Getting Around Omaha
Omaha's transportation system offers several options for visitors to navigate the city. The most convenient method is by car, as the city's grid layout makes it easy to navigate and parking is widely available and often free outside downtown. However, public transit, taxis, and ride-hailing services provide alternatives for those who prefer not to drive.
Public Transit: Buses and Streetcar
The Omaha Metro operates regular bus services throughout the city. Adult fares are modest, making buses an affordable option for getting around. The system includes a bus rapid transit (BRT) line called ORBT that provides faster service on key routes. Additionally, a streetcar line is under construction as of 2026, which will add another transit option for visitors once completed.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxi service is available in Omaha, though options are more limited than in major metropolitan areas. Taxis are reliably available at the airport, train station, and bus station. Downtown, you cannot hail a cab on the street; instead, you must call ahead to arrange pickup. Taxi rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies. Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft operate in Omaha as well, offering an alternative to traditional taxis.
Walkability
Omaha's grid street layout makes the city navigable for pedestrians. The city features extensive pedestrian trails and has historical boulevards designed with parks and green spaces, creating pleasant walking environments in many areas. However, walkability varies by neighborhood, and many visitors find it practical to use some form of motorized transportation for longer distances.
Getting from the Airport to Downtown
Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA) is located about five miles northeast of downtown and is less than five minutes away by car. The airport is served by all major airlines and some low-cost carriers, with flights to most major U.S. cities.
Several options exist for reaching downtown from the airport:
- Rental car: All major rental car companies operate at the airport with services at baggage claim, offering the most flexible transportation option.
- Bus: Metro bus route #16 serves the airport during weekday rush hours, providing an economical option for those traveling during these times.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: Taxis are always available at the airport. Uber and Lyft also operate in the area, offering convenient pickup directly from the terminal.
- Airport shuttle services: Navigator Airport Express provides limited shuttle service between the airport and several Nebraska cities, though service is available only on specific days and times depending on your destination.
Arriving by Train, Bus, or Intercity Shuttle
Amtrak's California Zephyr serves Omaha with daily service connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago, though trains arrive at inconvenient overnight hours. The Amtrak station is located at 1003 South 9th Street.
Multiple intercity bus companies serve Omaha, with most services arriving at the Intercity/Interline Bus Station south of downtown at 1601 South Jackson Street. These include Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines, and Express Arrow, which connect Omaha to Denver, Chicago, Kansas City, and other regional destinations.
Shuttle services such as Omalink provide limited connections between Omaha and nearby cities like Lincoln, including airport-to-airport service.
Understanding Omaha's Layout
Omaha's neighborhoods are generally ill-defined, and residents typically describe locations by intersection rather than neighborhood name. The city is divided into broad regions: Downtown sits between Interstate 480 and the Missouri River, Midtown lies between Interstates 480 and 680, and West Omaha extends west of Interstate 680. The city's numbered streets run north-south and increase in number as you travel west, making navigation straightforward for visitors.