Getting Around
Navigating any American city for the first time can be scary and intimidating, even for native born Americans. Lincoln, Neb., a city of 258,379, is no different.
The best way to get around Lincoln is by car. That will require access to a car, registering an owned car, a driver’s license, and auto insurance.
For its size, Lincoln has limited options for those who don’t have access to a car: taxi/car service, carpooling or city bus. Those traveling to locations beyond Lincoln will likely take a bus, train or airplane.
Buying a Car
There are two options when buying a car: New or used, and both require some work.
Natural-born Americans can feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the process. It is understandably stressful to make such a large purchase, especially when so much of the process can be confusing. So, before stepping onto a car sales lot, it’s best...READ MORE
Lincoln Streets
Not all cities are the same, but roads in Lincoln are primarily laid out in a grid pattern. Knowing the basics of the system can help finding your way around town and...READ MORE
Driver’s License/Car Registration
Getting a driver’s license and registering a car is a necessary process that most people dislike. It ensures a minimum competence level of all drivers and collects the taxes and fees that help maintain the nearly 10,000 miles of roads that cross Nebraska.
Even people born and raised in the United State have...READ MORE
Automobiles
There are few taxi cabs in the city, and what there is for taxi service is generally considered unreliable and overpriced. A two-mile ride in a Lincoln taxis will cost about $13, but a two-mile ride in Omaha is about $8. And according to taxifarefinder.com, a cab ride in Lincoln is more expensive than in major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Miami, and Washington D.C., to name a few.
Lincoln’s best option for public transportation is StarTran, the city bus system. Regular rates are affordable, and there are also low-income options. StarTran also provides services for the disabled. Check this video for a detailed look at how to take advantage of the StarTran system.
Parking
Finding a parking spot is not a large problem in Lincoln. Even downtown, parking is usually available, although for a price. So, if you’re heading to a downtown location, make sure you have a few dollars in spare change.
Metered street parking downtown costs about $.25 for half-an-hour, and is usually limited to two hours ($1) or less.
Parking garages are also available downtown. Some garages might charge as much as $1 per hour, or $4-6 for all day.
Leaving Lincoln
Longer journeys will likely begin at the Lincoln Amtrak train station, Greyhound Bus Depot or Lincoln airport.
Go here for more on leaving Lincoln.