Kansas City Streetcar

The Kansas City Streetcar (often abbreviated as KC Streetcar) is a free, modern public transit system operating in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. As of August 2025, it runs along a approximately 2-mile route primarily on Main Street, connecting key neighborhoods and attractions from the River Market in the north to Union Station in the south. The streetcar is ADA-compliant and designed to be accessible and user-friendly for all riders. It features 10 stop locations (with 16 platforms total for northbound and southbound directions), spaced roughly every two blocks for convenient access. Service is frequent, with streetcars arriving every 10-15 minutes during peak hours.

A significant Main Street extension, adding 3.5 miles south to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) campus, is under final testing and scheduled to open on October 24, 2025. This will expand the route to include new stops in areas like Westport, the Plaza, and Southmoreland. Additionally, a Riverfront Extension is planned to open in early 2026, extending north from the River Market to the Berkley Riverfront. For the most current updates, check the official KC Streetcar website.

Route and Stops

The current route travels through the heart of downtown Kansas City, serving vibrant districts like the River Market, Crossroads Arts District, Power & Light District, and more. Below is a list of the 10 primary stop locations, organized from north to south (note: each location has dedicated northbound and southbound platforms).

For a visual map, visit the official KC Streetcar route page or download their PDF map. The streetcar integrates with other RideKC services, including buses and bike shares at select stops like Union Station and River Market North.

Accessibility Features

The KC Streetcar is fully ADA-compliant and prioritizes inclusivity for riders with disabilities. Key features include:

• Level Boarding: All stops offer 100% level boarding, eliminating steps and making it easy to board with wheels. Riders with mobility aids should use the middle doors for the smoothest access.

• Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are explicitly allowed and accommodated due to the level boarding and spacious interiors. The streetcar is described as "anything with wheels" friendly, including scooters.

• Other Mobility Aids: Bicycles, strollers, and similar wheeled items are permitted and can board/disembark from the middle car. Space is available inside, but riders should secure items to avoid blocking aisles.

• Service Animals: Allowed under ADA guidelines; they must be leashed or in a carrier and under the owner's control. No additional fees or restrictions apply.

• Additional Supports: Translation services in over 50 languages are available via the RideKC Call Center (816-221-0660, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.). In case of streetcar outages, free auxiliary bus service is provided along the route to maintain accessibility.

• General Tips: The streetcar's low-floor design and wide doors enhance ease of use. For safety, riders with mobility aids should position themselves in designated areas inside the vehicle.
  

If you need assistance planning a trip, contact RideKC or visit the official accessibility page for more details.

Stops to Major Attractions

The KC Streetcar connects directly to many of Kansas City's top attractions, making it an ideal way to explore without a car. Highlights include:

• Kansas City Convention Center: Closest stops are Metro Center (12th & Main) and Power & Light (14th & Main). The convention center is within a short walk (about 5-10 minutes) from these stops, as it's located adjacent to the Power & Light District and downtown business area.

• River Market and City Market: Use River Market North, River Market West, or City Market stops for access to this historic neighborhood with markets, shops, and events.

• Power & Light District: Direct at the Power & Light stop – perfect for entertainment, dining, and live events.

• Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: Right at the Kauffman Center stop, home to symphony, ballet, and opera performances.

• Crossroads Arts District: Crossroads stop provides entry to galleries, street art, and First Fridays events.

• Union Station and Crown Center: Union Station stop connects to this major hub featuring museums, a planetarium, theaters, and shopping at Crown Center.
  

With the upcoming Main Street extension in October 2025, additional attractions like the Country Club Plaza, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and UMKC will become accessible via new stops such as Plaza (Cleaver II & Main) and Art Museums (45th & Main). The streetcar is free to ride, enhancing its appeal for tourists and locals alike. For real-time tracking, use the RideKC app or website.