Aliso Viejo is predominantly a car-dependent area. While there are walkable pockets, especially near the Town Center where restaurants and shops are concentrated, the overall layout of the city is suburban with significant distances between residential and commercial areas. Travelers hoping for a pedestrian-friendly environment with easy access to amenities on foot will find Aliso Viejo limiting, as many neighborhoods necessitate a car for daily errands.

The availability of public transit in Aliso Viejo is limited but functional for those who plan ahead. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) operates bus routes that include the OC Flex on-demand shuttle service. While this offers options for getting around, the coverage and frequency may not be ideal for spontaneous travel across the city. Train services like Metrolink are accessible from nearby stations, providing links to larger urban areas, but still require effort to reach these departure points. Thus, public transit is feasible but not particularly convenient for day-to-day travel.

Aliso Viejo offers some promising bike infrastructure, including the Aliso Creek Regional Riding and Hiking Trail, perfect for leisurely rides or commutes across multiple cities. Some roads, like Aliso Creek Road, feature protected bike lanes, enhancing safety. However, the area's hilly terrain and the disjointed bike lane network pose challenges for safe, practical biking. While electric bikes could assist in tackling the hills, cyclists may still face difficulties in navigating urban stretches safely.