Carlisle is a compact borough and the main historic and academic sites are walkable from one another — the historic district, Dickinson College, and the central square can all be covered on foot in an afternoon. The Carlisle Barracks and Army War College campus, along with the adjacent Army Heritage and Education Center, are about a mile northeast of the town centre and are most easily reached by car.
There is no local public transport to speak of. A car is essential for visiting the USAHEC, for day trips, and for getting around the broader Cumberland Valley. Parking is generally easy and free or inexpensive throughout the borough.
Cycling is feasible for getting between the town centre and the barracks campus — the roads are flat and traffic is manageable — but there are no dedicated cycle paths connecting the main sites.
Taxis and rideshare services operate in Carlisle, though availability can be limited compared to a larger city.