Basse-Terre itself is compact and walkable. The old town, the market, Fort Delgrès, and the waterfront are all within comfortable walking distance of each other. Taxis are available and inexpensive for getting to the trailheads in the national park.
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore the island — to reach the Chutes du Carbet, the Soufrière trailhead, and the beaches on the east and north coasts of Basse-Terre, you need your own transport. Car hire is available at the airport in Pointe-à-Pitre and in Basse-Terre itself. The Route de la Traversée (N2) crossing the park takes about an hour coast to coast. Local buses (gwoka) serve the main settlements but are infrequent and not designed for tourist use.