Kansas City Layover Guide (MCI)

What are you looking for in MCI?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Naples Airport (NAP) is an international airport located in Capodichino, just 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Naples, Italy. The airport officially opened in 1910 and has grown into a major gateway to Southern Italy. Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary excellence. It’s also famous for its proximity to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius.

Can you leave Kansas City Airport (MCI) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Naples Airport (NAP), you may leave the terminal to explore Naples if you have sufficient connection time. However, since Italy is part of the Schengen Area, non-EU/EEA travelers generally require a valid Schengen visa to enter. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g. US, UK, Canada) do not. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Kansas City Wraiths & Whiskey Ghost Tour

Embark on a spine-tingling walking tour that delves into Kansas City’s haunted history. Visit iconic sites like the Savoy Hotel, Coates Hotel, and Folly Theater, as your guide shares bone-chilling stories of murder, fire, and restless spirits. Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting a unique nighttime adventure. Experience the city after dark and uncover chilling legends that linger in every shadow. » book this tour

Kansas City’s Cultural Gems: A Walking Tour Experience

Discover the vibrant heart of Kansas City on this private walking tour. Explore landmarks like the iconic Public Library’s book-themed façade, the dynamic Power & Light District, and the architectural marvels of the Kauffman Center. Wander the Crossroads Arts District, learning about local art, history, and culture from an expert guide. » book this tour

Kansas City: Country Club Plaza Escape Game

Put your wits to the test in a thrilling 60-minute escape room adventure at Country Club Plaza. Choose from five immersive scenarios—escape from prison, uncover lost gold, or explore an underwater lab—solving puzzles and working as a team. Ideal for groups seeking a fun, brain-teasing challenge. Perfect for visitors with limited time during a layover. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Union Station Explore historic downtown train station at the Union Station showcasing interactive museums, a planetarium, and architectural grandeur, offering dining options, seasonal events, and memorable, unique experiences for families, travelers alike. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~25 min))
  • National WWI Museum and Memorial Discover rich, comprehensive exhibitions at the National WWI Museum and Memorial featuring interactive galleries, detailed wartime artifacts, and Liberty Memorial Tower access, providing educational insight and striking panoramic city views. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~25 min))
  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Admire diverse global art collections at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, wander sculpture gardens, engage in award-winning interactive exhibits showcasing ancient to contemporary masterpieces, and enjoy family-friendly educational programs. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~20 min))
  • Country Club Plaza Stroll through the Country Club Plaza, an open-air shopping district featuring Spanish-inspired architecture, upscale boutiques, charming fountains, seasonal events, and live music, while sampling diverse local cuisine at patio cafés. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~20 min))
  • Kansas City River Market Browse fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and global foods at the Kansas City River Market, enjoying vibrant stalls, family-friendly street performances, pop-up vendors, gourmet coffee shops, seasonal festivals, and riverfront scenery. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 229 to 5th & Main (~45 min) or taxi (~25 min))
  • Crown Center Experience family entertainment at Crown Center, exploring shops, restaurants, engaging seasonal events, interactive Legoland Discovery Center, Sea Life Aquarium, and the adjacent historic Union Station plaza area with holiday attractions. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~25 min))
  • Boulevard Brewing Company Tour Savor craft beers on a guided tour at Boulevard Brewing Company, learning historic brewing processes, exploring interactive displays, tasting seasonal and unique flagship drafts, and browsing the taproom’s gift shop. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~20 min))
  • Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Attend complimentary behind-the-scenes tours of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, admire striking architecture, explore captivating gallery exhibits, and catch immersive live rehearsals or lobby performances showcasing local talent. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~25 min))

Things to Do in Kansas City Airport (MCI)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Lounge options at MCI include Escape Lounge in Concourse A, Delta Sky Club in Concourse B and a USO lounge behind Baggage Claim 5. These spaces offer complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, power outlets and serene sky decks or quiet rooms for military travelers to unwind before flights journeys. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within five miles of MCI, onsite Kansas City Airport Marriott and nearby hotels like Orangewood Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Home2 Suites by Hilton offer free shuttle service, complimentary breakfast, in-room Wi-Fi, fitness centers and comfortable beds. Options range from budget-friendly to upscale to suit different traveler needs. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
MCI terminal is open 24/7 with a self-service Quiet Room airside before upper Concourse A gates. While there are no dedicated cots or sleeping pods, travelers can find benches and lounge seating throughout, and a 24-hour USO offers a peaceful spot for eligible military passengers to catch brief fleeting rest.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: MCI offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal under the network name KCI_FREE_WiFi. Access requires simple registration via a captive portal and provides 240-minute sessions. Charging stations and power outlets are conveniently located near gates. Lounges may offer separate, higher-speed connections for members, requiring valid credentials or purchase additional unlimited time.

SIM/eSIM Card: International travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile at airport electronics retailers or convenience stores. eSIM plans are available online in advance for instant activation upon arrival. Major carrier stores in the terminal or nearby areas handle sales, activations and top-ups for data, calls, and texts. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis queue at curbside columns 3A–3D on the lower Arrivals level outside both baggage claim areas. Fares to downtown average $30-40. Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) pick up at designated signposts 2K–2N. All vehicles are metered; additional fees may apply for airport surcharges, tolls and gratuity. Travel time varies with traffic.

Train: There is no fixed-rail link at MCI. Amtrak trains serve Kansas City Union Station (station code KCY) at 30 West Pershing Road, two miles south. The Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief connect to Chicago, St. Louis and Los Angeles. more info. Six daily departures simplify long-distance journeys.

Bus: RideKC bus Route 229 runs hourly between downtown Kansas City (East Village TC) and MCI terminal, stopping at curbside column 2A. Service operates daily from early morning until around 9:45 PM. Fares are currently waived. more info. Passengers can track buses live via the RideKC app for convenience.

Shuttle: Multiple free shuttle services operate at MCI. Hotel shuttles pick up at lower level columns 3E–3H, running 24/7. Rental car and off-site parking shuttles depart from column 2E and in economy lot at 2F. All shuttles board curbside; schedules vary by operator. Requests for wheelchair assistance can be arranged beforehand.

Car rentals: Car rental agencies are consolidated in a central facility reachable via shuttle from column 2E. Major providers like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget and National operate desks at arrivals row. Vehicles are clean and insured; renters must present a valid driver’s license and credit card for deposit. Fuel policies vary widely. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: MCI offers adjacent covered garage parking and several off-site economy lots. The seven-story garage provides hourly, daily and long-term rates with EV charging stalls. Economy parking lots include free shuttles from columns 2F and 2G. Discounted coupons and monthly passes are available online. Rates vary by season and monthly availability.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

MCI does not offer luggage storage or locker services. Travelers requiring secure baggage facilities must use off-airport options in downtown or near adjacent hotels. Check local luggage storage companies or hotel concierge services for short-term storage, typically priced per item and per day. Use apps like Bounce, LuggageHero or Stasher. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Kansas City Airport (MCI) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks