Kansas City International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels
Airport area (KCI)
Airport area · Free hotel shuttles in 5-10 minutes from the Sunport terminals; there is no direct train or bus in this area.
Best for: A dawn flight, a late-night arrival or a short layover, without relying on traffic into the city.
- Free shuttle at any hour, on request
- Just minutes from check-in to the gate even at peak times
- An area of warehouses and highway interchanges, nothing to do on foot in the evening
- A car or taxi is needed for any trip outside the hotel
Recommended hotels in this area
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City International Airport: Two-room suites 6 minutes from the terminal, with hot breakfast and an evening reception included every day.
- Hilton Kansas City Airport: Three miles from the terminals, with both an indoor and outdoor pool, handy for killing hours before a night flight.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Kansas City Airport: Suites with a full kitchen, convenient for anyone staying more than one night near the Sunport.
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Downtown and the Power & Light District
City centre · By car or taxi 20-25 minutes from the Sunport; the free RideKC 229 bus connects the airport and downtown but with over 40 stops and about an hour's ride.
Best for: Those who want restaurants, the Power & Light District and the T-Mobile Center within walking distance, and accept a longer transfer from the airport.
- Restaurants, bars and the T-Mobile Center within walking distance
- Since October 2025 the KC Streetcar has connected downtown with Country Club Plaza and Westport for free
- No quick connection to the airport, only a car or a slow bus
- On weekends with events at the T-Mobile Center the streets around it get crowded
Recommended hotels in this area
- Hotel Kansas City, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: In the historic 1922 Kansas City Club building, a 5-minute walk from the convention center; reviews praise the staff and the 1920s-style rooms.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Kansas City Downtown: In the historic Rialto Building, just steps from the T-Mobile Center and the Power & Light District.
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Country Club Plaza and Westport
Neighbourhood · About 25-30 minutes by car or taxi from the Sunport, with no direct connection; from Downtown you can also get there with the free KC Streetcar.
Best for: Those who combine the trip with shopping at the Plaza or Westport's nightlife and want to stay more than one night.
- The Plaza and Westport connected to each other on foot, with restaurants and bars
- From the Plaza the free tram reaches all the way to Downtown without a car
- From the airport a car or taxi is always needed, no direct bus
- A touristy area, more expensive and busier on weekends
Recommended hotels in this area
- Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza: An all-suite tower right on the Plaza, renovated in 2022, just steps from shops and restaurants.
- Hotel Westport Kansas City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: In the heart of Old Westport, steps from bars and restaurants; useful for those seeking the neighborhood's evening life more than the Plaza.
- InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza: A historic 1972 hotel with a seasonal pool, right on Ward Parkway across from the Plaza.
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