Mangatarem sits on the main highway between Dagupan and San Fernando (La Union), about 30 kilometres north of Dagupan. Most travellers pass through by bus on routes between Manila and destinations along the Ilocos coast; buses run frequently on this corridor and will drop you at the town centre on request. From Dagupan, jeepneys and buses run regularly north through Mangatarem.
If you are driving, Mangatarem is on the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway); the turn for the town centre is well-signed. From Manila, the journey is around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic out of the capital.