Airport parking is one of the most overlooked, yet often most expensive, parts of flying out of Kansas City International Airport (MCI). With increasing rates in on-site garages and limited free spaces, travelers looking to save money are turning to low-cost alternatives.
Whether you’re taking a short business trip or a long vacation, understanding MCI parking rates and affordable options can dramatically reduce your travel expenses. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know, including how to park cheaply near MCI and why many travelers choose TrueParkings for reliable, budget-friendly parking.
MCI Official Airport Parking Rates
MCI offers a variety of parking options, ranging from premium on-site garages to economy lots and off-site alternatives. Here’s how they typically break down:
MCI on-airport daily rates (typical)
| Parking type | Approx. daily rate (USD) | Key details |
| Economy parking | $9 per day | Shuttle every ~15–20 minutes; longer ride |
| Surface parking | $20 per day | Outdoor, closer than economy |
| Garage parking | $28 per day | Covered, walk to terminal |
| Valet parking | $35 per day | Premium, closest access |
When compared side by side, Trueparkings’ self-park uncovered option, often between $6.49 and $8.99 per day, can cut daily costs significantly while still keeping travelers within a few minutes of the terminal. Over a week-long trip, that difference can easily reach 50–100 USD or more.
Why On-Site Parking Costs More
Airport garages and valet services are priced higher because they’re directly adjacent to terminals and staffed by airport personnel. However, that convenience comes with premium pricing that may not be necessary for every traveler.
Free shuttle buses run between economy lots and terminals about every 15–20 minutes, making economy parking a cheaper way to bridge convenience and savings.
Why TrueParkings Is a Top Choice for Cheap MCI Airport Parking
As airport parking costs continue rising, many travelers choose TrueParkings because it blends low rates, convenience, and customer support; features often missing from traditional on-site options.
Trueparkings KCI parking rates
| Service type | Price range (USD) | Notes |
| Self-Park Uncovered | $6.49–$8.99 per day | Standard option for most trips |
| Weekly Parking | $45–$85 per week | Ideal for vacations and business travel |
| Monthly Parking | $160–$225 per month | Suited to frequent flyers and long stays |
These rates compare very favorably with on-airport options that run from about $9 to $35 USD per day. Importantly, Trueparkings’ discounted rates are often best when you book directly at Trueparkings rather than through third-party sites.
Key advantages include:
- Location: About 1.2 miles from MCI, with a shuttle ride of roughly 5 minutes to the terminal.
- 24/7 shuttle: Shuttles run every 15–20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covering early flights and late arrivals.
- Security: Well-lit lot, CCTV monitoring, and on-site staff provide peace of mind for short- and long-term stays.
- Transparent prices: Base rates and sample cost comparisons are clearly listed on the Trueparkings rates page.
For travelers trying to keep overall trip budgets under control while still avoiding rideshare surges and last-minute parking hassles, these features make Trueparkings a compelling option.
How Trueparkings Works for MCI Parking
Trueparkings is designed for a simple, repeatable travel routine: reserve, park, shuttle, and fly. The process is particularly friendly for first-time users and families.
Typical Trueparkings experience:
Reserve online
- Go to Trueparkings and enter your check-in and check-out dates and times for Kansas City International Airport.
- Review real-time rates, confirm details, and complete payment to secure a guaranteed spot.
- Arrive at the lot
- Drive to the Trueparkings lot near MCI, located about 1.2 miles from the airport.
- Plan to arrive roughly 20 minutes before you want to be inside the terminal, on top of airline-recommended check-in times.
- Shuttle to MCI
- Park your vehicle, check in if required, and board the free shuttle, which runs every 15–20 minutes, day and night.
- Ride about 5 minutes to the designated off-airport parking drop-off zone at MCI and walk into the terminal.
- Return and pickup
- After your trip, follow signs for Ground Transportation/Off Airport Parking and go to the pickup area.
- Board the Trueparkings shuttle back to the lot, retrieve your car, and exit; no extra shuttle fee is charged.
More detail on the process and advantages is available on Trueparkings’ own guides, including the MCI advantages and how-it-works pages.
Cheap Parking vs Rideshare Costs
Many travelers also consider rideshare to and from the airport instead of parking, but that is not always the cheapest choice, especially for multi-day trips. Trueparkings provides comparison data showing how parking can be more economical than round-trip rideshare in many scenarios.
Trueparkings’ rate tables show, for example, that three, five, seven, and fourteen-day parking totals often undercut round-trip rideshare by a wide margin, especially during surge times. For budget-conscious travelers or families, parking at a cheap daily rate can be the better long-term strategy.
Tips to Get the Best MCI Parking Rate
To maximize savings and convenience, a few simple strategies can help:
- Book in advance: The cost structure also depends on seasonal demands, so it’s always advisable to book in advance from Trueparkings and get cheaper rates for peak times.
- Compare the cost of the trip: Compare the cost of the trip by looking at the full cost of staying instead of looking at the cost for one day.
- Check for discounts: Trueparkings occasionally has discount coupons or promotional rates for frequent or long-term users that can be obtained by accessing its website.
- Allow sufficient time: Factor in the time for the shuttle ride of 5 minutes, as well as the shuttle frequency of 15-20 minutes into your pre-flight routine.
If you have questions about the best option for your specific trip, you can reach the team through the Trueparkings Contact Us page for personalized advice.
Why It’s Worth Choosing TrueParkings in 2026
Trends in airport parking indicate that both on-airport garages and off-airport lots can present problems of cost as well as inconvenience if accessed without exploring other possibilities. Many travelers are therefore finding alternative options in private off-airport lots, which provide both economy and convenience.
With its budget-conscious prices, shuttle bus transportation provided, easy online reservation, and customer assistance, TrueParkings is definitely a sensible and cost-effective option if the goal is to begin traveling stress-free and with no surprise costs at the Kansas City airport parking.
Whether for business, pleasure, or visits with the family, the right approach to parking can save you cash and ensure peace of mind for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does parking cost at Trueparkingsnear MCI?
Trueparkings typically charges about $6.49–$8.99 USD per day for self-park uncovered parking, with weekly and monthly rates that reduce the per-day cost further, especially for longer trips from Kansas City International Airport. - Is Trueparkings cheaper than MCI’s economy and garage parking?
Yes. While MCI economy starts around $9 per day and garage parking around 28 USD, Trueparkings offers daily rates that usually fall below those figures, creating substantial savings over multi-day or weekly stays. - How far is Trueparkings from Kansas City International Airport (MCI/KCI)?
Trueparkings is located roughly 1.2 miles from the airport, and its shuttle typically takes around 5 minutes to reach the terminal area, making it nearly as convenient as on-site economy lots at a lower price. - Does Trueparkings charge extra for the shuttle?
No. Shuttle service is included in every Trueparkings reservation and runs 24/7, generally every 15–20 minutes, providing free round-trip transportation between the parking lot and Kansas City International Airport. - How can I see current Trueparkings rates for my travel dates?
Travelers can visit the official Trueparkings rates page or start a booking at Trueparkings to view up-to-date pricing based on selected dates, length of stay, and availability. - How do I contact Trueparkings if I have questions before booking?
You can reach the Trueparkings support team through the contact page to ask about pricing, accessibility, oversized vehicles, or any other details related to cheap MCI parking options for your upcoming trip.
