Durham itself is tiny and entirely walkable — the train station, campus, and Main Street restaurants are all within 15 minutes on foot. The town has no local bus system beyond the UNH campus shuttles.
On foot: The best way to see Durham is on foot. The walk from the Amtrak station to the centre of campus takes about 10 minutes; from the campus core to the Durham Historic District on the river is another 10–15 minutes.
Wildcat Transit: UNH operates the Wildcat Transit bus service, which runs routes connecting Durham with Dover, Portsmouth, and Newmarket. Fares are low and the schedule is designed around the academic year — service is reduced in summer and on holidays. It's the practical option for getting to Portsmouth without a car.
By car: A car is useful for reaching Spruce Hole Bog, the beaches, and day trip destinations. Street parking in the village centre is limited to a couple of hours on weekdays. The UNH campus has visitor parking lots — check the university website for current rates and locations.
Cycling: Durham has a modest network of bike paths and low-traffic roads, and the flat terrain around the campus is well suited to cycling. The rail trail connecting Durham with Dover and Newmarket is a pleasant off-road option.