Ripon has no railway station — the line closed in 1967 — so most visitors arrive by car. From the south, the A1(M) runs close to the east of the town; exit at junction 50 for the B6265. From Harrogate, the B6265 runs directly northwest to Ripon, about 12 miles. From Skipton and the dales, the A61 drops down from the north.
Buses connect Ripon to Harrogate (Route 36, roughly every half hour) and to Ripon from York and Leeds. The journey from Harrogate by bus takes about 45 minutes. From Harrogate, train connections reach Leeds and York, making it possible to visit Ripon without a car if you are prepared to accept the bus leg.