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Finding a rental car in Lincoln is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Nebraska with no booking fees. Pick up your ride at Lincoln Airport, a downtown branch or even in nearby Omaha, then cruise to the State Capitol, University of Nebraska or drives along I-80. Filter offers by free cancellation, unlimited miles and one-way drop-offs to match your trip.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Airport (LNK) | • Direct pickup after flight • Major brands on-site (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise) • No shuttle needed |
• Limited flight schedule • Split operating hours • Smaller vehicle selection |
• Counters by baggage claim • Hours usually 10AM-5:30PM and 7:45PM-11:45PM • Small airport means quick, easy pickup |
| Downtown Lincoln | • Convenient if staying downtown • No airport surcharges • Close to University/Capitol |
• Limited hours (usually 8AM-5PM weekdays) • Many closed on Sundays • Limited weekend hours |
• Enterprise has locations downtown • Other major brands have neighborhood branches |
| Omaha Airport (Alternative) | • Larger selection • More competitive rates • More flight options |
• 60-mile (97 km) drive to Lincoln • Higher one-way fees |
• Consider if flying into Omaha but staying in Lincoln – pick up at Omaha Airport |
On average, car rentals in Lincoln cost around $150 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare LNK Airport vs downtown pickup – downtown branches avoid airport surcharges, so a quick rideshare from the terminal can be cheaper if their limited hours match your flight times.
Plan around Huskers football and graduation weekends – cars vanish fast on those peak dates; book months ahead then, but for regular weeks 2-4 weeks out is usually the sweet spot.
Travel in mid-winter for the lowest rates – January and February see the cheapest prices; shifting your trip just after the holidays can trim your rental bill.
Price out Omaha-Lincoln one-way combos – many companies waive in-state drop fees, so picking up at Omaha's larger airport and returning in Lincoln (or vice-versa) can unlock better deals.
Check weekly pricing even for shorter trips – a seven-day booking often beats a five-day rate in summer, so do the math before confirming.
Stick with a compact or midsize car – they rent for less, sip less gas on I-80 and slide into Lincoln's downtown parking spots with zero stress.
| Area | Type | Cost | Hours | When to Know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Haymarket | Metered street | Metered (check signs) | 8 AM–6 PM Mon–Sat; free evenings and Sundays | 2-hour limit in many areas |
| City garages (Park and Go) | Varies | 24/7 access | First hour often free | |
| Haymarket Garage (848 Q Street) | Varies; higher event rates | 24/7 access | Convenient for arena events | |
| University Area | Campus lots | Visitor permits required | Varies by lot | Some public spaces on weekends |
| Street spaces | Free in non-permit areas | Watch for signs | Some areas require residential permits | |
| Shopping Areas | Mall/center lots | Free | Business hours | Gateway Mall and SouthPointe Pavilions offer plenty of space |
Speed limits
I-180: Short connector between I-80 and downtown
One-way streets: Several in the downtown area, especially around the Capitol
Right turn on red: Allowed after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it
Game day traffic: Significant congestion around Memorial Stadium during home football games
School zones: 20 mph when children are present
Game days: Expect heavy traffic 3–4 hours before kickoff
A rental opens up the Great Plains sights beyond downtown.
Get a car so you can drive to:
Omaha – Henry Doorly Zoo, Old Market
Ashland – Strategic Air Command Museum, Mahoney State Park
Homestead National Monument – Heritage Center, prairies
Nebraska City – Arbor Day Farm, apple orchards
How does renting a car in Lincoln compare to Omaha?
Renting a car in Lincoln is often less crowded than in Omaha. You'll find the Lincoln Airport (LNK) is small and has shorter lines, but it also has fewer rental companies and a smaller selection of cars. The prices are usually about the same, though you might find better deals in Omaha because there's more competition.
Is it difficult to navigate Lincoln for first-time visitors?
People find Lincoln easy to get around because its streets are in a simple grid pattern. The downtown area is built around the Capitol building, so you can use it as a landmark to find your way. You'll see clear signs for most major attractions and there isn't much traffic except during special events.
What should I know about parking during University of Nebraska football games?
Home football games cause the city's biggest traffic and parking problems. Downtown garages fill up fast and charge a single price for the event (around $10-20). If you want to park close, you should plan to arrive 3-4 hours before the game starts. You can also use lots farther away that offer a shuttle service. You might find street parking farther from the stadium, but it fills up early.
Can I easily find parking in downtown Lincoln?
Yes, you can find plenty of places to park downtown. The city runs several garages that have good prices. The first hour is often free and after that it costs about $1.25 per hour. The most you'll pay for a day is around $11. You can also park on the street at a meter from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM. It costs about $1 an hour and usually has a 2-hour limit. Parking is free in the evenings and on Sundays.
Are there any scenic drives around Lincoln worth taking?
If you're looking for a nice scenic drive, you can take Highway 2 east toward Nebraska City. This drive is especially pretty in the fall when the trees show their autumn colors. Another good drive is on Highway 77 south toward Beatrice and Homestead National Monument where you'll see beautiful prairie landscapes. If you want a shorter drive, West Van Dorn Street to Pioneers Park is a great choice that takes you from the city to the countryside.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting Lincoln?
Most visitors find a small or medium-sized car is perfect for getting around Lincoln's streets and fitting into parking spots. If you're traveling as a family, you might want a small SUV or minivan for more space. During winter (December to February), you should think about getting a car with all-wheel or four-wheel drive if the forecast calls for snow. However, the city usually clears the streets quickly after it snows.
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