Car Hire Wichita Mid Continent Airport

Car Hire

Wichita Airport is largest airport in the US state of Kansas and serves its largest city. It is the gateway to one of the country’s largest zoos, the scenic Flint Hills and the El Dorado State Park. It sits around 11 miles from Wichita’s city centre, with buses making the journey into the early evening. Taxis and shuttle buses also make the 15-minute journey into the city, though car rental in Wichita Airport is the best option for accessing the city and touring around.

Who to Book With
A number of international car hire agents offer vehicles for rent at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Counters are located in the baggage claim area, as are courtesy telephones to ring up companies that are located off site.

Need to Know Essentials
When you go to fetch your vehicle you will need to show the following:

- A valid driver’s licence
- The credit card that was used to make the booking
- An additional proof of identification
- Verification of your reservation

For more info read our FAQs.

Driving
Wichita is a driving city, with traffic rarely a problem and parking easy to find. Most visitors opt to self-drive around the city, which is easy to navigate thanks to its grid system. The Kansas Turnpike passes by the east side of the city, connecting it with the rest of the state, while Interstate 135 cuts through it, running north and south. The Kansas Turnpike is a toll route that runs on a ticket-based system and charges according to distance driven. Petrol stations are plentiful and drivers must pay before they fill up. This can be done with cash or credit card, though not all stations will accept UK-issued cards.

For more information on driving here have a look at our Guide on the USA.

Transport

Buses connect the airport to the city centre, but these stop operating in the early evening and don’t run at all on Sunday. Passengers arriving on late flights or on a Sunday will have to rely on expensive taxis or limousines. Self-drive is the most preferred way to access the city as well as being the most convenient.

Trains
There is no train service here or in the city itself. The closest railway station is in Newton, which is around 33 miles north of the airport. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line that runs between Chicago and Los Angeles makes a stop here.

Taxis
ABC Cab Company, American Cab and Best Cab offer taxi service from the airport into the city centre. The taxi rank is located outside of the main terminal building, directly across the street. Taxis use a meter system but some drivers may try to negotiate a fixed rate before driving off.

Taxi prices:
Wichita Airport to Wichita city centre is approximately £11
Wichita Airport to Derby is approximately £24
Wichita Airport to Newton Amtrak is approximately £44

Buses
The West Maple route of the local Wichita Transit serves the airport, linking it to the city centre. The bus runs between 05:45 and 18:45 on weekdays and 06:45 and 5:45 on Saturday. A single fare costs just over £1 and a day pass is just over £3. Visitors not choosing to get around by self-drive can purchase a three-day pass for around £10, but it should be noted that not all areas of the city are covered along the city’s bus routes.

Facilities

Terminals
There is one terminal at the Wichita Airport that has 11 gates located on two connected concourses. Though it is the largest airport in Kansas, it only handles domestic flights. Visitors arriving from the UK can do so by making a stop in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Houston or Denver.

Parking
There are three car parks at Wichita Airport: a short-term, long-term and park and ride car park. There is also a free cell phone lot where people can pick up arriving passengers, though the maximum time anyone can park here is 30 minutes. The short-term car park is directly across the street from the terminal building and is the most expensive car park, costing around £10 for 24 hours. The long-term car park is behind the short-term lot and costs around £6 for 24 hours. Those on a budget can park in the off-site park and ride lot, with shuttles taking passengers from the terminal to the car park every 10 minutes.

Wi-Fi
Wireless internet access is available free of charge throughout the entire terminal building.

Information Services
There is an information kiosk on the ground level of the terminal building. Most airline representatives will also be able to provide some information to passengers.

Useful Numbers
Administration: +1 316 946-4700

Accessibility
TSA Cares provides services for passengers with reduced mobility travelling through the airport. This should be arranged before travel though any airline personnel will be happy to give assistance to anyone requiring it, as will the airport’s customer care team. There are designated parking spaces in all car parks and public buses into the city are wheelchair friendly.

Restaurants and Bars
There are a number of places to grab a bite throughout the terminal building. The ground level’s Harvest Food Court is home to a number of well-known fast food chains, including Pizza Hut, Burger King and Sweet Treat. Passengers looking for something a little bit healthier will be satisfied with the Great American Bagel; there are two located on the concourse level. Each concourse also has its own bar that also serves food and snacks.

VIP Lounges
Wichita Airport has no VIP lounges, though there is a public lounge near gate 11 that is equipped with plugs for charging laptops and mobile phones and offers comfortable lounge seating.

Money and ATMs
There is an ATM on both levels of the terminal building. There is also a change machine found on the ground level that provides coins that can be used at the vending machines.

Shopping
There are a few shops found here that provide passengers with all the travel necessities they may need. The Gift Shop (ground level) is a great place to look for Wizard of Oz gifts and apparel, while those looking for a good read will find plenty of selection at News Retail Wall, in which there is one in each concourse.