals area. When prompted, input whether you require pick-up from Terminal B or C and the door number.

Taxis

Courtesy telephones are located in the baggage claim areas to arrange a taxi. You can also get in touch with the operator by calling 816-243-2345. Taxis charge $2.50 plus $2.10 per mile with a trip to downtown Kansas City costing around $53, excluding tip.

Directions by Car 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 terminals.

MCI Airport Parking Information

MCI has plenty of short-term and long-term parking options, depending on your requirements and budget.

Garage Parking

The 2 garage parking lots are located outside of Terminals B and C and offer the quickest and most convenient parking. The maximum clearance for garage B is 7 feet 4 inches and garage C is 8 feet 2 inches. Parking costs $3 per hour up to a daily maximum of $23.

Circle Parking

Circle parking lot E3 is located in between the 2 terminals, and the E4 parking lot is to the east of E3. Passengers can walk between these parking lots and the terminals or ride the red shuttle bus.

Parking fees are $3 per hour up to a daily maximum of $15.50. 

Economy Parking

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 not possible. Electric vehicle charging points are available in economy lots B and C.

Economy parking charges a flat daily fee of $7.50.

Park Air Express Parking

The Park Air Express parking lot is located off airport-property at NW Prairie View Rd. Passengers can take advantage of a range of services such as electric vehicle charging, valet, and car washing. A courtesy shuttle transports passengers between the parking lot and the terminal.

Parking rates are $2 per hour up to a daily rate of $9.

Hot Tip: Shuttle drivers can assist you with your luggage at the Park Air Express parking lot, and there’s complimentary bottled water, coffee, and newspapers.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

MCI has a cell phone waiting lot located 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 it is possible to book something a little cheaper.

Daily parking is available from $5 per day when you book with airportparkingreservations.com. These hotels and off-site parking lots operate courtesy buses to/from the airport so they can provide a great affordable option.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities is available in all airport-operated parking lots and can be found in section E3 of the circle lots.

All airport buses are accessible with wheelchair lifts and kneeling capabilities.

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 816-243-5870

Car Rental at MCI Airport

The rental car center is located a short distance from the terminals at 1 Nassau Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153. Passengers need to ride the grey shuttle bus to the rental center that departs from outside the terminals.

These companies are available at the rental car facility:

• ACE: 816-464-2100
• Alamo: 816-464-5151
• Avis: 816-243-5760
• Budget: 816-243-5757
• Dollar: 800-800-4000
• Enterprise: 816-464-2500
• Fox: 816-464-2100
• Hertz: 816-243-5765
• National: 816-243-5770
• Payless: 816-464-2100
• Thrifty: 816-464-5600

Hot Tip: Check out these credit cards that include rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying excessive 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 along with key amenities like a pool, fitness center, and a complimentary airport shuttle. Award nights at the hotel start at 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points on off-peak nights, 17,500 points on standard nights, and 20,000 points on peak nights.

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, fitness center, an on-site restaurant. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but you can expect award nights at the hotel to cost around 20,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Holiday Inn Kansas City offers fast access to surrounding attractions like Jowler Creek Winery and Vineyard for a 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 night at the hotel cost 15,000 IHG Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking 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 Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

MCI consistently ranks as 1 of 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 planned for early 2023. The construction will use a popular layout of 1 central terminal and subsequent concourses to allow seamless flight connections inside the secure area.