Key Highlights
-
Kansas City mainly uses Kansas City International Airport (MCI) as the main airport for both domestic and international flights.
-
The Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is just a few minutes from downtown Kansas City, making it easy to get to.
-
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is about 20 miles northwest of the city center. You can get there quickly by using the major highways.
-
The new single terminal at Kansas City International gives travelers a better experience with new features and facilities.
-
When you arrive, you can use many types of ground transportation. There is public transit, ride-sharing, and car rentals to help people leave the airport.
Introduction
Welcome to Kansas City! This city sits right in the middle of the United States. Kansas City, in Missouri, is full of life and has lots to offer. You will find great food, plenty of history, and fun things to do. People love its barbecue, jazz music, and busy business crowd. No matter why you come, your trip will likely start at an airport in the kansas city area.
You will want to know how the airports in kansas city look and what they have before you land or fly out. When you have this information, it makes your first day in kansas or missouri easy and less stressful. This guide will show you what you need to know about getting in and out of the airports. That way, you can relax and have a good start to your trip.
Overview of Kansas City’s Airports
When you travel to the Kansas City area, you will see there are two main public airports you can use. Each one is good for different needs. The main place for most people is the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). This airport takes care of most of the domestic and international flights coming and going from the area. Most people choose to use it when they come to Kansas City.
If you like to fly private or take a charter plane, the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is a good choice. This airport is great for general aviation. It sits right on the edge of downtown Kansas City, making it very easy to get in and out of the city. Let’s look at each airport more. We will talk about their airport codes and what special things you can find at each place.
Main Airports Serving Kansas City
The two main airports in Kansas City are Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC). If you plan to fly to or from Kansas City on a commercial airline, you will use MCI. This airport is the big, busy spot and handles almost all regular flights from big airlines.
But if you want to know which airport is closest to the heart of Kansas City, that is MKC. The downtown airport (MKC) sits just on the other side of the Missouri River from downtown. It is great for people who fly private or for work trips. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) sits about 20 miles northwest of downtown, and the trip will take about 25 to 30 minutes by car.
The Kansas City Aviation Department runs both airports. The two are linked to the city and other parts of the metropolitan area by major highways, so you can get there easily. Which airport you choose depends on if you are flying with a commercial airline or want to fly privately.
Types of Airports—Commercial, Regional, and Private
Airports in Kansas City are grouped depending on what kind of flights they handle. Kansas City International Airport is the main airport here. It is the only airport in the region that offers scheduled passenger airline flights, so it is where most people fly in or out of the city. This makes it the big spot for flyers in this area every year.
You may ask, are there any private airports in Kansas City? MKC is the main public airport here, but it focuses on general aviation. This means it mainly deals with private planes, trips for companies, and charter flights. There are also smaller airports outside of these main ones. These airports are for people who fly just for personal use or for fun. They do not have scheduled passenger airline flights, but they are still important for flying in Kansas City and all of Kansas.
Some of the other general aviation and private airports near Kansas City are:
-
Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport (LXT)
-
Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC)
-
New Century Aircenter (IXD)
Airport Codes and Naming Conventions
Understanding airport codes is key to booking flights and navigating travel. Airports typically have a three-letter code from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a four-letter code from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), known as the FAA LID. These codes uniquely identify each airport worldwide.
Does Kansas City have more than one public airport? Yes, it has two, and they each have distinct codes. The IATA code for Kansas City International Airport is MCI, while the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport is known as MKC. You’ll use these codes when booking flights and checking your travel documents. The FAA LIDs are typically used by pilots and air traffic control.
The naming can sometimes be confusing. Although the international airport’s code is MCI, this is a remnant of its original name, Mid-Continent International Airport. Today, everyone knows it as Kansas City International Airport.
|
Airport Name |
IATA Code |
FAA LID |
|---|---|---|
|
Kansas City International Airport |
MCI |
KMCI |
|
Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport |
MKC |
KMKC |
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the main airport that welcomes people to kansas city and the nearby area. This airport is in platte county, missouri. It is busy and up-to-date. Every year, it helps millions of people travel in and out of this part of the united states. MCI has had a big update recently to make things better for travelers.
The new space at kansas city international makes travel easy and smooth. From the moment you get out of your car to when you reach your gate, it is now simple to go through the airport. Next, you will find all the key facts about kansas city international airport. This includes where it is, details about the terminal, and which airlines use this airport.
Location and Accessibility
Kansas City is right in the center of the Midwest. It is easy to get to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) from downtown because it is just a short drive away. The airport is connected to downtown by major highways, so you can get there fast. Kansas City Downtown Airport (MKC) is close to the Missouri River. It gives quick access for people who use general aviation.
Both airports offer nonstop flights from airlines like Southwest and American. This makes it easy for people to get to many places from Kansas City. These connections also help link the kansas city area to other parts of kansas and missouri much better. Kansas City International and kansas city downtown airport both give people good and fast options for travel.
Terminals and Layout
One big change for travelers is the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport. This modern terminal replaced the old three-terminals that were spread out and not connected. Now, the airport has a clean, new look with all things under one roof. The new airport covers over one million square feet and sits on thousands of acres in Kansas. That gives people more room to move around and a better place to start or end their trip.
There are two concourses in the layout, and they are joined with a walkway. The windows here are big and go from the floor up to the ceiling. These windows let in plenty of bright light and make it easy to see as you move around. With more than one runway, Kansas City International Airport can work with a lot of flights every day. Passengers will not face the same packed runways as some other large airports now.
With everything together in one spot, people can check in, go through security, and pick up their bags all under a single roof. Travelers in the new kansas city international terminal will find that it is much simpler to get around and make connections.
Kansas City International Airport also comes with lots of good services. Travelers can enjoy local kansas city dining, see art on display, and find many other ways to relax or pass the time. This new airport was made to make sure your day at the airport is easier, better, and more comfortable.
Airlines and Destinations
Many airlines fly out of Kansas City International Airport. MCI is used by all the biggest airlines in the United States, along with some from other countries. You can pick from many different carriers when you make travel plans. This helps you get good deals on flights, too.
Major airlines you will see often at kansas city international airport include:
-
Southwest Airlines
-
Delta Air Lines
-
American Airlines
-
United Airlines
-
Frontier Airlines
You can fly to other countries from kansas city international airport. The airport has nonstop flights to some top spots in Mexico and the Caribbean. You can also find easy flights with just one stop to big cities all over the world. For travel in the united states, you can book nonstop flights to many places like Denver, Dallas, and Chicago from kansas city international. This makes it easy for you to go where you want, whether in kansas or anywhere in the country.
Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC)
The Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) sits very close to the middle of downtown Kansas City. It is right next to the Missouri River. MKC offers the kind of convenience that the private pilots and business leaders look for. This downtown airport is a top choice for people who want to get in and out of the city of Kansas City fast, especially to do work.
MKC is not used for big airlines that carry many people at once. But it still does a lot for the kansas city area. The airport is an important part of how flying works in kansas and missouri. In this guide, we will look at what makes the downtown airport special. We’ll see what it’s used for and how easy it is to reach from the middle of kansas city.
History and Significance
Yes, there is a downtown airport in Kansas City. It has a long and interesting past. Long before MCI opened, the main airport was the Kansas City Downtown Airport. Back then, people called it the Kansas City Municipal Airport. It started in 1927. At that time, it was a busy spot for many top airlines, like Braniff International Airways. The airport was even seen as one of the most modern places of its kind.
But, there was a problem with its spot in the Missouri River bottoms. The land made it hard for the airport to get bigger runways. When large jets became common in the 1960s, there was not enough space to grow. Because of this, and also getting advice from the Federal Aviation Administration, the city made a new, bigger airport. That new place is now MCI. MCI is farther away from downtown Kansas City.
Even after big airlines left, the Kansas City Downtown Airport stayed important. Later, people named it after Charles B. Wheeler. He was one of the mayors and he helped keep the airport open. Today, the Kansas City Downtown Airport is still a big part of aviation in kansas city. It keeps working in a new way for both kansas and missouri, and holds a place of pride by the missouri river.
Operational Focus: General Aviation and Charter Services
Today, the Kansas City Downtown Airport is busy with general aviation and charter services. You will see private planes, business jets, and chartered aircraft on its runways and in its hangars, instead of big commercial jets. Because of this, the airport is popular with business leaders, government officials, and anyone who needs speed and privacy.
The Kansas City Aviation Department looks after the airport. They work hard to keep the airport ready for the needs of today’s aircraft operations. If you wonder, “Are there any private airports in Kansas City?” it is good to know MKC is open to the public, but its services are mostly for the private aviation crowd. The airport has everything you need if you are not using a regular airline.
The Kansas City Downtown Airport, also called MKC, focuses on:
-
Corporate and business aviation
-
Private charter services
-
Recreational flying and flight training
-
Aircraft maintenance and storage in modern hangars
-
Emergency and medical flight operations
Access from Downtown Kansas City
The airport that is closest to Kansas City is the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC). This airport’s location is what makes it stand out. It sits just north of downtown Kansas City, right across the Missouri River. If you are in the Power & Light District or Quality Hill, you can get there in about five minutes by car.
This downtown airport makes it easy for people using private or charter jets. You can get from your plane to your downtown Kansas City meeting fast. There is no long drive through freeway traffic, so you save time. This is very helpful if you have a busy day or need to move quickly.
When you land or take off here, you also get great views of the downtown Kansas City skyline. The way this airport is close by and gives you those views helps make MKC a top pick for a downtown airport. Many people believe it is one of the best in the country.
This is why downtown Kansas City travelers and pilots see MKC as a great choice in both Kansas and Missouri.
Ground Transportation Options
When you arrive in Kansas City, you will need a way to get to where you want to go. The good news is that both Kansas City International Airport and MKC have many ways for you to travel. If you want something less costly, you can use public transit. If you like something quicker or more private, you can get a car. You will find a ride that works for you.
From MCI, there are many ways to get to downtown Kansas City and other places near the city. Even at the smaller MKC, you can find taxis and ride-sharing cars with no trouble. The next parts will tell you about all the ways to get around, like public transit, shuttles, car rentals, and other choices.
Public Transit to and from Kansas City Airports
There are many public transit choices to help you get to and from the kansas city international airport and the kansas city downtown airport. You will find that local buses link both of these airports to many places in kansas city, including downtown and nearby spots. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also easy to use in the kansas city area. They allow for pickup and drop-off in different parts of kansas.
The city is always working to make kansas city public transport better. This means you will have a smooth and stress-free trip, whether you live in kansas city or are just visiting. It’s easy for everyone to get around and reach any place they want in kansas city.
Taxi, Ride-Sharing, and Shuttle Services
If you want a simple way to get to or from the Kansas City area, you have options like taxis, ride-sharing, and shuttle services at both Kansas City airports. At Kansas City International Airport, you will find these ride app pickup spots, such as Uber and Lyft, right outside the arrivals section. Taxis wait all day and night at marked stands.
These on-demand cars will take you straight to your hotel, home, or any meeting. If you are with friends, family, or you have lots of bags, you may want to book a shuttle ahead of time. These shuttles pick up at the airport and take people to many hotels and different places in the metropolitan area of Kansas City.
Your travel options here include:
-
Traditional taxi services
-
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft
-
Shared-ride shuttles
-
Private car services for a premium experience
-
Hotel-specific shuttles
Car Rentals and Parking Facilities
Getting around the Kansas City area is easy with car rental choices at both Kansas City International Airport and the downtown airport. Major rental companies like Enterprise and Hertz are right there to help. You have many parking spots to pick from, with both short-term and long-term parking close to the terminal.
If you want to drive in the kansas city area, it’s simple to get in and out because the major highways connect well to both the downtown airport and kansas city international airport. This way, you can focus on your trip and not worry about how to get to or from the terminal.
Airport Services and Amenities
Modern airports are not just places you pass through. They are now a big part of the whole travel time. At Kansas City International Airport, you will find many airport services and handy spaces for all types of people. There is local dining, shopping, nice lounges, and free Wi-Fi. These things help make your stay easier and nicer at the airport. At even the smaller MKC, you will still get the most needed services for a better airport trip.
No matter if you have work to do, want to keep your family busy, or just sit down and relax before flying, you can do it here. Now, let’s check out what kansas city international airport has for food, family time, and getting around, so your visit in kansas city or kansas is both easy and good.
Dining and Shopping at Kansas City International Airport
You can enjoy many dining and shopping choices at the new terminal of Kansas City International Airport. These spots show off the style and feel of the Kansas City area in the best way. The airport layout puts food and shopping options after security, so you can eat, shop, and relax. You do not need to worry about missing your gate.
You will find spots from popular Kansas City BBQ restaurants, craft beer places, and coffee shops. It gives you one last taste of Kansas City before you go. You can shop for a book, grab the news, or check out shops with goods made in Kansas city. There are also other items you may need for your trip. It’s a nice place to get a souvenir or pick up anything you forgot.
Some highlights at the kansas city international airport’s terminal are:
-
Local BBQ restaurants
-
Craft beer bars and coffee shops
-
National fast-food chains
-
Retail stores with KC-themed merchandise
-
Newsstands and convenience stores
-
Tech and accessory shops
Wi-Fi, Lounges, and Family Facilities
You can stay connected and feel good when you are at Kansas City International Airport. There is free, fast Wi-Fi all over the terminal, so you can work, watch, or look through things on the internet. You will not have your work or fun stop because the Wi-Fi is very strong. If you want a special space, the airport has airline lounges you can use. These are quiet places with free snacks, drinks, and spots you can use to get work done.
People traveling with kids will find many helpful things at the airport. Kansas City International Airport has play spots for children. These are good to let kids use up their energy before a flight. The airport also has family restrooms and private nursing rooms to give parents some ease. If you fly from MKC, there are not as many of these things, but you still get Wi-Fi and nice seats while you wait.
Here are some top things at MCI that make your stay easy and nice:
-
Free airport-wide Wi-Fi
-
Delta Sky Club and other lounges
-
Children’s play areas
-
Family restrooms
-
Quiet rooms and nursing rooms
Accessibility and Travel Assistance Services
Both kansas city airports do their best to give a great, welcoming time to all travelers. What can you get at these airports if you need help? At kansas city international airport, the new terminal was made to be easier for everyone. There is accessible parking, restrooms you can use, and signs that are clear and easy to see.
You can ask your airline for wheelchair help. There are people who work at the airport who can help guide you. kansas city downtown airport has facilities for people using general aviation, and these are accessible, too. The city of kansas city keeps working to make the airports welcoming for all.
Here are some of the accessibility and travel help services you can get:
-
Wheelchair and mobility help
-
Restrooms and family care rooms anyone can use
-
TTY phones and services to page you with lights
-
Places for service animals to have a break
-
Many choices for parking and getting a ride that are easy for people with special needs
Conclusion
In closing, getting around kansas city airports can help make your trip better. The kansas city international airport makes things easy for travelers. The downtown airport, called Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, is small but nice. It is important to know what you get at both airports. They both offer different ways to get around, places to eat, and other things you might need. Whether you are in kansas city for work or fun, knowing about both airports can make your travel smoother. Plan first so you can use what these airports have and make the most of your time in kansas city. Safe travels as you see what this city has for people! For more help or travel tips, you can ask for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kansas City International Airport from downtown?
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) sits about 20 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City, MO. The drive from downtown kansas city to the airport often takes 25 to 30 minutes. This can change if there is a lot of traffic. Kansas city international airport is not in the city center, but this helps things run well. It is still easy to get to with major highways going in and out of kansas city.
Can I fly internationally from Kansas City?
Yes, you can fly to other countries from Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The airport has direct flights to a number of well-known spots, like places in Mexico and the Caribbean. If you want to travel somewhere else in the world, there are easy one-stop flights from MCI. You can get to many global destinations by connecting through main airline hubs in the United States. Many people in Kansas City and around Kansas use this airport to travel out of the country.
Does Kansas City have more than one public airport?
Yes, there are two public airports in Kansas City. The main airport is Kansas City International Airport, which is also called MCI. This is the airport most people use for regular airline flights. The other airport is the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, also called MKC. This downtown airport is open to the public, but most of the flights there are for general aviation. People use it for business or private planes. Both airports are in Kansas City.