Nebraska is the Great Plains heartland of America, a vast state of sweeping prairies, towering sand dunes, and the legendary Oregon Trail. From the cosmopolitan culture of Omaha's Old Market to the state capitol in Lincoln, the dramatic Chimney Rock on the western horizon, and the wild Sandhills that shelter migrating cranes, Nebraska rewards curious travelers with genuine frontier spirit and uncrowded natural grandeur.
Nebraska requires a car for virtually all travel outside Omaha and Lincoln. The state spans 430 miles east-to-west, and most natural and historical attractions are in rural areas with no public transit access. Omaha has Metro Transit bus service; Lincoln has StarTran. I-80 is the main east-west corridor. Two commercial airports serve the state: Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha and Lincoln Airport (LNK).
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Keep the gas tank above half when driving western Nebraska — stations can be 50+ miles apart in the Sandhills and Panhandle
I-80 frequently has 75 mph speed limits; total drive time from Omaha to the Colorado border is about 6 hours
Nebraska Highway 2 (the Sandhills Journey) is a scenic route that should not be missed; allow a full day
Download offline Google Maps for Nebraska before arriving in remote areas where cell service is spotty
Deer and antelope crossing warning: drive especially cautiously at dawn and dusk on rural roads