Issaquah offers a moderate level of walkability, with certain areas more conducive to walking than others. Downtown Issaquah or Olde Town and Gilman Village provide travelers with a compact layout of shops, restaurants, and necessities that are easily accessible by foot. Additionally, the master-planned community of Issaquah Highlands is designed to support pedestrian activity with nearby conveniences. However, expansive residential zones tend to be car-dependent and diminish the overall walkability. While sidewalks are generally present on major streets, distances between neighborhoods and commercial areas can be significant, making full reliance on walking somewhat impractical.

Public transport in Issaquah offers basic utility but is limited in scope for extensive daily use. Travelers can access bus routes that connect to larger city hubs like Seattle and Bellevue, with express services providing relatively quick commutes. The primary transit centers – Issaquah Transit Center and Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride – are pivotal nodes for regional travel. Furthermore, on-demand services like Metro Flex add a layer of convenience. Despite these options, the frequency and coverage of transit services within Issaquah might not be sufficient for those who prefer a transit-dependent lifestyle, as owning or renting a vehicle often becomes necessary for localized travel.

Issaquah presents a reasonably supportive environment for cycling, though it's not without its challenges. There are dedicated bike lanes and popular trails, such as the East Lake Sammamish Trail and the Issaquah-Preston Trail, which offer scenic and relatively safe routes for cyclists. The local government’s emphasis on cycling safety further supports biking as a viable option. However, the area's hilly terrain and occasional gaps in bike infrastructure can make cycling less appealing for some routes, especially if travelers need to carry items or travel longer distances. While biking is a feasible mode of transportation for short and recreational trips, it requires more consideration for daily commuting or errands.