Getting Around Omaha: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Omaha is designed with some pedestrian-friendly areas, especially around Downtown and the Old Market, which offer a variety of amenities within walking distance. The layout in these neighborhoods supports pedestrian traffic, making it convenient to access restaurants, cafes, and shops on foot. However, outside these central areas, the city becomes more car-dependent, with fewer walkable streets and services requiring longer commutes.

Omaha provides a basic public transit service through Metro Area Transit (MAT), which covers significant parts of the city, though not comprehensively. Key transit options include the ORBT rapid bus service along Dodge Street, connecting major areas efficiently. However, the limited frequency of buses and restricted service hours mean that travelers might find public transport less flexible compared to cities with more extensive transit networks.

Omaha offers a growing network of bike lanes and dedicated recreational trails like the Keystone Trail, enhancing its bike-friendliness. The addition of bike lanes on major routes and services like Heartland Bike Share make cycling viable, particularly for short distances. Nonetheless, certain areas still require cyclists to share the road with vehicles, making some routes less ideal for biking.