Aberystwyth offers a compact and accessible layout, making it easy to navigate on foot. The town center is concentrated with essential amenities, cafes, shops, and restaurants, which are all within walking distance. Travelers will find they can comfortably reach the university, seafront, and even pleasant walking routes like the promenade without the need for a vehicle. Although some residential areas are a bit further out, most daily needs and leisure activities are well managed on foot, making it an enjoyable place to walk.

For a town its size, Aberystwyth provides decent public transportation options. The centrally located bus and train stations are key hubs that allow travelers easy access to local and regional transportation. Buses and the TrawsCymru service offer reliable links around the town and to broader destinations in Wales, while train services on the Cambrian Line connect to major cities like Shrewsbury and Birmingham. Although not extensive, the transit system supports travel around key locations without being dependent on a car.

Aberystwyth presents a reasonable option for biking, with dedicated cycle paths and scenic trails like the Ystwyth Trail and Rheidol Trail. These provide pleasant routes for cyclists interested in exploring the countryside. However, the town’s cycling infrastructure is sometimes limited, and roads can lack dedicated lanes. The undulating terrain includes some hilly areas, requiring moderate fitness for longer rides. Despite these challenges, biking remains a feasible mode of transportation for errands and leisure, especially for those acquainted with sharing roads with traffic.