MCI · Kansas City, MO · Large Hub
Kansas City International Airport Guide
Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Kansas City International Airport (MCI), sourced from the airport or the operator that runs each service, with minimums from OAG data.
Quick answer
- Terminals: 1 terminal
- Minimum connection time: 45 min domestic, 1 hr 30 min international to domestic
- Arrive: Follow your airline's check-in deadline
- Free WiFi: Yes
Map
Terminals & connections
Kansas City International Airport has 1 terminal. Transfer system: Walking only (new single-terminal design).
New Single Terminal (opened 2023)
10 airlines: Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and more
Completely rebuilt terminal opened in 2023; replaces old horseshoe design.
Minimum connection times
- Domestic to domestic
- 45 min
- Domestic to international
- 45 min
- International to domestic
- 1 hr 30 min
- International to international
- 1 hr
- Transfer system
- Walking only (new single-terminal design)
- Airside connected
- Not published
Layover helper
Find how long to plan for a connection at MCI: the official minimum connection time, plus a comfortable time of 30 minutes more, or 60 more when you clear customs or go through security again after a terminal change. Adjust trip type, terminal change, and checked-bag assumptions to match your itinerary.
Writing about MCI? Embed this connection time calculator on your site
Security & TSA
Security waits at MCI vary by time of day and checkpoint. We have not confirmed a standard arrival time published by MCI, so follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines.
- TSA PreCheck
- Available
- CLEAR
- Available
- Global Entry
- Available
Amenities
3 of 7 core amenities available at MCI: free WiFi, nursing rooms, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated very good. Dining options span 1 terminal.
Showers
Not available
Sleep pods
Not available
WiFi
Free (very good)
New airport with modern infrastructure.
Nursing rooms
Available
Multiple locations
Chapel
Not available
Pet relief areas
Available
Pet relief areas
Dining highlights
Main: Arthur Bryant's BBQ, Boulevard Brewing Co.
Ground transport to Kansas City
No official source we checked publishes a ride time from MCI to downtown Kansas City.
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
KCATA 229 Airport Bus Bus Bus to downtown. | $2 | Varies |
Uber/Lyft Rideshare | Varies | Varies |
Parking
MCI parking ranges from $9/day economy to $30/day short-term. Posted daily maximums at Kansas City International: Garage $30 (4 to 24 hours), Surface Lot $22 (4 to 24 hours), Economy Parking $9 per 24-hour period and Valet $40 (4 to 24 hours). The Garage is shown as the short-term rate, the Surface Lot as long-term, and Economy Parking as economy.
- Short-term
- $30/day
- Long-term
- $22/day
- Economy
- $9/day
- Valet
- $40/day
Can I leave MCI during a layover?
With a 3-hour layover, stay inside MCI. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Kansas City.
Downtown KC is reachable by the RideKC 229 bus or rideshare. 5+ hour layovers can grab BBQ at Jack Stack or Q39 downtown.
Overnight layover hotels
- $$Courtyard KC Airport5-min shuttle
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at MCI?
We have not confirmed a standard arrival time published by Kansas City International Airport, so follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint, so add buffer at busy times.
What is the minimum connection time at MCI?
MCI requires at least 45 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 90 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. Transfer system: Walking only (new single-terminal design).
Can I leave MCI during a 6-hour layover?
With 3 hours you should stay inside MCI. A 6-hour layover is enough to leave the airport briefly. Downtown KC is reachable by the RideKC 229 bus or rideshare. 5+ hour layovers can grab BBQ at Jack Stack or Q39 downtown.
Does MCI have showers?
MCI does not have dedicated public showers. Paid lounge access is typically required for shower facilities.
Does MCI have sleep pods?
MCI does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.
Is WiFi free at MCI?
Yes. MCI offers free WiFi throughout the airport. New airport with modern infrastructure.
What is the cheapest way to get from MCI to Kansas City?
The cheapest option is typically KCATA 229 Airport Bus at $2, taking a variable amount of time. Bus to downtown.
Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at MCI?
MCI supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint.
Where should I eat at MCI during a layover?
Notable dining at MCI includes Arthur Bryant's BBQ (Main), Boulevard Brewing Co. (Main).
How much does parking cost at MCI?
MCI parking rates: $30/day short-term, $22/day long-term, $9/day economy, $40/day valet. Posted daily maximums at Kansas City International: Garage $30 (4 to 24 hours), Surface Lot $22 (4 to 24 hours), Economy Parking $9 per 24-hour period and Valet $40 (4 to 24 hours). The Garage is shown as the short-term rate, the Surface Lot as long-term, and Economy Parking as economy.
Is there a hotel at MCI for overnight layovers?
The closest option is Courtyard KC Airport (5-min shuttle, $$). Budget time for the shuttle or rideshare in your overnight plan.
Are there pet relief areas at MCI?
Yes. Pet relief areas.
Compare MCI to other airports
See how MCI ranks against the other 111 airports in our dataset.
Airlines operating at MCI
Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of MCI.
Compare other airports
Sources & verification
- Overview: https://flykc.com
- Ground transport: https://flykc.com/getting-to-and-from https://ridekc.org/fares-passes/
- Terminals: https://flykc.com/new-terminal-project
- Connection times: https://www.expertflyer.com/air/travel-information https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/WelcomeToTheUS.pdf
- Security: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/schedule
- Parking: https://flykc.com/parking
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_City_International_Airport
Connection times, security, ground transport and parking verified Oct 2026 against the sources above. Amenities, lounges and nearby hotels without a listed source are not yet verified. Always confirm with Kansas City International Airport before flying.
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