Bafatá's town centre is small enough to cover on foot. The colonial quarter, the market, the cathedral, and the Cabral birthplace are all within a fifteen-minute walk of each other on the bluff above the river.
Motorbike taxis (jakarta) are available at the main market square and near the transport terminal. They are the standard way to reach the outskirts of town or the river bank from the centre. Agree on a price before getting on.
There are no car rental agencies in Bafatá. If you need a vehicle for the surrounding area, arrange one in Bissau before leaving.
Roads outside the main highway deteriorate quickly. If you are exploring villages in the Bafatá region, a 4WD vehicle is recommended in the rainy season. Pay close attention to warnings about staying on known paths — landmines from the independence war and the 1998–1999 civil conflict remain present in some rural areas of the region.