This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by

Kansas City (MCI): RideKC route 229, currently free

RideKC serves the airport every day and the regular fare is free at this time. Route 229 uses the Boardwalk-KCI transfer station.

  • RideKC operates to and from Kansas City International every day of the week.
  • The regular fare is free at this time, in the airport's own words.
  • The service is Route 229, using the Boardwalk-KCI transfer station.
  • Taxi rates are 2.50 dollars plus 2.10 dollars a mile, and may be shared if the first passenger asks and the others agree.
  • A city ordinance requires taxi drivers to take all trips regardless of length. If a short trip is refused, take the cab number and report it on 816-243-5237.
  • It is illegal for taxi drivers to solicit your business without being asked.
  • Airport shuttle buses are free, 24 hours a day: the blue Economy bus every 15 to 20 minutes, the gray Rental Car bus every 5 to 10.
  • All the parking buses are wheelchair accessible with kneeling capability.
  • Ride share pickup is at the Arrivals commercial curb, at the purple signposts 2K to 2N.

A free bus

  • RideKC, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, serves the airport every day of the week, and the airport states plainly that the regular fare is free at this time.
  • The route is 229, working from the Boardwalk-KCI transfer station.
  • Free fares are a policy that can change, and both the airport and RideKC hedge it with "at this time" - so check on the day.

Taxis

  • Rates are 2.50 dollars plus 2.10 dollars a mile, varying with traffic and waiting time.
  • Fares may be prorated between passengers when the originating passenger requests it and everyone else agrees.
  • A city ordinance requires drivers to take all trips regardless of length. If a driver refuses a short trip, note the name and vehicle number and call 816-243-5237.
  • Drivers may not solicit your business uninvited. Call 816-243-2345 for a taxi and give your exact location.

Getting around the airport

  • The blue Economy bus runs between the Economy Parking Lots and the terminal, every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • The gray Rental Car bus runs between the Consolidated Rental Car Facility and the terminal, every 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Both are free, run 24 hours a day and are wheelchair accessible with kneeling capability. They stop on the commercial curb, marked with overhead signs.
  • For ride share, follow the signs down to the Arrivals commercial curb and look for the purple signposts 2K to 2N. Wait until your car has pulled into a bay.

Picking someone up

  • Parking on the departures and arrivals curbs is prohibited - you may only stop long enough to load or unload, and the passenger must already be outside.
  • The free cell phone waiting lot is at 50 Bern St, a few minutes from the terminal, with a public toilet. Maximum wait 45 minutes and no unattended vehicles.
  • Ride share drivers use the lot at 684 Brasilia Ave.

The new terminal

  • MCI replaced its three-horseshoe 1970s terminals with a single new one in 2023, which is why older advice about "Terminal B" no longer applies.
  • The airport is about 25 km north-west of downtown Kansas City, across the Missouri River, and the drive is the main reason the bus takes an hour.

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Sources (1)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.