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Compare rental cars from major brands in Omaha with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up curbside at Eppley Airfield (OMA) or choose a budget-friendly downtown counter, then cruise I-80 to Lincoln, the Henry Doorly Zoo or the Old Market in minutes.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eppley Airfield (OMA) | • Convenient pick-up after flight • All major companies on-site • No shuttle needed (walkable from terminal) • Extended hours (usually 5AM-1AM) |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Possible lines during peak flight arrivals |
• Rental counters in centralized Rental Car Facility • Cars located in North Garage via covered walkway |
| Downtown Omaha | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Convenient if staying downtown first |
• Limited operating hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays, shorter on Saturday) • Many closed on Sundays • Requires transportation from airport |
• Hertz operates at Park Omaha 10th and Jackson garage • Enterprise and other major brands have multiple downtown locations |
| Suburban Locations | • Can offer better rates • Some offer pickup service from hotels |
• Limited hours • Less convenient for airport arrivals |
• Good option if staying at a friend's or family member's home and they can drive you to the rental location |
On average, car rentals in Omaha cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare pick-up locations: airport is most convenient but downtown or suburban branches can be 10–15 % cheaper. A quick rideshare from OMA often eats less cash than the airport fees you dodge.
Avoid price-spike weeks (College World Series in late June, Berkshire Hathaway meeting in early May). Shifting your rental by even a day outside those dates can save big.
Peek at weekly rates even for 4–5 days; in Omaha the 7-day price sometimes beats the shorter daily total.
Go compact: Omaha's streets and parking spots are roomy enough yet a smaller car costs less up front and sips less fuel.
Refuel off-airport: stations on Abbott Dr. or in Carter Lake are usually 20–30¢/gal cheaper than the pumps next to the return garage.
Leverage free parking spots like Henry Doorly Zoo, Lauritzen Gardens and suburban malls to offset downtown meters ($1.25/hr).
| Area | Type | Cost | Hours | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Old Market | Metered Street | Varies | 9 AM–9 PM Mon–Sat Free on Sundays |
2-hour limit in many areas |
| City Garages (Park Omaha) | Varies | 24/7 access | Some offer the first hour free | |
| Old Market Garages (11th & Harney, 10th & Jackson) | Varies | 24/7 access | Convenient for restaurant visits | |
| Midtown/Dundee/Aksarben | Street Parking | Free | Unlimited in most areas | Watch for residential permit areas |
| Event Venues (CHI Health Center, etc.) | Event Parking | Varies | During events | Pre-booking available for some events |
Speed Limits
Right Turn on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless prohibited by sign. New law prohibits turning on red arrow signals.
Seat Belts: Required for all front-seat passengers and for all passengers under 18.
Phone Use: Texting while driving is illegal and subject to fines. Hands-free use is recommended for calls.
DUI Enforcement: Strict 0.08 % BAC limit and severe penalties.
Move Over Law: Drivers must move to the far lane when passing stopped emergency vehicles.
No Toll Highways: Nebraska has no toll roads on interstates or state highways.
Regional Toll Bridges:
Rent a car so you can see:
Lincoln day trip – state capitol, Haymarket district
Henry Doorly Zoo – aquarium, desert dome
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum – aircraft displays
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park – trails, Platte River
Old Market District – shops, restaurants
Nebraska Crossing Outlets – outlet stores
Is a car necessary to explore Omaha? Omaha has public transportation, but we suggest renting a car. The city's attractions are spread out, and the bus service doesn't go everywhere. Most visitors find that having a car is more convenient and lets them see more.
What is the best car type for visiting Omaha? If you're traveling alone or as a couple, a compact or economy car works well and saves money. Families often find a midsize SUV or minivan is better. During winter, from December to February, you might want a car with AWD or 4WD if there's snow in the forecast.
Are there any special considerations when driving in Omaha? When you drive in downtown Omaha, watch for one-way streets. The city has a lot of them, so pay attention to the signs. Traffic is usually lighter than in bigger cities. The busiest driving times are from 7:30 to 9:00 AM and 4:30 to 6:00 PM. In June, you'll find more traffic downtown because of the College World Series.
How much should I budget for parking in Omaha? Downtown, you can expect to pay about $1.50 per hour for street parking. Parking garages usually charge $1–$2 per hour and have a daily limit of $8–$12. You'll find free parking at most attractions outside of downtown, like the zoo, museums and shopping centers.
What's the most economical place to rent a car in Omaha? You can usually find cheaper car rentals downtown than at the airport. This is because you won't have to pay extra airport fees and taxes. However, picking up a car at the airport is very convenient. It might be worth the extra cost, especially after you pay for a ride to a downtown rental office.
Is it easy to drive between Omaha and Lincoln? Yes, it's a very easy drive. You'll mostly be on Interstate 80. The trip is about 60 miles (97 km) and takes around an hour in normal traffic. The roads get busier during rush hour and on days when the University of Nebraska has a football game.
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