Haines is a compact town, particularly in its downtown area, where travelers can easily access shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions on foot. Its layout is conducive to walking for short distances, but more distant residential areas and certain attractions might necessitate alternative transportation. While generally pedestrian-friendly, it isn't entirely feasible to rely solely on walking for all errands or adventures outside the immediate downtown vicinity.

Public transit options in Haines are sparse and not ideally suited for daily commuting needs of travelers. While the town does provide some local bus and shuttle services, their sparse schedules make it challenging for those needing frequent and reliable transport. Although the Alaska Marine Highway System extends travel opportunities through ferries, it's more useful for regional travel rather than local day-to-day transit, leaving visitors mostly reliant on taxis or water taxis which can be both costly and less available.

Haines is a cyclist-friendly town, acclaimed for its scenic routes and manageable traffic, making biking a pleasant experience for travelers. Cycling through this picturesque area allows for an environmentally friendly and often relaxing way to explore the surroundings. While bike lanes aren't abundant, the generally low traffic volume and availability of rental bikes make biking an appealing option. Adventurous cyclists are also drawn to the possibility of longer treks like the Golden Circle route, although urban cycling might occasionally involve sharing roads with vehicles.