2 Hours
Can you leave the airport?
No
Best for Quick transfers
Explore local art displays in Terminal, grab a coffee at Scooter's, use the free WiFi.
Layover Guide
Omaha
Whether you are touching down for a few hours or an overnight stay, an Omaha layover offers a surprisingly vibrant experience. Eppley Airfield (OMA) is the largest airport in Nebraska and serves as the primary gateway to the Midwest. Unlike massive hubs like the ones found in our Chicago Layover Guide, OMA is incredibly efficient and located just three miles northeast of the city center. This proximity means you can swap the terminal for the cobblestone streets of the Old Market in under 15 minutes. Before heading out, you can track your Omaha flight path on Borderly to visualize your journey across the United States. While Omaha might not have the massive international volume of a London Layover Guide destination, its ease of access and local charm make it a favorite for domestic travelers looking for a stress-free stopover.
By James Windsor
32,000+ layovers planned
10 curated experiences for Omaha
Avg itinerary: 23s
How long is your layover?
Select a duration to plan your Omaha layover
No credit card required
Quick Answer
A layover at Omaha Airport (OMA) is ideal for exploring, as Eppley Airfield is just 3 miles (10 minutes) from downtown. During a stopover, visit the historic Old Market, the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo, or walk the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Its proximity to the city makes even short layovers worthwhile.
Match The Query Intent
What Works for Your Omaha Layover Length?
Start with your connection length first. This is the fastest way to decide whether to stay airside, head into the city, or plan around transit and visa constraints.
4 Hours
Can you leave the airport?
Yes
Best for Business travelers and foodies
Quick trip to Old Market for lunch or a walk through the Gene Leahy Mall.
6-8 Hours
Can you leave the airport?
Yes
Best for Families and nature lovers
Visit Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium or the Durham Museum.
8-12 Hours
Can you leave the airport?
Yes
Best for Sightseers
Full city tour: Zoo, Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and dinner in the Old Market.
12+ Hours (Overnight)
Can you leave the airport?
Yes
Best for Full exploration
Stay downtown, explore the Blackstone District nightlife, or visit the SAC Aerospace Museum.
Keep Exploring
Continue planning your Omaha stopover inside Borderly
Move into nearby layover guides, airport pages, and route pages without dropping into third-party booking tabs.
Airport Guides
Join Borderly
Track Your Travels
Upload your boarding pass and see how you compare to other travelers. Build your flight log, earn achievements, and climb the leaderboard.
Home to These Airports
Airports in Omaha
OMA
Omaha Airport (OMA)
Check in early but stay mobile; security wait times are usually under 15 minutes. The airport is split into two concourses (North and South).
🕒 24/7 (Security checkpoints open at 4:00 AM)🧳 None available at the airport due to security regulations.💺 United Club (Concourse B)
Getting There
Find your flights through Omaha
Flight searchCompare 100+ agencies
* Fares are compared live across airlines and agencies for your Omaha connection.
Flights to Omaha
Inside the Terminal
Don't Want to Leave OMA Airport?
Lounge Options at Eppley Airfield
OMA is a smaller regional hub, so lounge options are limited compared to hubs in our Los Angeles Layover Guide.
United Club
LocationConcourse B, near Gate B6
AccessUnited Polaris, United Club members, Star Alliance Gold
AmenitiesSnacks, beverages, WiFi, workstations
CostOne-time pass approximately $59
OMA Terminal Amenities
Free High-Speed WiFi
Device Charging Stations
Nursing Rooms
Service Animal Relief Area
Local Art Exhibits
Scooter's Coffee (Local Favorite)
Rest and Relaxation
There are no dedicated sleeping pods or transit hotels inside the secure area. However, the terminal has plenty of padded seating in the gate areas. For a proper sleep, several hotels like the Hampton Inn and Sleep Inn are located just across the street from the terminal.
Explore the City
What Can You Do During an Omaha Layover?
10 experiences to discover
012-3 Hours
Explore the Old Market Entertainment District
A historic area with cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, art galleries, and dozens of restaurants.
3.5 miles from airport
⏱ 10-12 minutes
🕒 Most shops 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Restaurants late
💡 Visit Ted & Wally's for world-class homemade ice cream made with 18% butterfat.
024-5 Hours
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the world. Features the world's largest indoor desert and nocturnal exhibit.
5 miles from airport
⏱ 15 minutes
🕒 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Winter 4:00 PM)
💡 Don't miss the Lied Jungle; it's the largest indoor rainforest in North America.
031 Hour
Walk the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
A 3,000-foot suspension bridge over the Missouri River. You can stand in two states (Nebraska and Iowa) at once.
3 miles from airport
⏱ 10 minutes
🕒 24/7
💡 Known locally as 'Bob the Bridge.' Take a photo at the state line for a classic 'Bobbing' pose.
041.5-2 Hours
The Durham Museum
Housed in the stunning Art Deco Union Station, this museum showcases the history of the Western United States.
4 miles from airport
⏱ 12 minutes
🕒 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
💡 Visit the old-fashioned soda fountain for a phosphate or a malt.
052 Hours
Lauritzen Gardens
An urban oasis featuring a variety of botanical displays and a beautiful conservatory.
5 miles from airport
⏱ 15 minutes
🕒 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
💡 Check out the model train garden which features replicas of Omaha landmarks.
061-2 Hours
Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront
A newly renovated park in the heart of downtown with modern sculptures, slides, and performance spaces.
3.5 miles from airport
⏱ 10 minutes
🕒 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
💡 The massive metal slides are a hit for both kids and adults.
072 Hours
Joslyn Art Museum
Nebraska's premier center for the visual arts, featuring a massive collection of Greek pottery and Native American art.
4 miles from airport
⏱ 12 minutes
🕒 Check official site for reopening dates (renovation status)
💡 The building itself is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture.
081 Hour
Lewis and Clark Landing
A riverfront park commemorating the historic expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
3 miles from airport
⏱ 10 minutes
🕒 24/7
💡 Great spot for a quick jog if you need to stretch your legs between flights.
093-4 Hours
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
A massive museum focused on aircraft from the Cold War era.
30 miles from airport
⏱ 35-40 minutes
🕒 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
💡 Only recommended for layovers longer than 8 hours due to the distance.
102-3 Hours
Omaha Children's Museum
Interactive exhibits designed to spark imagination and learning for younger children.
4.5 miles from airport
⏱ 15 minutes
🕒 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
💡 Perfect if you are traveling with kids and need to burn off energy.
Viator selectionLive recommendations
View on ViatorFits your layover4+ hours layover
Awesome Scavenger Hunt: The West’s Glorious Gateway
Let’s Roam leads the charge as the #1 app-led Adventure Hunt company! Journey to the finest landmarks and uncover hidden gems, tackling trivia and conquering challenges along the way. Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or sparking friendly competition, Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts promise thrilling discoveries and unforgettable moments. Perfect for everyday adventures, bachelorette blowouts, birthday celebrations, corporate team-building escapades, and beyond! Each participant selects an interactive role, with unique challenges tailored to their skills and interests. Get ready to explore, compete, and create lasting memories with Let’s Roam!
Duration
2 hours
+ 2h airport buffer
Layover fit
Good for 4–6 hour layovers
Needs 4h total
Admission
Check on Viator
Ready to book for your Omaha layover
Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available
View on ViatorFits your layover3+ hours layover
Private Photoshoot in Omaha with Professional Photographer
Unlike traditional photo shoots, you don’t have to wait days for edited images or choose a limited number of photos. You’ll use your own phone or camera, so you leave with all your content instantly. This experience focuses on helping you capture better photos yourself through guidance on posing, angles, and lighting. It will use simple, accessible locations with a variation of backgrounds and good lighting to get the best results in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.
Duration
1 hour
+ 2h airport buffer
Layover fit
Good for 4–6 hour layovers
Needs 3h total
Admission
Check on Viator
Ready to book for your Omaha layover
Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available
* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.
Step by Step
Layover Itineraries
Want a personalized itinerary booked for you?
01
2-Hour Itinerary
Quick OMA Refresh
0:00 - Deplane and walk to the central terminal area.
0:15 - Grab a signature coffee at Scooter’s Coffee near the security exit.
0:30 - Explore the Nebraska Hall of Fame art displays in the terminal.
1:00 - Relax in the United Club (Concourse B) or use the free airport WiFi at your gate.
1:30 - Head to your departure gate for boarding.
02
4-Hour Itinerary
Old Market Quick Bite
0:00 - Exit the airport and hail a taxi or Uber (10-minute ride).
0:30 - Arrive at the Old Market; walk the cobblestone streets of Howard and Harney St.
1:00 - Have lunch at Block 16 or Upstream Brewing Company.
2:15 - Quick stop at the Hollywood Candy shop for retro sweets and curiosities.
2:45 - Take a taxi back to OMA.
3:15 - Pass through security (usually very fast) and head to your gate.
03
8-Hour Itinerary
The Best of Omaha
0:00 - Take a rideshare to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (15 mins).
0:30 - Spend 3.5 hours exploring the Desert Dome and the Lied Jungle.
4:00 - Travel to the Old Market for a late lunch and local shopping (10 mins).
5:30 - Walk to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to stand in two states at once (10 mins).
6:30 - Head back toward the airport area via the RiverFront park.
7:15 - Arrive at OMA, clear security, and prepare for your flight.
GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations
* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Omaha.
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Omaha
Block 16
Modern Street Food$$Downtown (Farnam St)
⭐ Must try: Croque Garcon Burger
💡 Alton Brown called their burger his favorite in America.
Cascio's Steakhouse
Italian Steakhouse$$$Near Downtown
⭐ Must try: T-Bone Steak
💡 A classic Omaha institution for over 70 years.
Upstream Brewing Company
American/Brewpub$$Old Market
⭐ Must try: Dundee Dell Fish & Chips
💡 Try their local craft beer flight for a taste of Nebraska.
Kitchen Table
Farm-to-Table$$Downtown
⭐ Must try: The Whole Bird Sandwich
💡 Great for healthy, slow-food options during a quick trip.
Dante
Italian / Wood-Fired Pizza$$West Omaha (Requires longer layover)
⭐ Must try: Margherita Pizza
💡 Certified authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Scooter's Coffee
Coffee/Pastries$OMA Terminal
⭐ Must try: Caramelicious
💡 The quintessential Nebraska coffee chain.
Shop & Browse
Shopping in Omaha
The Old Market
Features dozens of local boutiques, bookstores like Jackson Street Booksellers, and the Tannenbaum Christmas Shop.
3.5 miles
Nebraska Crossing Outlets
High-end outlet mall with brands like Nike, Coach, and Under Armour. (Requires 45-min drive).
25 miles
Village Pointe
Open-air lifestyle center with mainstream brands and a cinema.
15 miles
Hollywood Candy
A massive warehouse filled with vintage candy, pinball machines, and antiques in the Old Market.
3.5 miles
Navigate
Getting Around Omaha
Omaha is a car-centric city, but its proximity to the airport makes transit easy. Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are the most efficient way to reach downtown from OMA, typically costing $12-$20 and taking 10-15 minutes. Many downtown hotels offer free airport shuttles. While public Metro buses exist, they are generally too slow for a short layover. For the best experience, you can track your flight path on Borderly to see when you'll land and pre-book a ride.
Good to Know
OMA Layover Tips for Travelers
01
OMA has two separate security checkpoints for the North and South concourses; make sure you enter the correct one for your airline.
02
The airport is just 10 minutes from downtown, making even 4-hour layovers feasible for a meal.
03
Luggage storage is not available at OMA; if you leave the airport, you must take your carry-ons with you.
04
Nebraska weather can be extreme; check for snow delays in winter or thunderstorms in spring.
05
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal with excellent speeds.
06
Most attractions in Omaha are closed on Mondays, especially museums.
07
Tipping is standard in Omaha: 18-20% for restaurant service and $2-5 for shuttle drivers.
Open the airport and route guides you need next
Keep your planning flow on Borderly by opening the local airport and route pages connected to this stopover.
Community Discussions
Real Traveler Advice
T
TravelBug992 days agoDoes anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...
A
AeroExplorer5 days agoJust did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...
Make Every Minute Count
Time Management at OMA
Omaha Eppley Airfield is remarkably efficient. Security lines rarely exceed 15 minutes, and the walk from the curb to the gate is short. However, if you are visiting the Zoo, allow at least 3-4 hours of actual time at the park, plus 30 minutes for round-trip travel. Always aim to be back at the airport 90 minutes before a domestic flight.
Short on time? Let us handle everything.
Flight Connections
Popular Flight Routes from OMA
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4 hours enough for a Omaha layover?
+
Yes, 4 hours is enough to leave OMA for a quick meal in the Old Market. Since the airport is only 10 minutes from downtown and security is fast, you can enjoy about 1.5 to 2 hours in the city.
Can I leave OMA airport during a layover?
+
Absolutely. OMA is located very close to the city center, and there are no restrictions on leaving during a domestic layover as long as you have your boarding pass to return through security.
What is there to do near OMA airport?
+
The Old Market, Gene Leahy Mall, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge are all within a 10-minute drive of the airport.
Do I need a visa for a Omaha layover?
+
If you are an international traveler, you will need a valid US visa or ESTA to clear customs and enter the country, just as you would in any US city.
How far is Omaha city center from the airport?
+
Omaha city center (Downtown) is only 3 miles from Eppley Airfield (OMA), making it one of the most accessible downtown areas from an airport in the US.
What lounge access is available at OMA?
+
The only airline lounge is the United Club located in Concourse B. There is also a USO lounge for military members and their families.
Can I sleep at OMA airport during a layover?
+
While the airport is open 24/7, there are no dedicated sleep zones or hotels inside the terminal. Nearby hotels offer shuttles and are a better option for overnight stays.
Are there luggage lockers at Omaha Airport?
+
No, OMA does not offer luggage storage or lockers. Travelers must keep their bags with them if they leave the airport.
What can you do in Omaha with 2 Hours between flights?
+
No Explore local art displays in Terminal, grab a coffee at Scooter's, use the free WiFi.
Is 2 Hours enough time to leave the airport in Omaha?
+
No
What can you do in Omaha with 4 Hours between flights?
+
Yes Quick trip to Old Market for lunch or a walk through the Gene Leahy Mall.
Is 4 Hours enough time to leave the airport in Omaha?
+
Yes
Personalized Travel
Traveling to Omaha?
Use our dedicated travel concierge service. Let us handle your layover details, itinerary, and exclusive bookings so you can just enjoy the journey. Enquire now.
External Resources
Helpful Links
Track your Omaha flight path on Borderly
↗Visualize and track flights through Omaha with Borderly's flight path feature
Find flights to Omaha (OMA)
↗Search for current flight deals to Omaha
Omaha travel reviews on TripAdvisor
↗Read traveler reviews and tips for Omaha
Omaha travel guide - Lonely Planet
↗Comprehensive Omaha travel information from Lonely Planet
Omaha travel wiki
↗Community-contributed travel guide for Omaha
Nearby Stopovers
Compare with Sibling Layover Guides
Want the ultimate layover?
Book flights, hotels, tours, and more directly through our premium concierge. Let us handle the details.
Country Guide
United States→Airport Guides
Saily eSIMBorderly AI