How Bad is Kansas City Traffic?
Kansas City ranks 82nd in terms of US cities with the worst traffic, with drivers losing an average of 34 hours to congestion in 2020.
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Kansas City motorists lose on average between 34-50 hours a year to traffic, costing anywhere from $694-$961 per driver. It may not be quite as bad as New York or LA, but traffic in Kansas City can still cause problems for the unfamiliar driver.
Kansas City, Missouri sits on the far western edge of the state, straddling the border with neighboring Kansas. It is the largest city in Missouri in terms of both population and area, with over half a million residents. The “Paris of the Plains” is known for jazz, signature BBQ, and the bountiful fountains that adorn the city. Like many other cities, though, it is also known for traffic.
Fear not, because
car insurance
guru Jerry
put together this handy guide to dealing with traffic in Kansas City. We’ll take a look at some statistics, go over certain driving trends, and give you some tips for getting around in the City of Fountains. We've even thrown in some tips to save you money on Kansas City car insurance costs
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How bad is Kansas City Traffic?
According to the
2021 Global Traffic Scorecard
, Kansas City is the 82nd most congested city in the United States. Analysis has shown that drivers in Kansas City typically lose between 45-50 hours a year to high traffic volume, at a cost of around $900 per driver. This table can give you a good idea of what to expect from traffic in Kansas City:Year | Hours lost to congestion |
|---|---|
2020 | 34 hours (COVID levels) |
2019 | 50 hours |
2018 | 48 hours |
2017 | 48 hours |
2016 | 47 hours |
2015 | 47 hours |
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You can tell by looking at this table that the 2020 COVID outbreak had a significant impact on road congestion in Kansas City, reducing it by roughly 20%. As more people resume commuting to work, however, traffic is very likely to return to pre-pandemic levels.
MORE: Speeding Tickets in Missouri
Why is Kansas City traffic so bad?
There could be many different reasons why a city would experience a high volume of traffic, from construction projects to commuters traveling to and from work. For the most part, traffic in Kansas City is fairly manageable, but there are certain factors that could sometimes cause you to experience significant road congestion.
MORE: Missouri reckless driving
Population size
Kansas City itself is home to over 500,000 people, and the greater metro area spans two states and holds almost 2.5 million people. Many of these people commute to work every day, with an estimated 80% of them doing so in their own personal vehicles as opposed to carpooling, public transit, etc. That’s a lot of people hitting the road every day, which can easily lead to traffic jams or congestion buildup.
Location
As a major city connecting two separate states, Kansas City is in an interesting position geographically. Looking at a map, you can see that multiple large interstates converge on the city, including: I-70, I-35, I-435, I-29, and I-49. These represent several of the busiest highways in the entire country, particularly in terms of truck traffic.
MORE: The 8 best Kansas City radio stations
Major chokepoints
Within the city itself, there are a few notable locations where traffic occurs more frequently than others. These hotspots include:
- Main St
- W 13th St
- Holmes St
- Baltimore Ave
- W 18th St
If you’re in a hurry, you might be better off trying to avoid these chokepoints by finding a different route.
MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances
How to navigate Kansas City traffic like a pro
Whether we like it or not, traffic is a part of daily life for many of us. Sure it’s exasperating, but more than that, it’s dangerous. Over the last few years, the Kansas City Police Department has observed a
pronounced rise
in fatalities caused by traffic-related incidents.Luckily, we’ve got a few tips that can help you deal with traffic like an expert, or even avoid it entirely!
- Try to find an alternate route. The highways and byways might seem like the speediest path to get where you’re going, but you’re much more likely to get bogged down in traffic that way. Avoid the congestion (and road closures) by finding back roads or having an alternate route planned.
- Use a traffic app. Download an app onto your phone that tracks live traffic cycles and crash reports. We recommendWaze,Google Maps, or . Whichever you choose, check your app before hitting the road to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Steer clear of rush hour. Kansas City is home to lots of commuters, so you'll see significant slow-downs in both the morning and late afternoon. Try to avoid highways headed into downtown from 7:30–8:30 am and highways headed out of downtown from 4–7 pm.
- Stay focused! Many crashes, collisions, and other accidents can be attributed to distracted driving. Loud music, fast food, text messages, and more can dangerously divert our attention from the road. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road and leave plenty of space between yourself and other drivers.
Prepare for Kansas City traffic by updating your car insurance
Planning a road trip to sample some of that sweet KC barbecue? Maybe hear a little jazz? Before you go, you should think about updating your car insurance policy.
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Is Kansas City hard to drive in?
Not at all. In fact, Kansas City is often considered one of the easier US major cities to drive in. The roads are often busy and full of trucks, but they’re usually humming right along efficiently. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road!
What is the best time to drive through Kansas City?
You can’t go wrong traveling through Kansas City in the morning or early afternoon. Just be aware that the roads can get pretty busy in the late afternoon/early evening, particularly between 5-6pm.
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