Book Your Flight

• Kansas City International Airport, code MCI, is served by several large airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Midwest Airlines, United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Please make sure MCI is listed as your final destination.
• Confirm your flight at least three days before leaving your country.
• Arrange to arrive in Kansas City no later than the start date of your study, noted on your I-20 or DS-2019. You cannot arrive in the United States more than 30 days before your reporting date.
• Airlines have a maximum weight requirement per suitcase. You may want to ship some items to the university before you leave your country.

In Transit

• Carry your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, admission letter, bank or funding verification and any other official or original documents like transcripts or diplomas with you.
• Bring your pre-arrival packet with you for access to important contact information.
• Do not carry a large amount of cash. Have only enough to cover initial expenses such as taxi or bus fare, meals and housing for when you first arrive.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended.

On Arrival

Transportation

• SuperShuttle Express
  The cost for one-way transportation for up to three people on SuperShuttle Express is $39 or $79 USD, plus tip, depending on your destination. Additional passengers on the same trip may not be discounted. You may pay by credit card, cash and international traveler’s checks. Reserve a ride by calling +1-816-243-5000 or make a reservation online.
• Taxi
  The cost for one-way transportation by taxi is $40 to $100 USD, plus tip, depending on miles traveled to destination.

• Rideshare
  Rideshare programs such as Uber and Lyft can take you from the airport to UMKC. The cost ranges from $25 to $85 USD.
• Black Car Services
  Prestige Transportation offers black car services. The cost ranges from $100 to $275 USD, depending on the time of day, choice of vehicle and passenger and luggage capacity. You can receive estimates and make a reservation online.

Some of our multi-cultural student organizations will coordinate airport pickup for new students. Explore RooGroups and reach out!

Hotels

The average cost per night at a local hotel ranges from $125 to $200 USD. You can get a special rate if you call the hotel directly and tell them you are a UMKC student.

• Best Western Seville Plaza Hotel - 4309 Main Street (1.4mi/2.3km from campus)
• InterContinental Kansas City - 401 Ward Parkway (1.0mi/1.6km from campus)
• Marriott Country Club Plaza - 4445 Main Street (0.9mi/1.45km from campus)
• Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza - 770 W. 47th Street (1.1mi/1.8km)
• Embassy Suites Kansas City-Plaza - 220 W. 43rd Street (1.2mi/1.9km)

Housing

• University housing does not come with admission.
• You are not required to live on campus.
• We recommend you make housing reservations before coming to Kansas City.

Review housing options