Hays offers a moderately walkable environment, particularly in areas like Historic Downtown and near Fort Hays State University. These neighborhoods provide a good concentration of shops, restaurants, and daily essentials, making some errands feasible on foot. However, outside these hubs, you'll find that many of your day-to-day tasks will require a vehicle, as urban sprawl and limited sidewalk coverage can hinder pedestrian convenience.

Public transit in Hays is functional but limited, primarily relying on ACCESS Public Transportation. While this service provides a much-needed option for those without cars, it is not as spontaneous or extensive as transit systems found in larger urban areas. It requires advance booking and offers restricted operating hours, making it more suited for pre-planned trips rather than day-to-day commuting or travel across town without prior arrangement.

Hays is fairly bike-friendly, with several multi-use paths and established bike routes that connect key parts of the city, such as parks, schools, and the university. The terrain is largely flat, and the presence of wide streets further supports cycling. However, cyclists should be prepared for more extreme weather conditions and may still need to rely on cars for certain errands, given the gaps in the city's biking infrastructure.