Kansas City travel guide

Kansas City travel guide

National Airports

There are two major airports that serve the Kansas City metropolitan area:

Kansas City International Airport (MCI): This is the primary airport for Kansas City and the surrounding region. It is located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City in Missouri. MCI serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, and is also served by several other major airlines.

Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC): This is a smaller airport located near downtown Kansas City in Missouri. It primarily serves general aviation and business flights, and is a popular destination for private jet charter services.

Overall, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the main airport to use when traveling to and from Kansas City, as it offers the most flights and connections. Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is primarily used for private aviation or smaller aircraft.

Trains in Kansas City

Amtrak operates two trains that serve the Kansas City area:

Southwest Chief: This daily train service connects Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, with stops in several cities including Kansas City, Missouri. The Southwest Chief stops at the historic Union Station in downtown Kansas City.

Missouri River Runner: This train service runs twice daily between Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, with several stops in between. It also stops at Union Station in downtown Kansas City.

Both trains offer coach and business class seating, as well as amenities such as onboard dining, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The trains are generally considered a comfortable and convenient option for traveling within Missouri and to nearby states.

Buses in Kansas City

Kansas City has several bus options for public transportation:

RideKC: This is the public transportation system in the Kansas City area, and it offers bus service throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. The system includes several different bus routes and schedules, and also offers paratransit service for eligible riders.

Greyhound: Greyhound operates a bus terminal in downtown Kansas City, offering service to destinations across the United States.

Megabus: Megabus offers service to several cities from its stop in Kansas City, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Dallas.

Jefferson Lines: Jefferson Lines offers service to several cities in the Midwest, including Minneapolis, Omaha, and Wichita, from its stop in Kansas City.

Overall, the public transportation system in Kansas City is reliable and convenient, with several options for getting around the city and traveling to nearby destinations.

How to get to Kansas City

There are several ways to get to Kansas City, depending on your starting location and mode of transportation:

By plane: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the primary airport for the Kansas City metropolitan area, and serves many major airlines. There are several direct flights from cities across the United States to MCI.

By car: Kansas City is located at the intersection of several major highways, including Interstate 70, Interstate 35, and Interstate 29. It is also within a day’s drive of several major cities in the Midwest and South.

By bus: As mentioned previously, there are several bus companies that offer service to Kansas City, including RideKC, Greyhound, Megabus, and Jefferson Lines.

By train: Amtrak offers train service to Kansas City via the Southwest Chief and Missouri River Runner routes, which stop at Union Station in downtown Kansas City.

Overall, Kansas City is easily accessible by several modes of transportation, making it a convenient destination for travelers from across the country.

What is the best time to travel to Kansas City

The best time to travel to Kansas City depends on your preferences and what you plan to do while you are there. Here is some general information about the weather and events in Kansas City throughout the year:

Spring (March – May): The weather in spring can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from chilly to mild. However, this is a great time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring local parks. Spring also brings several events to Kansas City, including the KC Restaurant Week and the Kansas City Film Festival.

Summer (June – August): Summers in Kansas City can be hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. However, this is a great time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities such as festivals, concerts, and baseball games. Some popular summer events in Kansas City include the KC Renaissance Festival and the Kansas City Fringe Festival.

Fall (September – November): Fall in Kansas City is generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. This is a great time to explore local parks and outdoor attractions. Fall also brings several events to Kansas City, including the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and the Kansas City Irish Fest.

Winter (December – February): Winters in Kansas City can be cold, with occasional snow and ice. However, this is a great time to visit if you enjoy holiday events and indoor activities such as museums and theaters. Some popular winter events in Kansas City include the Plaza Lighting Ceremony and the KC Restaurant Week.

Overall, Kansas City is a great destination year-round, with something to offer for every season.

How to get around Kansas City

There are several ways to get around Kansas City, depending on your preferences and needs:

RideKC: This is the public transportation system in Kansas City, offering bus service throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. RideKC has several different bus routes and schedules, and also offers paratransit service for eligible riders.

Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in Kansas City, and can be a convenient option for getting around the city.

Rental cars: Several car rental companies operate in Kansas City, with locations at the airport and throughout the city. This can be a good option if you plan to explore outside of the downtown area or have specific destinations in mind.

Biking and walking: Kansas City has several bike trails and pedestrian-friendly areas, making it a great city for exploring on foot or by bike. There are also several bike-sharing programs available, including the RideKC Bike program.

Overall, Kansas City is a relatively easy city to navigate, with several options for getting around. Depending on your preferences and itinerary, you can choose the mode of transportation that works best for you.

Accommodations in Kansas City

Kansas City has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, including:

Hotels: Kansas City has many hotels throughout the city, from budget-friendly chains to luxury options. Some popular hotels include the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, and the Hotel Phillips.

Vacation rentals: There are many vacation rental options available in Kansas City, from apartments to whole houses. These can be a good option if you are traveling with a group or looking for a more home-like experience.

Bed and breakfasts: Kansas City has several charming bed and breakfast options, often located in historic homes and buildings. Some popular options include the Southmoreland on the Plaza and the 1812 Overture Bed & Breakfast.

Hostels: For budget travelers, Kansas City has several hostels available, including the Kansas City Hostel and the Crossroads Hotel Hostel.

Overall, there are many options for accommodation in Kansas City, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. It’s best to do your research and book ahead of time, especially during busy travel seasons or for popular events in the city.