Inverness features a compact and pedestrian-friendly city center, making it highly walkable. Key amenities such as shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions are easily accessible on foot. Enhanced by cobblestone streets and scenic riverside paths, the walking experience is further enriched. While some attractions like Culloden Battlefield or Loch Ness require transportation, travelers will find the core areas very conducive to exploring on foot.

Inverness acts as a transportation hub for the Highlands, providing several bus services that connect to neighboring areas and major Scottish cities. Regional travel is facilitated by Stagecoach, Scottish Citylink, and Megabus, with local support from a City Sightseeing bus for visiting key attractions. While service frequency may not match larger cities, the available public transit is adequate to explore the region without a car. The primary drawbacks are limited service in rural areas, though the HITRANS app helps in planning such routes.

Inverness offers some cycling infrastructure, and while not extensive, it supports a reasonable cycling culture. There are dedicated routes, and ongoing efforts aim to improve cycling safety and availability. The surrounding terrain provides a mix of options ideal for both road and mountain biking. Infrastructure gaps exist, and cycling safety concerns result in only a part of the population relying on bicycles regularly. However, the city remains bikeable, offering both recreational biking opportunities and practical routes through town.