Herndon, Virginia, is somewhat walkable, particularly in its historic downtown area where amenities such as shops, restaurants, and community centers are within walking distance. However, beyond the downtown attractions, a car or additional transportation is often necessary to reach various parts of the town, like grocery stores and shopping centers, which may require longer distances to access by foot. The area's layout supports walking primarily in concentrated areas, making it practical for shorter stays or leisurely exploration.

Herndon offers good public transit options, largely improved by the Herndon Metrorail Station on the Silver Line, which connects travelers to the larger Washington, D.C. metro area. Local bus services, such as the Fairfax Connector, link key locations like Reston Town Center and Dulles Airport, although frequency and coverage might be sparse in less centralized areas. Therefore, while public transit is reliable for planned commutes, it may require strategic scheduling to maximize its utility.

Herndon is recognized as a very bikeable location, with infrastructure like the W&OD Trail providing a 45-mile paved pathway for both recreational and commuting cyclists. The town's efforts to expand bike lanes and trails, such as on Van Buren Street and Sterling Road, support active transportation. While not all neighborhoods have dedicated biking facilities, the town's ongoing network development makes cycling an accessible and enjoyable way to navigate locally.