The old town is compact and walkable, though the steep hill up to the cathedral takes around 15 minutes on foot from the port area. City buses also serve the hill if the climb is not appealing.
In summer, buses run from the city to Portonovo and onward along the Conero coast toward Sirolo and Numana — useful for a beach day without a car. Outside peak season the service is reduced; check locally.
A car is the best option for exploring the Conero park properly: the hiking trailheads are spread across the headland, and some of the more secluded beaches require either a long walk or driving to parking areas above the cliffs. Car hire is available at the train station and airport.
The coastal rail line south toward Pescara stops at Camerano (for Sirolo and Numana) and provides reasonable connections down the Marche coast.