Getting There & Away: Flint Hills

Air Connections

Major Airport Gateways

Several airports serve as convenient gateways. Choose an airport based on your itinerary and desired entry point.

Airport Locations & Access

Kansas City International Airport (MCI): Approximately 2-3 hours drive to the eastern Flint Hills (e.g., Manhattan, Emporia). Largest and common gateway.
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT): Approximately 1-2 hours drive to the southern Flint Hills. Convenient for visits to Emporia, Cottonwood Falls, or Council Grove.
Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK): Directly in Manhattan, KS. Limited commercial flights, mainly connecting to major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Most convenient if Manhattan is your main base.

Flight Details & Transfers

Understand airline options and international connections. Plan your international arrival to allow ample time for immigration and customs clearance before your connecting domestic flight.

Airlines & Transfers

Airlines: MCI (all major U.S. Carriers). ICT (American, Delta, Southwest, United, Allegiant). MHK (American Eagle, United Express).
International Flights: No direct international flights into MCI, ICT, or MHK. Connect through major U.S. International hubs (DFW, ORD, DEN, ATL).
Seasonal Pricing: Flight prices generally increase during peak U.S. Travel seasons (summer, major holidays). Better deals exist during shoulder seasons (early spring/late fall) or winter.

MCI Facilities

Features a brand-new, modern single terminal with a wide range of dining, retail, and on-site car rental facilities.

ICT Facilities

Standard airport amenities, including dining, shops, and car rental counters for traveler comfort.

MHK Facilities

A smaller airport with basic facilities, including a single dining option and car rental services, ideal for regional travel.

Airport Transfer Options

Ground Transportation

Car Rental: A private vehicle is for exploring the rural Flint Hills. Car rental counters are at all three airports. Book in advance for selection and rates.
Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft are at MCI, ICT, and MHK. Availability at MHK might be limited during off-peak hours; consider pre-booking.
Shuttle Services: Some hotels in Manhattan or Emporia may offer shuttle services from MHK. Private shuttle companies also operate from MCI to Manhattan.
Taxi: Taxis are available at MCI and ICT for immediate departures.

Planning Your Departure

Departure Procedures: For domestic flights (MCI or ICT), arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. For international connections, allow extra time at the hub for security and customs.
Rental Car Return: Return your rental car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. Allow ample time for the return process, including shuttles to the terminal.
Airport Facilities: MCI and ICT offer standard facilities including check-in, security, dining, and retail. MHK has basic facilities suitable for regional departures.
Booking Ahead: Booking rental cars and accommodations in advance is always recommended for optimal selection and rates.

Ground Transport & Driving

Train Connections

Amtrak serves Kansas (Southwest Chief route). Train service is not practical for direct access to the Flint Hills heart. A rental car is necessary from the station.

Long-Distance Buses

Greyhound operates routes to major Kansas cities. Less frequent or convenient for reaching specific Flint Hills attractions. A rental car is needed for regional exploration.

Self-Driving

This is the most practical way to explore the rural Flint Hills due to its vast, open spaces and spread-out attractions. Requires a valid driver's license.

Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Requirements

A valid U.S. Driver's license is needed. For international visitors, a valid home country driver's license is needed, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended in conjunction with your home license.

Legal & Documentation

Carry both your home country driver's license and IDP.
Drive carefully on unpaved roads, especially after wet weather.
Observe posted speed limits and traffic laws.

Road Conditions & Safety

Paved state highways and county roads are generally well-maintained. Many of the most scenic backroads, however, are gravel or dirt. These unpaved roads can become muddy and slick after rain.

Driving Safety Insights

Wildlife: Watch for wildlife on roads, especially deer and coyotes, at dawn, dusk, and night.
Cell Service: Cell phone service can be intermittent or non-existent in very remote areas. Do not rely solely on your phone.
Preparation: Carry a physical map or download offline maps. Ensure your vehicle has a full tank, as services can be sparse between towns.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

These are not common or practical for touring the vast Flint Hills region due to the long distances between attractions and the prevalence of gravel roads.

Motorcycle & Scooter Considerations

Limited Availability: Rental options for motorcycles and scooters are scarce.
Terrain Suitability: Many roads are gravel, making scooters unsuitable and motorcycles less ideal.
Long Distances: Attractions are spread out, requiring significant travel time.

Bicycle Rentals & Specialty Vehicles

Bicycle sharing programs are mostly limited to specific university campuses (e.g., Kansas State University in Manhattan). A very limited number of local shops may offer bicycle rentals, but these are not for region-wide touring.

Biking & Other Options

Bicycle Rentals: Not designed for touring the expansive Flint Hills. Bring your own bike for extensive gravel cycling.
Specialty Vehicles: You will not find tuk-tuks, Jeepneys, or similar specialized local transportation.
Main Transport: A rental car is the most effective method for exploring the Flint Hills region thoroughly.

Important Driving Notes

Driving Laws: Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Adhere to posted speed limits.
Road Conditions: Paved roads are generally good. Many scenic routes are on gravel or dirt, which can be dusty or muddy after rain. Drive carefully on these surfaces.
Parking: Abundant and usually free in towns and at attractions throughout the Flint Hills. You will rarely encounter parking difficulties.

Fuel: Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, especially before embarking on long drives through remote areas. Services like gas stations and restaurants can be sparse between towns.
Navigation: Carry a physical map or download offline maps before setting out. Do not solely rely on your phone for navigation in remote areas.
Emergency Preparation: Consider carrying basic emergency supplies in your vehicle, especially during winter months when conditions can be severe.

Local Movement & Specialized Transport

Public Transit Overview

Comprehensive public transportation systems, like metros or trams, do not exist within the rural Flint Hills. Public transportation within the region itself is extremely limited.

Local Bus Systems

Larger towns like Manhattan (ATA Bus) and Emporia (EATran) operate local bus systems.
These mainly serve residents within city limits and do not extend to rural attractions or connect between towns.
Limited hours, often operating mainly on weekdays with reduced or no service on weekends and public holidays. Frequency can be low.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing Services

Options for taxis and ride-sharing services are available but often limited outside of the larger towns. These services are more prevalent in Manhattan, Emporia, and Junction City.

Availability & Hailing

Taxis are in larger towns. Hailing on the street is uncommon; call a company or find at specific stands (hotels, airports).
Uber and Lyft are in Manhattan, Emporia, and Junction City. Availability is limited in smaller towns and remote areas; expect longer wait times.
Safety: For ride-sharing, confirm vehicle details and driver identity match the app. Share trip details with a trusted contact.

Walking Routes

Town centers (Cottonwood Falls, Manhattan's Aggieville) are pleasant for walking. Dedicated hiking trails are at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and state parks.

Cycling Safety

Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is limited. Cyclists typically share roads. Caution is for cycling on rural roads due to higher speed limits.

No-Go Areas

Avoid walking or cycling on busy highways, specifically interstates. Exercise extreme caution on gravel roads due to dust, limited visibility, and faster-moving vehicles.

Rental Options & Accessibility

Car Rental Procedures

Renting a car is the preferred and most effective method for exploring the Flint Hills.

Requirements & Companies

Requirements: Minimum age 21 (under 25 may incur surcharge). Valid U.S. Driver's license or IDP with home license. Major credit card for rental and security deposit.
Major Companies: All major car rental companies operate in Kansas, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Pick Up: Cars can be picked up at major airports (MCI, ICT, MHK) or at rental offices in larger towns.

Accessibility Services

Newer buildings and hotels in towns generally comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, providing accessibility features. For broader mobility, a personal vehicle or an accessible rental van is needed to navigate the region.

Inclusivity in Travel

Accessible Trails: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers some accessible trails and facilities at its visitor center.
Direct Contact: Contact specific attractions or accommodations directly for their accessibility details and to plan your visit accordingly.
Planning Routes: Navigate the region and reach scattered attractions by considering road conditions and facility access.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

No hop-on-hop-off services in the Flint Hills. Private tour operators from larger cities may include the Flint Hills.

Water Transportation

Not applicable to the landlocked Flint Hills. Lakes provide recreational boating, but not transportation.

Unique Local Transport

You will not find cable cars, funiculars, or other unique transportation systems in the Flint Hills.

Driving Freedom

A private vehicle offers the freedom and flexibility to fully explore the Flint Hills. While local walking and cycling opportunities exist, they supplement having your own transportation.

Flint Hills Getting There & Away