Athens, Tennessee, offers a modest degree of walkability, primarily concentrated in select areas like Historic Downtown Athens. Travelers will find a few walkable paths and access to local amenities such as restaurants and grocery stores in these pockets. However, the city is largely reliant on vehicles for most errands, as sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructures are not consistently available across all neighborhoods. This makes exploring Athens thoroughly without a car somewhat challenging.

Public transportation options in Athens are limited, with services like SETHRA Transit offering only basic coverage on weekdays and requiring advanced bookings for trips. This lack of comprehensive public transit makes it difficult for travelers to navigate the city without a car, especially considering the limited operational hours and sparse route availability. For those who rely heavily on public transport, Athens may not provide the convenience needed for flexible travel plans.

Athens is currently not very accommodating for cyclists due to the absence of dedicated bike lanes. While there are recreational trails like the Eureka Trail, these are not practical for day-to-day commuting. Cycling in Athens requires dealing with vehicular traffic, which can be daunting for less experienced bikers. The city's master plan includes future improvements for bikeability, but as it stands, navigating by bike remains challenging.