Padang is a sprawling coastal city and not particularly walkable beyond the central area. Ojek (motorcycle taxis) are the fastest and cheapest way to get around the city and can be booked through the Grab app, which is widely used in Indonesian cities. Regular taxis (also on Grab) are the comfortable option for longer distances.
Within the city centre — the Chinatown waterfront area, Adityawarman Museum, and the beach promenade — walking is feasible in the early morning and evening when the heat is manageable. Renting a motorbike is the most flexible option if you want to explore beyond the centre, though Padang traffic can be chaotic. Angkot (shared minibuses) run fixed routes but are confusing for newcomers.