The compact centre is walkable end to end in 20 minutes — from the train station up to the cathedral on the hill is a short, gentle climb. A modern tram line connects the south of the city with the centre and the university campus, useful but not essential for visitors.
City buses cover everything else. Vitoria runs one of Spain's best free public-bicycle schemes; bike paths cover the Anillo Verde and most of the inner streets. For day trips into Rioja Alavesa or the surrounding villages, a rental car helps but is not strictly necessary — buses (Alsa, La Unión) reach all the main towns.