Kansas City Airport: Location And Terminals

where is the kansas city airport

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a public airport located in Kansas City, Missouri, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport was opened in 1972 and has been expanding ever since, now covering 10,680 acres. Kansas City International Airport offers a range of transportation services, including app-based ride-share services, shuttle buses, and limousine services. The airport has also been recognised for its support of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a global initiative to support travellers with hidden disabilities.

Characteristics Values
Name Kansas City International Airport
IATA MCI
ICAO KMCI
FAA LID MCI
Location 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City, Platte County, Missouri
Year opened 1972
Year new complex completed 2023
Previous airport replaced Kansas City Municipal Airport (MKC)
Area served Kansas City Metropolitan Area, western Missouri, eastern Kansas
Area 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2)
Number of runways 3
Nature of airport Civilian
Parking 6,200-space garage adjacent to the terminal
Accessibility App-based ride-share services, shuttle services, limousine services, taxis

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Kansas City International Airport's location

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a public airport located in Kansas City, Missouri, in Platte County, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City. The airport covers 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2) and has three runways. It serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary airport for much of western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

Kansas City International Airport was opened in 1972, replacing the Kansas City Municipal Airport (MKC). The original name of the airport was Mid-Continent International Airport, and it has been a civilian airport since its inception. Since opening, MCI has more than doubled in size, from 4,500 acres to 10,680 acres, and it ranks sixth in the United States in terms of acreage for a commercial/public airport.

The airport has undergone several improvements over the years, including the addition of two moving walkways to expedite transfers between concourses and the construction of a 6,200-space garage adjacent to the terminal for convenient parking. In 2023, a new complex was completed, replacing the old terminals. As part of this project, terminals B and C were permanently closed, and fifty mosaic medallions from these terminals were preserved. The new terminal has received numerous awards and was designed with consolidated and flexible security checkpoints to accommodate varying passenger volumes.

Kansas City International Airport offers various transportation options for travellers, including ride-share services such as Iris, Lyft, Uber, or zTrip, and shuttle services. Additionally, limousine and taxi services are available, and parking is provided at the airport for those driving to the airport.

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Kansas City Airport's history

Kansas City International Airport (IATA: MCI, ICAO: KMCI, FAA LID: MCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri, located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport was opened in 1972 and a new complex was completed in 2023, replacing the old one. MCI replaced Kansas City Municipal Airport (MKC) in 1972, with all scheduled passenger airline flights moved from MKC to MCI.

Kansas City's first airport was the Municipal Airport, which opened in 1927. It was dedicated as New Richards Field by Charles Lindbergh and was soon renamed Kansas City Municipal Airport. The airport was built in the Missouri River bottoms next to the rail tracks at the Hannibal Bridge. At the time, air travel was considered to be handled in conjunction with rail traffic. The airport had limited room for expansion, and in the early 1960s, an FAA memo called it "the most dangerous major airport in the country".

The Great Flood of 1951 devastated the Fairfax Airport and caused Kansas City to build what would become Kansas City International Airport away from the river. On May 3, 1953, Kansas City formally named Platte County as the location of a new Mid-Continent Airport (MCI), now the Kansas City International Airport. Construction of two runways, an air traffic control tower, and a new maintenance facility for TWA began in 1954, and MCI and the TWA Overhaul Base both opened in 1956.

Kansas City International Airport officially opened for commercial service on November 11, 1972, at the same Mid-Continent site. Built at a cost of $250 million, the ambitious design drawn up by the architectural firm of Kivett and Myers reflected TWA’s grandiose ambitions. In land area, the airport was the third largest in the United States. It featured an innovative “Drive to Your Gate” design that allowed passengers to park near the circular terminals and walk roughly 75 feet to their gates.

In 2017, Kansas City residents voted to approve the construction of a new terminal, which opened in 2023. The new terminal brought 39 new gates, 6,100 new parking spots, and a first-class traveller experience to local and global travellers alike.

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Transport to and from the airport

The Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is a busy airport, serving over 11 million passengers annually, and offers a range of transportation options to and from the airport.

By car:

Those travelling by car can access the airport via Interstate 29, which runs north-south and connects to Interstate 435, a ring road that circles much of the Kansas City metropolitan area. From the airport, passengers can take the Interstate 29 south to reach downtown Kansas City in about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport and provide a convenient and often cost-effective way to get to and from the airport.

By bus:

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) provides a public bus service that connects the airport to downtown Kansas City and other areas. The Route 229 bus runs regularly throughout the day, seven days a week, and the journey between the airport and downtown takes around 40 minutes. The bus stops at all three airport terminals and offers a cheap and convenient way to get to and from the airport.

By shuttle:

Several private shuttle companies offer shared-ride services between the airport and various locations in and around Kansas City. These shuttles can be booked in advance and offer a convenient and often more affordable alternative to taxis or ride-sharing services. Some hotels in the area also provide their own shuttle services for guests, so it is worth checking with your accommodation to see if this is an option.

Rental cars:

Many major rental car companies have offices at the airport, providing a convenient option for those who wish to hire a car during their stay. The rental car offices are located just a short distance from the airport terminals, and shuttle buses are provided to take customers between the two. Returning a rental car is also straightforward, with clear signage directing drivers to the correct drop-off locations.

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The airport's parking facilities

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Kansas City, in Platte County, Missouri. The airport offers a range of parking facilities for travellers, with options to suit different needs and preferences.

For travellers who require a quick drop-off, the airport provides a convenient drop-off location on the upper level at the departures curb. This area is easily accessible and allows for a swift exit from the airport. It is important to note that parking on the departures and arrivals curbs is prohibited, so a swift drop-off is essential.

For those who are picking up travellers, the airport offers a designated pick-up location on the lower level at the arrivals curb. This area provides easy access to the airport terminal, ensuring a smooth and efficient pick-up process. If you arrive early for pick-up, you can park and wait at the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, located at 680 Brasilia Avenue. This lot offers nearly 100 spaces, restrooms, and ample lighting, ensuring a comfortable wait.

Kansas City International Airport also provides a full-service parking facility with a 24/7/365 valet service. The valet drop-off area is conveniently located inside the parking garage, across from the check-in hall. As you approach the Departures roadway, simply follow the signs to veer left into Valet Drive. The valet service offers assistance with luggage, a quick vehicle inspection, and secure parking in a nearby garage spot. When you return, a simple phone call ensures that your vehicle is ready and waiting for you.

In addition to these options, the airport offers a range of on-site parking lots, including the Surface Lot and the MCI Park Garage. The Surface Lot is ideal for those who prefer to park within walking distance of the terminal but do not require covered parking. This lot is divided into several sections, providing ample parking spaces. The MCI Park Garage, on the other hand, offers covered parking and can accommodate vehicles of varying heights, with specific height restrictions for Park Garage B and C.

For travellers with electric vehicles, Kansas City International Airport provides EV charging stations in partnership with Evergy's Clean Charge Network. These stations are available in the Garage, Surface Parking, and Economy Lots, ensuring that electric vehicle owners can return to a fully charged vehicle.

The airport also offers a Frequent Parker Program, allowing travellers to earn points and redeem them for free parking in the future. This program provides a cost-effective option for frequent travellers. Additionally, off-site airport parking is available at nearby hotels, such as Orangewood Inn & Suites and Sleep Inn, offering secure and affordable alternatives.

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Kansas City Airport's terminals

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri, located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary passenger airport for much of western Missouri and eastern Kansas. It covers 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2) and has three runways.

Kansas City International Airport has three main terminal buildings, serving a number of airlines. Terminal A serves domestic airlines, with gates 1 to 20. Terminal B serves domestic airlines, with gates 26 to 40. Terminal C serves domestic airlines, with gates 51 to 64. However, on February 28, 2023, terminals B and C were permanently closed, and a new single terminal was opened. This new terminal project has received numerous awards and promises to offer advanced amenities, including more dining and shopping options, streamlined security procedures, and increased gate flexibility.

Kansas City International Airport offers several convenient options for dropping off and picking up passengers at the airport terminal. Drop-off is located on the upper level at the departures curb, and pick-up is located on the lower level at the arrivals curb. There is also a Cell Phone Waiting Lot located at 680 Brasilia Avenue, which has nearly 100 spaces, restrooms, and is well-lit.

The airport has a number of transportation services, including app-based ride-share services such as Iris, Lyft, Uber, or zTrip, as well as limousine and taxi services. There are also several airport shuttle buses that offer free 24/7 transportation and are wheelchair accessible.

Frequently asked questions

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located in Kansas City, Missouri, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri.

The address is 1 Kansas City Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64153.

There are several transportation options to get to and from the Kansas City International Airport, including ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, taxi services, limousine services, shuttle buses, and rental car services.

The Kansas City International Airport offers dining options and convenient parking near the terminal, including a 6,200-space garage adjacent to the terminal.

Some airlines that fly out of Kansas City International Airport include Allegiant Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

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