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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Compare rates and make bookings in one place. All the major brands operate 24/7 from the airport's consolidated rental facility, a free 5-10 minute shuttle ride from the new single terminal, so you can hit I-29 for downtown Kansas City or Overland Park without delay.
Kansas City International Airport features a consolidated rental car facility that houses all major rental agencies, connected to the terminal by dedicated shuttle buses.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Off-site, around 5-10 minutes by shuttle from terminal |
| Shuttle Service | Free, continuous service from all terminals |
| Operating Hours | Major agencies: 24/7 Smaller providers: Generally 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM daily |
| Pickup Process | Exit baggage claim, follow signs to rental car shuttles (blue bus stops) |
| Return Process | Follow airport signs for rental car return, then take shuttle to terminal |
| Agencies | Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty |
On average, car rentals at Kansas City Airport cost around $65 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Compare and nudge the dates: run a single search across all agencies, then shift pickup or drop-off by a few hours or to a weekday—small tweaks can cut 10-20 %.
Travel in the quiet months: rates at MCI dip in January-February and November, well below summer and major-event pricing.
Go for the weekly price: if you need 5+ days, a 7-day "week" is often cheaper than paying the straight daily rate.
Use Missouri's free spouse rule: adding your partner as a driver costs $0 here, saving the usual $10-15 per day.
Skip pricey extras and prepay smartly: prepaid bookings often knock off another 15-20 %, and using your phone for GPS keeps the gadget fee in your pocket.
Refuel away from the terminal: stop at gas stations on NW Barry Road or Ambassador Drive—gas runs about 10-15¢ less per gallon than the pumps next to the airport.
Airport Parking Options:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Get a rental car so you can see:
Downtown Kansas City – Power & Light District, Crossroads Arts District
Country Club Plaza – fountains, shopping
Legends Outlets & Kansas Speedway – retail center, motorsports
Independence – Truman Library, courthouse square
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at MCI?
You can expect the whole process to take about 20–30 minutes during normal times and up to 45 minutes when it's busy. This time covers your shuttle ride from the terminal to the rental building and the paperwork at the counter.
Is it possible to return my rental car outside of business hours?
Yes, you can return your car after hours at any rental agency at MCI since they all have key drop boxes. The major companies are open 24/7, so an agent can help you even if you return the car late at night.
Do I need to refill the gas tank before returning?
Yes, most rental agreements require you to return the car with a full tank of gas. You can find several gas stations within 5 miles of the airport rental building. You'll save a lot of money by refueling the car yourself instead of paying the rental company's fee.
Can I pick up at the airport and return to a different location?
Yes, you can book a one-way rental, but the company usually adds a one-way fee of $50–150 depending on the return location. Many companies let you return the car for free to their other locations in the Kansas City metro area.
Is there a difference in price between different rental agencies at MCI?
Yes, prices can be very different from one company to another. Cheaper brands like Dollar and Thrifty often have lower prices. Premium brands like Hertz and National might give you better service and more cars to choose from.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
The major rental companies at MCI will hold your car if your flight is delayed. It's a good idea to give them your flight number when you book so the company can track any delays.
Do I need to pay extra for crossing between Missouri and Kansas?
No, you don't pay extra fees for driving between states. Just know that Kansas has some toll roads, like the Kansas Turnpike on I-70 west of Topeka, but Missouri does not. Sales taxes and gas prices are also different in each state.
Are child safety seats available for rent?
Yes, you can rent child safety seats from all the major rental companies for about $10–15 per day. You should book one in advance to make sure they have one available, especially during busy travel times.
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