Commute Times
Living within 30 minutes of your workplace is possible from almost anywhere in Omaha.
According to TomTom’s traffic index, Omaha ranks #61 on a list of cities with congested highways.
I created the video below and go into quite a bit of detail about rush hour, major streets, and more.
Average Commute Times
If you are curious about different commute times in Omaha, click on the city or area below to get a better idea.
Morning Rush Hour
Morning rush hour typically occurs between 6:30 and 8:00 am, with the majority of commuters heading towards downtown Omaha.
Key routes include Dodge Street and I-80, which can become choke points during peak times. Additionally, traffic from Lincoln impacts the I-80 corridor.
The map above shows the direction of heavy traffic during the morning commute. Most drivers are headed toward the midtown and downtown area.
Evening Rush Hour
Rush hour in the evening is typically between 4:30 PM and 6 PM.
You can reverse the map above to get an idea of the direction of heavy traffic in the evening. Traffic will be more heavy traveling west.
Timing matters during rush hour as leaving 5-10 minutes earlier could cut commute time in half.
The intersection of 72nd and Dodge (above) is one of the busiest in Omaha. It was once considered the center of the city. That was before the city kept growing to the west.
Commuting Tips
Get a Pair of Sunglasses
With typical traffic patterns in Omaha, morning commuters often drive towards the rising sun, while evening commuters face the setting sun. This can cause sun glare, which can impact your drive.
Investing in a good pair of sunglasses can make your commute more comfortable and safe.
Beware of Construction
There is a joke that there are two seasons in Omaha. Winter and construction season.
Once you’ve figured out your commute, be prepared for potential disruptions during construction season, which typically occurs during spring, summer, and fall.
Road closures and lane closures can impact your daily drive, so staying informed about construction projects and adjusting your route accordingly is crucial.
No Left Turns on Dodge St.
If you are traveling on Dodge St. between 30th St and 72nd St, you are not allowed to take a left-hand turn.
This can be a little confusing at first. The signs aren’t always that obvious.
Current Road Conditions
If you are looking for up-to-the-minute updates on traffic in the area, here are a few resources.
