The old centre of Mont-de-Marsan is compact and easily walkable. The main sights — the Despiau-Wlérick museum, the medieval towers, the river walk, and the market — are all within fifteen minutes of each other on foot. During festival week the streets are best navigated on foot regardless; the town fills up and the central roads are often closed or congested.
For the Landes forest, a bicycle is ideal. Bike hire is available in town, and the dedicated cycling network begins within a short ride of the centre. Roads are flat and the forest tracks are well-maintained. A car extends your range further into the department — to the Atlantic coast villages, the thermal baths at Dax, or the country roads through the Armagnac vineyard country to the east — but is not necessary for a short stay centred on the town.
There is a local urban bus service, but it does not cover anywhere a visitor is likely to want to go; walking and cycling are more practical. Taxis are available for airport or station transfers and for reaching restaurants outside the centre.