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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Kansas City. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. Check live rates across Kansas City International Airport (MCI), downtown and Plaza branches to see if skipping the airport fees saves you cash, then lock in the vehicle you need in minutes.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City International Airport (MCI) | • Multiple agencies in consolidated rental facility • 24-hour service at major agencies • Shuttle service from terminals • Widest vehicle selection |
• Higher rates due to airport fees (approximately 15-20%) • Located 20 miles (32 km) from downtown • Extra time needed for shuttle transfer |
| Downtown/City Locations | • Lower rates than airport • Convenient if staying downtown • Close to major business districts • Good for one-way rentals |
• Limited hours (often closed on Sundays) • Smaller vehicle selection • Possible parking challenges for pickup/return |
| Plaza/Midtown Locations | • Centrally located for tourism • Moderate rates • Convenient to popular attractions • Multiple agency options |
• Can be busy during peak tourism seasons • Limited availability during special events • May have restricted weekend hours |
On average, car rentals in Kansas City cost around $69 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Missouri pickup = cheaper tax + free spouse driver: MO rental tax is 4.225 % versus Kansas' 6.5 %, and Missouri law waives the spouse/partner additional-driver fee.
Compare pickup spots: MCI airport rentals add about 15–20 % in fees. If you're staying downtown or on the Plaza, grab a rideshare from the airport and collect the car in town to save $25+ per day.
Mid-week start, not weekend: Rates often dip on Tuesday–Thursday pickups. Chiefs games, NASCAR weekends and summer BBQ festivals push prices up fast, so lock in 2–3 weeks ahead for those dates only.
Test multiple date ranges: A 7-day "weekly" rate can beat a 4-day daily total. Plug a few combos into the comparison tool before you hit book.
Skip the extras: Bring your own phone mount, decline the GPS, and use the free KC Parkmobile app for parking instead of paying the agency's daily gadget fees.
Refuel on the Kansas side: Gas runs 10–15¢ cheaper west of State Line Road—fill up there before heading back to drop off.
Downtown Parking:
Popular Attractions:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
A rental car unlocks both sides of the metro and makes day-tripping across Missouri and Kansas simple.
Country Club Plaza & Midtown – Nelson-Atkins Museum, shopping garages
Arrowhead Stadium & Kauffman Stadium – NFL and MLB venues on I-70
Independence, MO – Harry S. Truman sites
Lawrence, KS – University of Kansas, Mass Street
Legends Outlets & Kansas Speedway – retail, NASCAR events in Kansas City, KS
St. Louis, MO – Gateway Arch, riverfront district
Is a car necessary when visiting Kansas City? Yes, we highly recommend you get a car. While the KC Streetcar gets you around downtown and buses run on the main roads, the city is very spread out across two states. Renting a car is the most practical way to explore everything.
What are the busiest traffic times in Kansas City? You'll find the most traffic during weekday rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM), especially on I-35, I-70 and the I-435 loop. You'll also see more traffic near Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium before and after games.
Do I need to worry about crossing between Kansas and Missouri? You don't need any permits or special papers to cross between the states. Just know that some street names stay the same across the state line, which can be confusing when you're driving. Sales taxes and gas prices are also different in each state.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Kansas City? You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you plan to use your own car insurance, the rental company might ask you to show proof of it, but they don't always. Visitors from other countries need a valid passport and driver's license. Some companies also ask for an International Driving Permit.
How much should I budget for gas? In Kansas City, gas prices are usually between $3.10 and $3.70 a gallon, depending on the time of year. You'll generally find that prices are 10–15¢ cheaper on the Kansas side.
Are there any areas I should avoid driving in Kansas City? Like any big city, some neighborhoods have more crime than others. You should take normal safety steps, especially at night. Downtown and the main tourist spots are usually safe, but you should keep your valuable things hidden from view.
How does winter weather affect driving in Kansas City? In the winter, snow and ice can sometimes make driving tricky. Crews clear the main roads quickly, but side streets can stay slippery for longer. You might want a car that has all-wheel drive if you visit between December and February.
Can I find electric vehicle charging stations in Kansas City? Yes, you can find more than 1,000 public charging ports at hundreds of stations all over the city. You'll see a lot of them downtown, on the Plaza and at major shopping centers. The city has one of the biggest EV charging networks in the Midwest.
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