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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Nebraska, USA

Air Travel to the Region

Major Airports

The Sandhills region does not have its own major international airport. Travelers fly into larger regional hubs and then proceed by rental car or private vehicle.

Arrival Hubs

  • Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado: 4-6 hours drive to western Sandhills.
  • Eppley Airfield (OMA), Omaha, Nebraska: 4-6 hours drive to eastern Sandhills.
  • Lincoln Airport (LNK), Lincoln, Nebraska: 3-5 hours drive to eastern Sandhills.

Flight Availability & Transfer

Major U.S. Airlines serve these airports. There are no direct international flights to these regional airports; connections within the U.S. Are necessary. Flight prices can vary seasonally.

Connecting to the Sandhills

  • Rental car is the most practical transfer option from all major and regional airports.
  • Prices are typically higher during peak summer travel and major U.S. Holidays.
  • Smaller regional airports (North Platte, Kearney) are closer but have limited flight options.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Explore flight deals via Dollar Flight Club and compare options on Skyscanner for potential savings.

Car Rental

A rental car is the primary method of reaching the Sandhills. Book in advance via DiscoverCars.com for convenience.

Airport Facilities

Major airports offer full services including rental counters, dining, and shops. Smaller regional airports have limited amenities.

Airlines & Routes

Major Carriers

  • United Airlines: Strong presence in Denver.
  • Southwest Airlines: Operates from Omaha and Denver.
  • American Airlines: Connections through hubs to Omaha, Lincoln, Denver.
  • Delta Air Lines: Serves these airports via its hubs.

Budget Carriers

  • Allegiant Air: May offer seasonal or limited routes.
  • Frontier Airlines: May offer seasonal or limited routes.
  • Spirit Airlines: May offer seasonal or limited routes.
  • Consider budget carriers for potentially lower fares, but review their policies.

Departure Planning

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees are imposed by Nebraska or the U.S. Government beyond airline ticket prices.

Airport Arrival

Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international flights from major U.S. Hubs.

Rental Car Return

Allow time for fueling and shuttle transfer. Inspect the car for belongings before returning.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving Essentials

Self-driving is the main and most practical way to explore the Sandhills. It offers the most flexibility for your journey.

Driving Information

  • Valid driver's license. IDP recommended if not in English.
  • Vehicle Type: Standard sedan for paved roads; SUV or truck with 4WD/AWD for unpaved county roads.
  • Fuel Planning: Stations can be scarce. Fuel up whenever possible.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions vary. Paved highways are generally well-maintained, while many county roads are unpaved gravel or dirt, which can change condition with weather.

Safety Awareness

  • Unpaved Roads: Drive cautiously, reduce speed, and be aware of loose gravel, mud, or dust.
  • Cell Service: Spotty in remote areas. Use printed or offline maps.
  • Wildlife & Livestock: Common on roads, especially at dawn/dusk. Drive defensively.

Public Transport

Public transit systems like metros, city buses, or trams are not available within the Sandhills. Towns are small and widely dispersed.

Alternatives

  • Train/Bus: Amtrak and Greyhound have limited stops on the periphery, not in the core Sandhills.
  • Taxis/Ride-Sharing: Uber/Lyft or taxi services are generally not available in the Sandhills.
  • Walking/Cycling: Only suitable for designated trails within parks; not practical for inter-town travel.

Specialized Options

For specific activities, specialized transport may be available, but not for general travel within the region.

Activity-Specific Transport

  • River Shuttles: Outfitters along the Niobrara River provide shuttle services for canoeing, kayaking, or tubing trips.
  • Tour Vans/Buses: Group tours may use chartered vans or small buses as part of a pre-arranged package.
  • Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Not widely available for general transportation.

Important Considerations for Driving

  • Long distances between services. Carry water and an Emergency kit.
  • Unreliable cell phone coverage in many areas.
  • Download offline maps.
  • Dust from gravel roads can reduce visibility.
  • Be aware of free-range cattle on roads.
  • Adhere to fire bans during dry periods.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Nebraska is a landlocked state. Sea or river transportation is not available for arrival or departure from the Sandhills region.

No Coastal Access

  • No ocean coasts or major navigable rivers connect to the Sandhills via ferry or cruise services.
  • The Niobrara River is for recreation, not transport into the region.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable here.

River Transportation

While the Niobrara River is a prominent feature, its use is recreational and does not involve transportation for arrival or departure from the region.

Recreational Use Only

  • The Niobrara River is used extensively for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
  • It is not a route for arriving or departing the Sandhills.
  • There are no connections to land transportation from river-based arrivals.

Simple Access

The most straightforward access to the Sandhills is by flying to a major regional airport and then driving.

Plan Your Route

Given the vastness, careful route planning, including fuel stops, is prudent.

Road Conditions

Be prepared for varied road conditions, from paved highways to unpaved gravel roads.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

No specific exit fees are imposed by Nebraska or the U.S. Government for departing travelers beyond what is included in your airline ticket price.

Timings

  • For domestic flights, arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • For international flights (from major U.S. Hubs), plan for 3 hours.
  • Account for long driving distances from the Sandhills to the airport.

Rental Car Return

Return your rental car according to your agency's instructions. Major airports offer a full range of facilities for departing travelers.

Return Process

  • Allow time for fueling the vehicle if required.
  • Allow time for the shuttle transfer from the rental car center to the airport terminal.
  • Check the car for any personal belongings before returning it.

Airport Facilities

Dining

Diverse dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants.

Retail

Shops for last-minute needs or souvenirs.

Amenities

Restrooms, charging stations, and generally available Wi-Fi.

Departure Reminder

Plan your departure well in advance, considering the distances and potential for weather delays, especially during winter.