Harrisburg is a very walkable city, especially in areas like downtown, Midtown, and Shipoke. These neighborhoods feature a compact layout with historic architecture and easy access to amenities such as restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Travelers can easily accomplish most errands on foot, and the presence of coworking spaces enhances convenience for remote workers. However, areas like Allison Hill might have lower rental costs but can be less walkable due to higher crime rates, particularly at night.

Harrisburg offers good public transit options with rabbittransit operating bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. While lacking a subway or light rail system, buses provide connections to key areas. However, the coverage and frequency of service may be limited, especially on Sundays. Travelers can benefit from affordable fare options with a 31-day pass, but for regular travel to distant locations, services like Amtrak are better suited for occasional use rather than daily commutes.

Harrisburg is reasonably bikeable, featuring some bike infrastructure such as shared bike lanes on 2nd Street and dedicated trails like the Capital Area Greenbelt. The terrain in surrounding areas is flat with good shoulder room, making cycling generally pleasant. Additionally, the presence of a bike patrol unit indicates support for cyclists. However, the city could improve by expanding dedicated bike lanes to make it more inviting for all levels of cyclists.