Do I need a vehicle

Question

Hi. Planning a weekend trip and wondering if I need to rent a car or are most things accessible walking or with transit?

Answer

Kansas City is a spread-out city, so whether you need a vehicle depends on the type of activities you plan and where you are staying. For a weekend trip, here’s a detailed overview:

Staying in downtown Kansas City:

Many attractions such as the Power & Light District, Kauffman Center, and the Sprint Center are within walking distance if you stay downtown.
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in the downtown area are easily accessible on foot.
Public transit (buses and streetcars) can supplement walking for short distances, but service is limited outside the central corridor.

Visiting other neighborhoods or attractions:

The Country Club Plaza, Westport, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art are not far, but walking between some of these locations is less convenient. A vehicle or rideshare may be more comfortable.
If you want to explore farther suburbs, like Liberty, Independence, or the KC Zoo and Swope Park area, having a car is strongly recommended.
Some attractions, like outdoor parks or day trips outside the city, are very difficult to reach without a car.

Pros and cons of renting a car:

Pros: Flexible schedule, easy access to multiple neighborhoods and attractions, convenient for luggage or shopping.
Cons: Parking downtown can be expensive ($10-$25 per day), traffic may be heavier during peak hours, and some areas have limited parking near attractions.

Alternative options:

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is widely available and can reduce the need for parking, especially for a short weekend trip.
Streetcar: Downtown KC has a free streetcar running along the central corridor connecting Union Station, the Power & Light District, and the River Market, which is convenient for short trips.

Recommendation:

If your weekend plans are mostly downtown and you don’t mind walking or using rideshare, you may not need a car. However, if you want to visit multiple neighborhoods or attractions outside downtown, having a rental vehicle will make your trip more convenient and allow you to see more in a limited time.