Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA) Car & Van Rentals – Compare Suppliers

Introduction: Welcome to Omaha Eppley Airfield, the busiest airport in Nebraska and your first stop toward exploring the Cornhusker State. Renting a car at OMA gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule from downtown Omaha’s historic districts to scenic drives across the heartland. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Omaha airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local tips on navigating Eppley’s rental process, so you can rent a car at Omaha’s airport confidently, whether you’re flying in from afar or you’re a local needing a set of wheels.

Pro Tip: While Omaha has taxis and rideshares, if you plan to explore beyond downtown or simply want the convenience of your own vehicle, a rental car is the way to go. Eppley Airfield is only a 15-minute drive from most Omaha hotels, making it super handy to grab a car and get going without delay.

Renting a car directly at OMA comes with a ton of advantages for both visitors and locals picking up at the airport. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to grab the keys at Eppley:

• Ultimate Flexibility for Exploring: Omaha Airport is not just the gateway to the city, but to the entire region. With a car from OMA, you can drive anywhere from downtown Omaha’s museums and eateries to far-flung places like Mount Rushmore (yes, some travelers plan cross-country road trips from here!). Public transport won’t reach the charming small towns of Nebraska or the scenic overlooks of western Iowa, but your rental car can. Basically, you create your own itinerary, on your time.
• Skip the Shuttle & Taxi Hassles: After a flight, the last thing you want is to juggle bags on a shuttle bus or wait in line for a taxi. Renting at Eppley means door-to-door convenience step off the plane, walk to the rental car center, and drive off. No dragging luggage through hotel shuttles or paying surge pricing for rideshares. This is especially great for families with kids or lots of gear load it all into your rental and off you go, stress-free.
• Save Time on Short Trips: If you’re flying in for a quick business trip or a college visit, having a car can be a time-saver. The airport is so close to the city that in a few minutes you can drive yourself to downtown meetings, East Omaha industries, or universities like Creighton. You’re not at the mercy of train or bus schedules (Omaha’s bus from the airport is limited service), and you don’t have to coordinate with anyone just hop in and drive to your next stop. When time is money, a rental car pays off.
• 24/7 Mobility for Late or Early Flights: OMA sees flights early in the morning and late at night. If you land at midnight or have a 6 AM departure, having your own car ensures 24/7 mobility. Rental car counters at OMA accommodate late arrivals (often staying open for delayed flights if they have the info). Instead of being stuck at an odd hour or paying a hefty fee for a late-night cab, you’ll have your own set of wheels ready, no matter when you get in.
• Comfort & Privacy: Especially for those not familiar with Omaha, driving yourself can actually feel more comfortable. You control the route, the radio, the AC and you have space for all your luggage. All AirportVanRental partners provide well-maintained, modern vehicles (nearly all are automatic transmission). Road signs are in English and easy to follow. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll love getting into a pre-heated car (many rentals have remote start or ask an agent to pre-warm it) instead of waiting outside. During the era of health-conscious travel, having your own car also means a private, clean environment versus sharing a shuttle or rideshare.

In short, a rental car from OMA gives you the freedom to get the most out of your Omaha trip whether you’re here for business, catching a concert, or launching into a nationwide road trip.

Our Omaha Airport Car Rental Advantages

When you book your OMA rental through AirportVanRental, you’re not just getting a car you’re getting a seamless experience from start to finish, with perks you won’t get by just walking up to a counter. Here’s what sets us apart for Omaha Airport rentals:

• Best Rates at OMA Guaranteed: Airport rentals sometimes carry extra fees, but we scour all the companies at Eppley to find you the cheapest price possible. By aggregating deals from the top brands (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) plus local agencies, we ensure you won’t miss a bargain. We often have special rates (weekend discounts, long-term rental deals) thanks to our high booking volume. If you somehow find a lower rate for the same car and terms, we’ll match or beat it. Our mission: get you the best deal at Omaha Airport, period.
• Wide Selection (Including Vans and Specialty Vehicles): Need a zippy economy car for solo travel? An SUV for a family trip to the Omaha Zoo? A roomy minivan or 12-passenger van for a group outing or college baseball team? We’ve got them all available at OMA. AirportVanRental actually specializes in van rentals, so you’ll see passenger van options in Omaha that other sites might not show. Of course, we also have sedans, compacts, luxury models, and even pickup trucks through our partners. With dozens of vehicle types on offer, you can choose exactly what fits your trip. (Tip: Omaha’s streets and parking lots are spacious even larger vehicles are easy to manage here, so feel free to rent that SUV or van if you need the space!)
• No Hidden Fees Total Transparency: Renting at an airport usually includes some extra surcharges (airport facility fees, etc.). We make sure all of these are included in your quote upfront. The price you see on our site already has the airport’s concession fee (~10%), customer facility charge, and taxes calculated. For example, Omaha Airport adds a small fee (around $6 per day) to support the rental car facility and shuttles it’s rolled into our rates. There are no surprise “OMA fees” that will suddenly appear at the counter. We hate hidden charges, so we’ve banished them. You’ll know the true total cost before you book, guaranteed.
• Flexible Booking & Payment: We understand travel plans can change, so we’ve built in flexibility. Most OMA rentals on our platform require no prepayment you pay when you pick up the car. And if you need to cancel or modify your reservation, it’s usually free up until 48 hours before pickup. We also clearly disclose policies like young driver fees or additional driver fees (if any) before you book, so you’re not caught off guard. Need to add a driver or extend your rental by a day? Our customer service can help with that quickly. We strive to keep things hassle-free no rigid rules that trap you if your plans shift.
• Customer Support & Local Insights: Booking with AVR means you have a team backing you up. Our customer support is here in case you have any questions or issues whether it’s help finding your rental counter at OMA or needing to change a drop-off time. We’re familiar with Omaha’s layout and the airport’s procedures, so we can assist in ways a generic booking site might not. We also provide local driving tips (see below) to all our OMA renters little things like best routes to downtown, or reminding you that Omaha has no tolls (so don’t let the counter upsell you a toll pass you won’t use!). If something comes up during your rental, you can reach out to us and we’ll liaise with the rental company on your behalf if needed. It’s like having a travel concierge for your car rental.
• One-Way Rentals and Long-Term Trips: Starting your journey in Omaha but not ending here? No problem. Many OMA rental partners allow one-way rentals for example, pick up at Omaha Airport and drop off in Chicago, Denver, or elsewhere. Just select your desired drop-off location when booking, and we’ll show you any applicable one-way fees. Also, if you need a car for an extended period (say a 3-week road trip or a several-month stay), we offer long-term rental options with excellent rates. Often, a monthly rental can be far cheaper per day than a short-term rate. Feel free to search longer dates or contact us for a custom quote. We’re flexible and can accommodate almost any rental duration or route.

Top Omaha Airport Car Rental Deals

Here are some sample “from” rates for Omaha Airport rentals. These examples exclude taxes/fees (about 15–18% at OMA, which we show in your quote). Prices vary with season and availability summer and holidays might be higher, while winter and weekends can be lower. Always search with your exact dates for up-to-date rates.

• Economy Car from $29/day.Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Great for solo travelers or couples staying around the city. Easy to park at Omaha’s attractions and extremely fuel-efficient for drives to nearby Iowa or Missouri. An economical choice all around.
• Standard SUV from $45/day.Example: Nissan Rogue or similar. Fits 5 passengers plus luggage comfortably. A smart pick if you’re heading to the suburbs or doing day trips plenty of room for shopping finds or picnic gear. Many come with all-wheel drive, handy if visiting in winter.
• Minivan from $55/day.Example: Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Pacifica. Seats 7-8. Perfect for families or groups arriving at OMA everyone (and their bags) fits in one vehicle. Load up at the airport and head out to explore, whether it’s a tour of Omaha’s museums or a drive down to Kansas City.
• 12-Passenger Van from $79/day.Example: Ford Transit Passenger Van. Got a big team or extended family? These large vans are often available at OMA (one of our specialties). They’re ideal for sports teams coming for a tournament or a big group attending a wedding. Surprisingly easy to drive and a fantastic per-person cost when you fill all the seats.
• Luxury/Premium Car from $75/day.Example: Chrysler 300 or similar upscale sedan. Add a touch of comfort to your trip. Premium cars offer a smooth ride on I-80 and premium features. Treat yourself if you’re here for a special occasion or business event it might be more affordable than you think, especially on weekends.

(Note: “From” prices are recent examples actual rates will depend on your dates and car availability. Omaha’s airport rental rates can spike during major events like Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting or College World Series week, so try to book early for those periods. Conversely, you might find great deals in quieter months like January or February. Also, remember most airport rentals include unlimited mileage we’ll specify if any car has a mileage cap, but it’s rare at OMA.)

Navigating Omaha Airport’s Rental Car Center (OMA)

Picking up your rental at Eppley Airfield is a breeze the airport designed the process to be traveler-friendly. Here’s what to expect:

• Consolidated Rental Car Facility: Unlike some airports where companies are scattered, at OMA all the rental car counters are together in the Customer Service Building, which is attached to the North Garage. This is essentially Omaha’s version of a rental car center. When you get there, you’ll find counters for all major brands (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, etc. about 9 companies in total). The cars themselves are parked in the connected garage on Levels 1 and 2, so once you have your contract and keys, you’re just steps away from your vehicle.
• Getting to the Rental Counters: After you land and grab any checked bags, follow signs for Ground Transportation/Rental Cars. At Eppley, you do not need a shuttle the rental center is accessible via a short walk. From the terminal, there’s a covered walkway that leads directly into the Rental Car Customer Service Building on the north side of the terminal. It’s well-marked, but airport staff can point you in the right direction if needed. If you’re coming from the North Parking Garage (locals picking up a car), you’ll actually enter the Customer Service Building from Level 3 of the garage. Either way, it’s all connected and convenient.
• At the Counter: Even if you’ve booked online and given your details, you’ll stop at the rental counter to show your driver’s license, credit card, and any discounts or memberships (and to choose insurance/fuel options if you haven’t already). Since OMA is a medium-sized airport, lines are usually short but if multiple flights arrive at once, there could be a wait. Many counters at Omaha offer self-service kiosks or expedited service if you’re a member of their loyalty program (like Hertz Gold or National Emerald Club). Use those lines if you can skip the wait. Within a few minutes, you’ll have your rental agreement and keys in hand.
• Finding Your Car: The agent will direct you to the appropriate section of the garage to find your vehicle. The ready/return spaces are on Level 1 and 2 of the North Garage. Typically, each company has a designated area look for signage like “Alamo/National Cars” or “Enterprise Cars” hanging in the garage. Your space number might be on your contract or the keys. The garage is right outside the Customer Service Building doors, so you won’t have to go far. If it’s evening, the garage is well-lit. Before driving off, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the car (adjust mirrors, etc.), and do a quick check for any existing scratches or dings if you see anything not noted on your rental form, inform the attendant at the garage exit so it’s on record.
• Exiting the Airport: Driving out of Eppley is straightforward. From the garage, you’ll follow the exit signs which lead you onto Abbott Drive, the main road leaving the airport. There’s usually a booth where you show your rental contract and ID to an attendant as you exit the rental facility this is a security step to verify you have a valid rental. After that, you’ll merge onto Abbott Drive heading south, which takes you directly toward downtown Omaha. Abbott Drive is clearly marked with signs for “Downtown Omaha” and I-480. In about 5 minutes, you can either continue straight into downtown streets or hop on the I-480 interstate loop. If you need to go north or east toward Iowa, Abbott Drive also connects to I-29 easily. Essentially, within moments of leaving the garage, you’re on your way!
• Returning Your Car: When it’s time to bring the car back, follow signs for Rental Car Return as you approach the airport. You’ll enter the same North Garage area. Usually, you drive up to the appropriate level (there are electronic signs or just follow the path that says Rental Return) and park in your rental company’s return lane. An attendant will greet you, check the fuel and mileage, and quickly inspect the car. Budget a few extra minutes during peak return times (early morning flights) in case there’s a short line of cars returning. After that, you can walk directly into the terminal from the garage. If you have an early flight and return when counters might be closed, there are drop boxes for keys but typically at OMA, at least one attendant is available 24/7 in the return area. Tip: Don’t forget to remove all your belongings from the car and to leave a phone charger or souvenir in the rental when you’re in a rush.

Overall, Omaha’s rental car facility is modern and hassle-free. Many travelers comment on how quick and efficient it is a relief after a long flight.

Omaha Driving Tips: From the Airport to Downtown and Beyond

Once you’ve picked up your car at OMA and are leaving the airport, you’ll quickly find yourself on Omaha’s roads. Driving in Omaha and its surroundings is generally a smooth experience, but here are some airport-specific and general tips:

• Airport to Downtown Directions: The main route from Eppley Airfield to downtown Omaha is via Abbott Drive. As you exit the airport, follow Abbott Drive south along the Missouri River. It’s a straight shot (~4 miles) into the heart of downtown. Along the way you’ll pass by Carter Lake (on your right, interestingly in Iowa due to a river shift) and the CHI Health Center arena. Abbott Drive eventually turns into Cuming Street which leads into downtown, or you can veer onto Interstate 480 which loops around downtown. Travel time is about 10–15 minutes with normal traffic possibly a few minutes more during rush hour. It’s very convenient.
• Navigating from OMA: Key highways near the airport: I-480 (to downtown and midtown Omaha, also connects to I-29 in Iowa), and I-29 (the north-south interstate on the Iowa side of the river, useful if you’re heading toward Sioux City or Kansas City). Getting to I-480: take Abbott Drive and simply follow signs for I-480 West/Downtown. Getting to I-29: from Abbott Drive, follow signs for I-29 (you’ll likely take Storz Expy or head towards the direction of Eppley’s freight terminal signage will guide you). In general, Omaha’s interstates are well-marked and not very congested. Use a GPS app for turn-by-turn directions it will also alert you to any accidents or construction on your route.
• Traffic & Rush Hours (Airport Area): The airport itself doesn’t typically have traffic jams, but when merging onto Abbott Drive or I-480 during peak times, you might hit some slow spots. Weekday mornings around 7:30–8:30 AM and afternoons 4:30–6:00 PM see increased volume on the roads to and from downtown. If you land during these windows and drive into the city, expect moderate congestion especially on I-480 southbound (into downtown) in the morning or northbound (toward airport) in the evening. It’s still much lighter than big-city rush hours maybe a short delay. One thing to be mindful of: if there’s an event at the CHI Health Center arena (like a concert or sports event) right when you land, Abbott Drive can have a surge of traffic. Check if any major event is scheduled if so, you can still use Abbott, just be patient, or take an alternate route like Looping west around via Storz Expressway and coming into downtown from the west side.
• Tolls: As mentioned, no toll roads around Omaha, so you won’t encounter any toll booths leaving the airport. If your travels take you out of state, say east on I-80 into Illinois or south to Oklahoma, you’d hit tolls eventually, but locally there’s none. So you don’t need to worry about toll passes for an Omaha-based rental unless going far afield (and even then, you can often pay cash or have the rental’s plate billed).
• Parking at the Airport (If Needed): Most renters won’t need to park at the airport, but if you’re picking someone up later or leaving a personal car, OMA has short-term and economy parking. Short-term parking is right by the terminal (first 20 minutes free if you’re just doing a quick pickup). There’s also a free Cell Phone Lot on the approach to the airport a nice waiting area if you’re meeting an arriving passenger, you can wait there until they text/call you, then swing up to the terminal curb. Since you’ll have a rental car, you likely won’t use the airport parking except to return the rental itself.
• Driving to Other Cities: From OMA, getting out of town is straightforward. To Lincoln: Take I-480 or I-680 to I-80 West, then it’s a straight 60-ish mile shot west. To Kansas City: Take I-29 South out of Council Bluffs, about 180 miles (3 hours). To Des Moines: I-80 East, ~135 miles (2 hours). Roads in all directions are flat and well-maintained. Do watch weather forecasts if driving in winter snow can affect these routes, and sections of I-29 in Iowa have been known to flood in rare situations (spring thaw). In summer, construction zones are the main delay factor obey lowered speed limits in work zones (fines double).
• Gas Stations near the Airport: If you need to refuel right after picking up (or more likely, right before returning), there are a couple of convenient options. On the way to the airport, the popular spot is Phillips 66 “Kum & Go” on Abbott Drive, about 1.5 miles south of the terminal easy on/off. Prices there are usually competitive with city averages. Another station is in Carter Lake, IA (just east of Abbott) which sometimes has slightly cheaper gas. If you’re coming from downtown, you can also stop at a gas station in Omaha (there’s a BP and Casey’s General Store on 16th Street a few blocks off Abbott) any of these will work to fill up before you return the car. Pro tip: save your fuel receipt in case the rental company asks for proof you filled up within 10 miles; it’s rare, but some do that to ensure you topped off close by.
• Safety & Security: Omaha is a safe city to drive in. Around the airport and downtown, you’ll see normal urban traffic and lots of travelers. Just follow standard precautions: obey traffic signals (red-light cameras are at a few intersections near downtown), watch for pedestrians downtown (especially around the Old Market and event venues), and keep your car locked when parked. At night, the main roads are well-lit. If you’re venturing into rural areas at night, be alert for wildlife (deer) on less-traveled highways. Within the city, it’s more about watching for the occasional pothole or construction barrel. Omaha police do monitor for DUI especially on weekend nights if you’ve had a night out in the Old Market, it’s better to take a rideshare back and pick up your car in the morning.

Overall, driving from Omaha’s airport and throughout the region is quite user-friendly. Many visitors find it a relaxing place to drive wide streets, polite drivers, and lots of open space once you leave the city. With these tips in mind, you’ll be cruising like a local in no time!

Quick-Reference Info Box: Omaha Airport Car Rental Key Facts

• Airport Code: OMA (Omaha Eppley Airfield) the main commercial airport serving Omaha, located about 4 miles northeast of downtown.
• Rental Car Facility: On-site and easy to access. All rental counters are in the Customer Service Building attached to the North Garage. No shuttle bus needed walk from the terminal. Cars are picked up and dropped off in the connected garage (Levels 1-2 for pick-up/return). Very convenient, even in bad weather (mostly covered path).
• Rental Companies at OMA: All major brands are present including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty (about 9 companies total operating at the airport). This means lots of choice and competitive rates. The rental center is staffed typically from early morning (~5am) until late (~12-1am) to cover the day’s flights.
• Pick-Up/Drop-Off Tips: Have your driver’s license and credit card ready at pick-up. Adding your flight number to the reservation helps in case of delays. For drop-off, follow “Rental Car Return” signs as you approach the airport the entrance is on the north side. After dropping the car, it’s a short walk to the airline check-in area. If dropping off after hours, use the key drop box (make sure to lock the car!).
• Average Rental Costs at OMA: Economy/Compact from ~$30/day, Mid-size ~$40/day, SUV ~$50/day, Minivan ~$60/day (before taxes/fees). Airport rates include ~15-18% in taxes and surcharges already factored into quotes we display. Weekend rates can be especially low due to leisure promos, while peak summer or event dates may be higher. Always compare a few car types sometimes a larger car is only a few dollars more.
• Fueling Up: Nearest gas stations to refuel are Phillips 66 on Abbott Dr (about 1.5 miles from the rental return, on the way in) and a Casey’s General Store just south of the airport. Both are easy in/out. Gas prices in Omaha (and Council Bluffs) are moderate roughly $0.10 below the U.S. average per gallon. Save your receipt to show you filled up close to the airport if needed.
• Driving from OMA: Omaha’s airport is connected by Abbott Drive to downtown (10-15 min) and via Storz Expy to interstates. No tolls leaving the airport or anywhere in Omaha. Traffic is light; just watch for speed limit changes (Abbott Dr is 45 MPH then drops to 35 MPH as you enter city streets). The airport sits near the Nebraska/Iowa border (Missouri River) crossing into Iowa via I-480 or I-680 is quick if your travels take you east.
• Parking in Omaha: If you’re going straight from the airport to explore, note that downtown Omaha has ample parking. Meters run Mon–Sat until 9pm (free Sundays) and cost about $1/hour. Several parking garages near Old Market and Capitol District max out ~$10/day. Airport parking (if you needed to park a personal car) is $17/day in garages, $10/day economy but as a renter, you likely won’t use those.
• Travel Times: From OMA, drive times are roughly: 10 mins to Downtown Omaha, 15-20 mins to West Omaha (via I-680), 1 hour to Lincoln (I-80 west), 2 hours to Des Moines (I-80 east), 3 hours to Kansas City (I-29 south). The airport’s proximity to I-480 and I-29 makes it a convenient starting point for regional trips.
• Weather Impact: OMA is open in almost all weather they’re efficient at snow removal. If a major snowstorm hits, there might be minor delays on roads; give yourself extra time driving to return your car in snow or ice conditions. In summer, heavy rain/thunderstorms can slow traffic briefly but usually pass quickly. Keep an eye on weather if driving long distances (thunderstorms can be intense but you can often route around them if needed).
• Accessibility: The rental center and garages are fully accessible. Elevators available, and agencies can provide hand-controls with advance notice. If you have mobility issues, you can request an agent’s assistance Omaha’s smaller size means personalized help is often easily available.