By Air

Kansas City International Airport (816/243-5237, www.flykci.com) welcomes travelers with a straightforward, no-fuss layout divided into three C-shaped terminals: A, B, and C. Midwest and Southwest Airlines are two of the busiest at KCI since the demise of TWA, Kansas City’s primary airline.

Accommodations around the airport are plentiful, but the airport is just 20 minutes north of downtown; arrange for shuttle transportation or car rental to your final destination, more economical options than taxis, which could run $50 and higher. Several kiosks located throughout each terminal provide direct connections to nearby hotels, as well as shuttle and car rental services like Hertz, Avis, and Budget Rent-A-Car.

Public transportation also runs between KCI and downtown Kansas City, a convenient and inexpensive option if you’re staying downtown. Exact change is required for bus tickets; updated fare information and route maps are available at www.kcata.org.

KCI includes several casual eateries and coffee shops, but if you’re departing in the late evening, stop for food on the way. Most shops and kiosks close by 8 p.m. or earlier.

By Train

Although prone to delays, Amtrak (816/842-0749, www.amtrak.com) operates numerous regional and national routes on the Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief. An especially popular choice for those coming from Chicago, St. Louis, and points in between, Amtrak operates out of Kansas City’s Union Station (Amtrak abbreviation “KCY”), putting travelers in the heart of downtown upon arrival.

Taxis, often waiting outside the main entrance, are a good bet if you’re staying in downtown, Westport, and the Plaza, and most rides average $5–15. Or ride the Metro, Kansas City’s bus system, which stops throughout the day at Union Station. Bus schedules and fare information are available at the Metro stop located outside the front entrance.

By Bus

Greyhound runs bus service to and from Kansas City out of its main terminal (1101 Troost Ave., 816/221-2835, www.greyhound.com), which is in the heart of downtown. If you will arrive during the evening, arrange for transportation from the bus station prior to your arrival, as it’s not recommended to walk to downtown hotels.

An increasingly popular bus option, the MegaBus (877/462-6342, www.megabus.com), travels across Missouri and to Chicago, sometimes with fares as low as $1 per seat. You’ll arrive at the Kansas City Transportation Authority’s 3rd and Grand MetroCenter, in the heart of the River Market. You’ll want to secure additional transportation to your hotel, as those located in the River Market and Power and Light District are quite a hike from the bus station.

© Katy Ryan from Moon Kansas City, 1st Edition