Atar town itself is small enough to walk. The old quarter, the market, and the hotels are all within easy walking distance of each other.
For excursions into the surrounding desert — Terjit, Chinguetti, the Amogjar pass, the dune fields — you need a 4WD vehicle and a local guide. These can be arranged through the hotels and guesthouses in Atar, or through the tourist office if it is open. Prices should be negotiated in advance and clearly agreed in writing. A full day's hire of vehicle and driver costs roughly 50,000–80,000 ouguiya depending on the destination.
Camels can also be hired for shorter excursions near Atar — a half-day ride into the rocky desert is a reasonable alternative to 4WD for those who want a slower pace. Camel hire is also arranged through local guides and guesthouses.