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How Bad is Traffic in Omaha?

By: Ryan Renner, Realtor
By: Ryan Renner, Realtor

I have helped many families moving to Omaha. Contact me if you have any questions about the Omaha area or need help buying a home.

Your opinion of Omaha traffic will depend on where you are moving from. If you’re moving from a smaller city, you might be a little frustrated. But if you are moving from a big metro area, you will be thrilled with the commute in Omaha.
Traffic in Omaha

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.

Morning Rush Hour Traffic Patterns in Omaha, Nebraska
Morning Rush Hour Traffic Patterns

The map above shows the direction of heavy traffic during the morning commute. Most drivers are headed toward the midtown and downtown area.

I-80 and I-680 Interchange in Omaha
I-80 and I-680 Interchange in Omaha

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.

Aerial View of 72nd and Dodge

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.

No Left Turn on Dodge St in Omaha
Be prepared for honking from fellow drivers if you attempt a left turn on Dodge St.

Current Road Conditions

If you are looking for up-to-the-minute updates on traffic in the area, here are a few resources.

KETV Traffic

3 News Now Traffic

511 Nebraska

FAQ

About Your Guide
Ryan Renner - Omaha Relocation Guide

My name is Ryan Renner and I’m a real estate agent in Omaha. I’ve helped many families relocate to Omaha. While helping people relocate, I would get similar questions over and over again. This site addresses many of those questions and more.

Reach out to me if you are moving to Omaha and need help.