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Kansas City Airport Guide

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sleeping in kansas city airport
(photo courtesy of a guest traveller / July 2023)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Kansas City Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I don’t have any information about sleeping at the new facility, except that the seats near gates are all designed with the unmovable armrests that discourage laying down on them. – a traveller (2023)

MCI Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Kansas City International Airport.

What to expect

Kansas City Airport (code: MCI) consists of a new single terminal building. There are a fair number of eateries and shops in both terminals, though many tend to be on the landside. Travellers describe the airport as disorganized. WiFi is available, and outlets for charging mobile devices can be found throughout. For those looking for a little added comfort, Delta has a lounge that you can access even if you are not flying business/first class. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

Sleeping in Kansas City Airport

Readers tell us, “The seats near gates are all designed with the unmovable armrests that discourage lying down on them, but you may be able to get airside if you arrive the night before.” For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Kansas City Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

A Quiet Room is available airside near the A Gates (upper level). The space is open 24 hours. Lights are kept low, conversations should be quiet, and mobile phones must be silenced. Seating is limited, so availability depends on passenger traffic. (submitted by a traveller/July 2023)

Kansas City Airport Quiet Room
Quiet Room (photo courtesy of a guest traveller / July 2023)

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Kansas City airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near the airport.

Airport Shuttles: Most nearby airport hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with the hotel for pick-up instructions, schedules and any reservation requirements. For airport pick-up, use the courtesy phone in the baggage claim area.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Concourse B, Mezzanine. Lounge Access: Lounge Membership programs. Hours: 4:15 AM – 7:15 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Complimentary for Delta One and SkyTeam Premium passengers • Sky Club membership • American Express Platinum and Centurion cards when flying Delta.

Military Lounges

  • USO Lounge – Location: Landside, Terminal C, lower level, near baggage claim 6. Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet space with recliners).  Sleep Facilities: No. Amenities: Lounge cafè, charging stations, TV with access to Disney+, arcade, board games, fast Wi-Fi. Lounge Access: open to enlisted military and their families. Lounge Access: Complimentary for active-duty U.S. military members and their families.

Drinking Water

Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout the terminal, including near restrooms and gate areas.

Food & Drinks

Food options operate on varying schedules. Late-night options are primarily grab-and-go. The following locations are open 24 hours:

  • &Go – near Gate B58 (post-security)
  • &Go – Arrivals level (landside)
  • Aeguna – Arrivals level (landside)
  • Costa Coffee vending – Arrivals level (landside)

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB charging ports are available throughout gate seating areas. Availability can vary depending on gate location and crowd levels.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Kansas City Airport. Connect to the “KCI_FREE_WiFi” network.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Arts & Culture Program – Kansas City International features commissioned artworks by local, regional, and international artists. Installations are displayed throughout the terminal, concourses, and parking areas.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Information not available.
Baggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys are available. If you need assistance, visit the information desk in the check-in hall.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are not available in the terminal.
Duty-Free & Shopping – There are no duty-free shops. A selection of retail and travel-essential shops is available, including grab-and-go options that operate 24 hours.
Family Services – A children’s play area is available before the boarding gates. Family washrooms offer extra space, stroller access, and charging outlets. Nursing rooms are also available and include comfortable seating, adjustable lighting, and changing facilities.
Information Desk – An information desk is located in the check-in hall. Airport Ambassadors, typically wearing red blazers, are also available to assist passengers.
Pet Relief Area – Multiple pet relief areas are available inside security and outside the terminal. Indoor areas are equipped with artificial turf, waste bags, and cleaning supplies.
Sensory Room – A sensory room designed for neurodivergent travellers and passengers with sensory sensitivities is available 24 hours a day. The space includes soft seating and activity zones intended to provide a calmer environment.
Smoking – Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal. Designated smoking areas are located outside on the Arrivals level and other exterior areas.

Airlines
Kansas City Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • Apple Vacation • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • Jet Blue Airways • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines • Sun Country Airlines • United Airlines • Vacation Express • VivaAerobus.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

RideKC operates a metro bus service from KCI Airport to downtown. At the time of our August 2023 update, the fare is free. Check out route #229 at RideKC’s website for extra info.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies serve the airport: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty. Their service locations are linked to the airport by a free shuttle service. Gray Rental Car Shuttles stop to pick up and drop off passengers at marked shelters on the terminal medians.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttles

Blue buses travel between the terminals and the economy parking lots 24/7. Grey buses transport passengers between rental car lanes to the terminals. They also operate 24/7.

Ride Sharing

Uber and Lyft ride-sharing services are available. A ride to Downtown Kansas City will cost you about $30.

Shuttles

Several companies offer shared-ride door-to-door service to and from the airport. Contact your service provider of choice before arrival at the airport, as some companies require a reservation.

Taxis

Taxi service can be requested by direct-dial courtesy phones located inside and outside the baggage claim area and terminal exits. Dial 816 – 243 – 2345 and book your taxi. Taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. At the time of this update, the starting fare is $2.50 plus $2.10 per mile.

Last updated: 2026-02-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

Airport at a Glance

Overall Experience:

21 Reviews
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