Getting Around El Paso: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

El Paso offers pockets of walkability, particularly in areas like Downtown, Kern Place, Sunset Heights, and the UTEP area. These areas feature a mix of residences, restaurants, cafes, and shops within a comfortable walking distance. Travelers can find convenient accommodations and amenities in these neighborhoods. However, El Paso is a sprawling city, and most residential areas are car-dependent, which can make it challenging to navigate without a vehicle outside walkable zones.

El Paso's Sun Metro provides bus and bus rapid transit (BRIO) services which can be handy, especially close to main routes, making central areas accessible. However, the system's limited coverage and frequency, especially outside central areas, can be a drawback. Travelers relying on public transport might find it time-consuming or inconvenient to reach non-central parts of the city, necessitating living close to a terminal for better convenience.

Biking in El Paso offers a mixed experience with some bike lanes in central areas and a bike-sharing system, SunCycle, providing options for travelers. While the city boasts good weather and low air pollution, making it somewhat appealing for cycling, the hot climate, suburban layout, and fast-moving traffic on main roads pose challenges. Hilly terrains in certain areas further complicate biking, making it less ideal for frequent use.