Car Rental at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Airport travel guide

Witchita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is the major airport serving Witchita, the largest city in Kansas. It is the largest airport in the state and was formerly known as Mid-Continent Airport. 

Wichita, though not the capital of Kansas, is near the center of the state and is the state’s major industrial center. While not often thought of as a tourist destination, the city is a nice place for a short visit. Its Old Town is probably its most interesting part, particularly if you are looking for restaurants, shopping, or nightlife. 

From Wichita, you can easily reach most of Kansas. Whether you intend to travel around the state or stay in the city, a rental car is essential. Wichita is a driving city and the public transport system is limited and inconvenient. Of course, to go anywhere outside of the city a rental car is absolutely necessary. 

Top international routes

• Dallas
• Denver
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Houston
• St. Louis
• Las Vegas
• Memphis
• Phoenix
• Seattle

Main airlines

As a smaller, regional airport, the most popular routes are to and from the hubs of the major airlines. American Airlines carries the most passengers at the airport and its busiest route is to Dallas/Fort Worth, its major hun. Delta is the third-most-popular airline at the airport and its busiest route is to and from Atlanta, its main hub. United carries the second-highest number of passengers and its busiest routes are Denver, Chicago, and Houston which are all hubs for the airline.

The low-cost airline Southwest is also popular amongst passengers. Allegiant and Frontier also fly to the airport but don’t carry many passengers due to their limited destinations.

Terminals

The airport’s single terminal replaced the old terminal, which was afterward demolished, in 2015. It has 12 gates in just a single concourse.

Location

ICT is located about 8 miles west of downtown Witchita. The most convenient way to get between the two is Highway 400. The airport also borders I-235 so travelers can easily get around Witchita to I-35 to go south towards Oklahoma, I-135 to head north to other places in Kansas, or I-35 North to go towards Topeka and Kansas City.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $72 per day
• Medium cars - from $72 per day
• Large cars - from $72 per day
• SUVs - from $63 per day
• Premium cars - from $88 per day
• Vans - from $84 per day

Car rental desks

All of the car rental companies serving Einshenhowe Airport can be found on the first floor of the parking garage. This makes picking up and dropping off a rental car quick and convenient.

Services and facilities

As a smaller regional airport, there are fewer services and facilities than there would be at a major international airport. But you can still find places to buy a newspaper, eat, or drink a cup of coffee or a pint of beer. Dining options include fast food favorites like Chickfila while full-service restaurants like River City Brewing provide a more relaxing atmosphere.

There is one ATM before security and another one near the food court after security. Vending machines can be found near baggage claims and there are five family restrooms located throughout the airport.

Nearest gas station

When returning to the airport from either downtown Witchita or I-235, you will pass a Sma’s Club Service Gas station on Highway 400. This is not only the most convenient station but also the cheapest around. You must have a Sam’s Club membership to use it, though.

If you don’t have a Sam’s Club membership, there are several options. If coming from downtown Wichita, you can exit Highway 400 at Meridian Avenue where there is a Valero station. It takes about five minutes to reach the airport from the station. Alternatively, and if you are traveling along I-235 to get to the airport, there is a KwikShop one block north of Highway 400 on the airport exit. Another option is to go one exit past the airport where there is a Phillips 66. You can either take the frontage road back east to the airport or rejoin 400 taking the first exit.

Popular one-way rentals

• Kansas City, Missouri (205 miles / 330 km)
• Tulsa (179 miles / 288 km)
• Oklahoma City (163 miles / 262 km)
• St. Louis (447 miles / 719 km)
• Dallas (366 miles / 589 km)
• Nashville (580 miles / 933 km)