Jacksonville, North Carolina, is largely car-dependent due to its sprawling nature and spread-out amenities, making it challenging for travelers to navigate on foot. While local neighborhoods like Northwoods offer some walkable access to essentials, the broader city layout requires a vehicle for most daily tasks. The downtown area has limited walkable spaces, and essential amenities such as cafes and shops are generally not clustered together. As a result, travelers will find that walking will only cover limited needs, emphasizing the need for alternative transportation.

Public transit options in Jacksonville include the Jacksonville Transit system and the Onslow United Transit System, which cover key shopping and business areas. However, the routes are limited, and transit does not consistently reach beyond main destinations or offer flexible timing. While Amtrak connections from nearby Wilson offer additional travel options, they are not conducive to intracity commuting. Thus, travelers relying solely on public transport might find it insufficient for exploring less central locations or needing transport on short notice.

Jacksonville presents moderate bikeability with some dedicated cycling paths like the Jacksonville-Camp Lejeune Rails-to-Trails and the City to the Sea route, which are attractive to cyclists. The availability of bike racks on buses enhances the integration of biking with public transit, yet the absence of extensive cycling infrastructure and the presence of busy roads can detract from a seamless biking experience. Therefore, while cyclists have options for leisure routes, navigating the city for daily commutes may require caution due to gaps in safe bike paths.