Whitby has no airport and the train service is limited. The Esk Valley line connects the town with Middlesbrough (90 minutes), with onward connections to Newcastle, Manchester and London. The heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam and diesel services from Pickering through Goathland to the town's station in summer.
The simplest road approach from the south is via York and the A64–A169 across the moors. From the north, the A171 hugs the coast from Middlesbrough. Buses 93 and X93 run along the coast between Scarborough, Whitby and Middlesbrough. Parking in town is fiddly; the long-stay car parks on the West Cliff (Spa Top) and on the south side of the harbour are best.