Jacareí presents a moderately walkable environment, particularly in its central areas where basic amenities and services are reasonably accessible on foot. However, the layout of the city includes businesses and services spread out across less pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares, like busy roads with strip malls. This layout suggests that while some neighborhoods allow for daily errands by foot, transportation might still be necessary for longer distances or less centrally located areas. The pedestrian paths leading to local attractions such as Conceição de Jacareí Beach provide pleasant walking opportunities, though the overall walkability is limited to certain pockets of the city.

Jacareí's public transit system primarily consists of a network of bus lines operated by Jacareí Transporte Urbano, offering about 25 routes within the city. These buses provide a satisfactory option for commuters and are complemented by the presence of FlixBus, which connects Jacareí to key cities including Rio de Janeiro, making regional travel feasible for travelers. While the local buses cater to a range of destinations, the reliability and frequency of these services might not equate to larger urban centers, necessitating a bit of planning for consistent daily use. Travelers can use apps like Moovit to navigate routes and schedules effectively.

Biking in Jacareí is best suited for recreational activities rather than daily commuting, with infrastructure like the bicycle path in Parque da Cidade offering pleasant leisure rides. However, the broader bike infrastructure across the city appears limited and possibly fragmented, lacking comprehensive paths that would encourage biking as a primary mode of transportation. With traffic possibly being of concern in certain areas, caution is recommended. Biking might not be the most practical option for a traveler seeking efficient daily transport or connectivity across the city.