Toms River is a car-dependent suburb, and getting around without one is difficult. The historic downtown is compact and walkable, but the barrier island and most attractions are spread along Routes 9 and 37, which are not pedestrian-friendly. A car is essentially required.
From Toms River, Route 37 east crosses the Tunney-Mathis Bridge to the barrier island and the beach towns. Route 9 runs north-south through the commercial spine of town. Driving is straightforward; summer weekends bring heavy traffic on the barrier island routes, particularly Route 37 heading east on Friday afternoons and back west on Sunday evenings. A bicycle is viable for getting around the downtown area and along the bay, but not for most errands.