The city centre is compact enough to navigate on foot or by cycle rickshaw. Auto-rickshaws are the main form of transport for longer distances within town and are easy to flag down along the main roads; agree on a fare before you set off. App-based ride services have limited penetration here, so the fixed-rate city bus and local autos are the practical options.
For the Hirakud Dam and other sites on the outskirts, renting a motorcycle or hiring a taxi for the day is the most flexible approach. Taxis can be arranged through hotels or directly at the main taxi stand near the railway station. The road to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary (about 60 km) requires its own transport — there is no regular bus service that goes to the sanctuary gate.