Everything in Pamukkale village is within walking distance — guesthouses, restaurants, and the South Gate of the site. The travertines themselves are entered barefoot from the South Gate at the foot of the cliff and walked up the designated path; the Hierapolis ruins are then explored on top of the plateau. The whole circuit on foot is about three kilometres on uneven ground and warrants a half-day at minimum.
To save the uphill walk, you can drive or be dropped at the North Gate at the top of the plateau and walk down through the ruins to the travertines. For the outlying sites — Laodicea, Karahayıt, the satellite tombs — a rental car or a taxi for the half-day is the practical choice.