Omaha travel guide

Omaha travel guide

National Airports

Omaha’s primary airport is Eppley Airfield, which is a public airport located three miles northeast of downtown Omaha. It is the largest airport in Nebraska and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Eppley Airfield offers domestic and international flights to destinations throughout the United States and Mexico.

In addition to Eppley Airfield, there are several other airports in the Omaha area, including Millard Airport, which is a general aviation airport located southwest of the city, and Offutt Air Force Base, which is a military airport located south of Omaha. However, these airports are not considered national airports and do not offer commercial passenger service.

Trains in Omaha

Omaha is served by Amtrak, the national passenger rail service in the United States. Amtrak’s California Zephyr route passes through Omaha, with daily service connecting the city to destinations in California and the Midwest.

The California Zephyr travels from Chicago to San Francisco, with stops in several cities including Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno. The train passes through Omaha once a day in each direction, with the westbound train arriving in the morning and the eastbound train arriving in the evening.

Amtrak’s Omaha station is located at 1003 S. 9th Street in downtown Omaha, near the Old Market district. The station offers ticketing and baggage services, as well as a waiting area and restrooms.

Overall, Amtrak provides a convenient and scenic way to travel to and from Omaha, as well as to other destinations throughout the United States.

Buses in Omaha

Omaha is served by several bus companies that provide local and regional transportation services. Here are some of the main options for buses in Omaha:

Omaha Metro – This is the local public transit system in Omaha, which operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. Omaha Metro offers several types of bus services, including regular route buses, express buses, and shuttle buses. Fares are affordable, and the system is easy to use, making it a convenient option for getting around Omaha.

Greyhound – Greyhound is a national bus company that provides intercity bus services to and from Omaha. Greyhound has a station located in downtown Omaha, near the Old Market district, with connections to cities throughout the United States.

Megabus – Megabus is another intercity bus company that serves Omaha, with connections to cities such as Chicago, Kansas City, and Minneapolis. Megabus offers low fares and comfortable amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Burlington Trailways – Burlington Trailways is a regional bus company that serves several cities in the Midwest, including Omaha. The company provides daily bus service to destinations such as Des Moines, Iowa, and Denver, Colorado, with connections to other cities throughout the region.

Overall, buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around Omaha, as well as to travel to other cities in the Midwest and beyond.

How to get to Omaha

Omaha is located in the Midwest region of the United States and can be reached by several modes of transportation, including:

By air: Eppley Airfield is the primary airport serving Omaha and is located just three miles northeast of downtown. The airport offers daily flights to and from major cities across the United States, as well as a few international destinations.

By car: Omaha is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-80, I-29, and US 75. If you are driving from nearby cities, such as Kansas City or Des Moines, you can reach Omaha in a few hours by car.

By bus: Several bus companies, including Greyhound and Megabus, provide daily service to and from Omaha, with connections to cities throughout the Midwest and beyond.

By train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr route passes through Omaha, with daily service connecting the city to destinations in California and the Midwest.

Overall, Omaha is easily accessible by air, car, bus, and train, making it a convenient destination for travelers from all over the United States and beyond.

What is the best time to travel to Omaha

The best time to travel to Omaha depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to do. Here is an overview of the weather and events in Omaha throughout the year:

Summer (June-August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Omaha, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor events and festivals. Average high temperatures range from the mid-80s to low 90s (Fahrenheit), making it a great time to enjoy the city’s parks, outdoor concerts, and sporting events.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a popular time to visit Omaha, with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and gusty winds, but the city’s fall events, such as the Omaha Beer Fest and the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival, are popular with visitors.

Winter (December-February): Winter in Omaha can be cold and snowy, with average temperatures in the 20s and 30s (Fahrenheit). However, the city’s holiday events, such as the Holiday Lights Festival and the Old Market Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, are a popular draw for visitors.

Spring (March-May): Spring in Omaha can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s (Fahrenheit) and occasional rain showers. However, the city’s spring events, such as the NCAA Men’s College World Series and the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, are popular with visitors.

Overall, the best time to travel to Omaha depends on your preferences and what you plan to do. Summer is a great time to enjoy the city’s outdoor activities, while fall offers colorful foliage and fun events. Winter and spring are less crowded and offer a unique charm, but may be less enjoyable if you prefer warmer weather.

How to get around Omaha

Omaha has several options for getting around the city, including:

Car: Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Omaha, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the downtown core. Several car rental agencies operate at the airport and throughout the city.

Public Transit: Omaha’s public transit system, Metro Transit, provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas. The system offers several types of bus services, including regular route buses, express buses, and shuttle buses. Fares are affordable, and the system is easy to use, making it a convenient option for getting around Omaha.

Bike: Omaha has an extensive network of bike trails and bike-friendly streets, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels. B-cycle, a bike-share program, operates throughout the city, with several stations located in downtown Omaha.

Ride-Sharing: Several ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in Omaha, providing convenient and affordable transportation around the city.

Walking: Omaha’s downtown core is relatively compact and easy to navigate on foot. Many of the city’s top attractions, such as the Old Market district and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, are within walking distance of each other.

Overall, Omaha offers several options for getting around the city, including public transit, biking, and ride-sharing services, making it easy for visitors to explore the city at their own pace.

Accommodations in Omaha

Omaha has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Here are some options to consider:

Hotels: Omaha has several well-known hotel chains, such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, with properties located throughout the city. Many of these hotels offer amenities such as on-site restaurants, fitness centers, and swimming pools.

Motels: If you’re looking for more affordable accommodations, Omaha has several motels and budget hotels, such as Motel 6 and Super 8, with locations throughout the city.

Vacation Rentals: For a more home-like experience, Omaha has several vacation rental options, including apartments, condos, and houses. These rentals are often fully furnished and equipped with kitchens, making them a great option for families or groups.

Bed and Breakfasts: Omaha also has several bed and breakfasts, offering a more intimate and personalized experience. These properties often offer unique amenities such as home-cooked breakfasts and communal living spaces.

Campgrounds: If you prefer the great outdoors, Omaha has several campgrounds and RV parks, such as the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, located just outside the city.

Overall, Omaha offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference, making it easy for visitors to find a comfortable and convenient place to stay.