Stress-Free Transportation Tips For Guests Flying in for Omaha Weddings
Flying into and getting around a city for a wedding can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re visiting the area for the first time. From booking your flight to getting around the city, having a game plan ready when it comes to how you get there and get around will help keep things stress-free and, hopefully, budget-friendly. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or part of the wedding party, here are the best transportation tips for getting to and around Omaha - hacks and all:
1. Budgeting for Your Trip
Traveling for a wedding can add up quickly on top of buying your outfit for the big event, so it’s smart to plan your transportation budget at the beginning:
Set aside money for flights early: Flight prices can go up the closer you book to the wedding day. Booking flights 2-3 months in advance will get you the best airfare offer and save you a bit more money at the same time. Don’t wait until the last minute, or you’ll end up paying the most for a terrible seat.
Factor in car rentals, ride-shares, gas, or parking: When it comes to ground transportation, fees can be shocking. Decide before anything else if you feel the need to rent a car for your time there or want to rely on rideshare options. It will change how you approach every other decision you make regarding transportation costs.
Look into group transportation: Many Omaha wedding venues and hotels offer shuttle services for guests to and from the venue. Ask your hotel/venue ahead of time so you can make the best budget-friendly and stress-free option.
Staying in a hotel near the venue: Staying close to the venue will help minimize costs on late-night transportation after the reception, as well as completely removing the car rental option, which will help your budget.
2. Flight Tracking Tips
Eppley Airfield (OMA) is the primary airport and is the easiest way to fly into Omaha, with it being 5 miles from downtown Omaha. Here’s how to make getting there easier:
Download flight-tracking apps: FlightAware is a great option, or your choice airline’s app, to stay ahead of delays or real-time flight changes.
Set up price alerts: Track flights on Google Flights or Hopper months in advance. You can see what days are cheaper to fly on and freeze prices when you find one you like. If you don’t like what you see when you look at it for the first time, set up email alerts and be updated when prices rise and drop.
Book early or midday flights during the week: Booking these flight options tends to have fewer delays, giving you extra time in the area if you’re trying to make rehearsal dinners or pre-wedding events, or just want to enjoy what Omaha has to offer before the celebration.
3. Other Airports Near Omaha, Nebraska
While Eppley Airfield (OMA) is the closest and most convenient airport to Omaha, there are other airports nearby that may work better for you, depending on your budget and flight options that are available:
Lincoln Airport (LNK) – About 60 miles southwest of Omaha, with connections to major flight hubs, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service into Omaha, with the drive being up to an hour.
Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) – About 100 miles north in Sioux City, Iowa. This is a much smaller airport, but they sometimes offer competitive rates depending on the season and days of travel. Rental cars are available at the airport, with the drive to Omaha being around 90 minutes.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) – Around 135 miles east of Omaha. This is a larger airport with many more flight options than Sioux Gateway Airport. This is often a backup choice to OMA if fares are too high. You can get rental cars, and there is a shuttle service to Omaha, taking around 2 hours.
4. Car Transportation Hacks
Car Rentals: For full flexibility, renting a car might be your best option. Here is what we recommend:
Book in advance: Be aware that during peak wedding season, rental agencies jack up their prices. Look for deals and compare prices with other agencies.
Check local rental companies: Depending on the area and the time of year, smaller agencies near the airport may have better prices than major rental agencies. Check everywhere for the best deal.
Look for unlimited mileage: If you’re planning to explore anywhere outside the city, this will save you money in the long run. Not many people need this option, but it’s a great thing to look for if you do plan on exploring the area.
Using A Car Service: There are plenty of other options if renting a car isn’t the option you want to choose:
Ride-share apps: This is the popular choice when traveling. There are many different ride-share options available in the Omaha area, and they are often cheaper than renting, depending on how many trips you make and where you end up taking them.
Hotel shuttles: Many hotels near downtown Omaha and surrounding the airport offer free shuttle services to and from local Omaha venues. Make sure to ask about this option.
Wedding shuttles or carpools: Carpooling is very much still in style. Talk to other people you know who are also traveling to Omaha and split the cost of whatever service you choose in order to make it more affordable for everyone.
5. Some extra tips for out-of-towners
Plan out your routes: Omaha is an easy city to navigate, but it never hurts to do some research on places you want to go and the best ways to get there. Get the most bang for your buck and still enjoy what Omaha has to offer outside of the wedding.
Check parking policies: Many hotels in the heart of downtown Omaha often charge for parking or don’t have the best options for parking, so make sure you check when thinking of getting a rental car.
Flying into Omaha for a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful, and you should never have to worry about your finances when going to a wedding. Take your time and do your research so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating the big day. All you need is a bit of planning, and your trip to Omaha will be smooth, affordable, and a lot of fun.
Omaha Design Center
As Downtown Omaha’s most fashionable event and wedding venue, Omaha Design Center combines industrial chic style with modern amenities. From elegant weddings and receptions to large-scale corporate events and private parties, our space accommodates up to 550 seated guests. Complete with a private patio overlooking the city skyline, it’s the perfect backdrop for unforgettable celebrations.
Located in Downtown Omaha | Seating for up to 550 | Home of Omaha Fashion Week
Contact us to schedule a tour or learn more about hosting your event at Omaha Design Center.