Kansas City is easy to reach but takes a little planning once you arrive. The metropolitan area covers a large footprint across Missouri and Kansas, so the best way to get around depends on where you are staying and what you want to see.
Flying to Kansas City
Kansas City International Airport is the main airport for the region. It sits northwest of central Kansas City, so allow time for the journey between the airport and your accommodation.
Do you need a car?
A car is useful if you plan to explore widely, visit suburban destinations or make day trips. If your itinerary focuses on central neighborhoods, you may be able to combine public transit, walking and rideshare services instead.
Streetcar and public transit
Kansas City’s streetcar serves parts of the central city and can be particularly useful for visitors moving between downtown districts. Bus services cover a wider area.
Routes, fares and service patterns can change, so check current local transit information when planning your trip.
Walking
Individual districts can be enjoyable on foot, but Kansas City as a whole is not a compact walking destination. Think in terms of walking within neighborhoods and using transport between them.
Plan geographically
The simplest trick is to group attractions by area. Spend one part of the day downtown, another around the Plaza or museums, rather than repeatedly crossing the city. You will spend less time travelling and more time actually enjoying Kansas City.