Carmel is linked to neighboring cities and airports by bus. Carmel is only two hours' drive from three international airports, and commuter air service arrives and departs the nearby regional airport in Monterey. Visitors can also arrive by train.
There is bus service within town. However, strolling is the preferred means of exploring within the small town of Carmel. Avoid high heels (which are banned by local law) and wear comfortable shoes.
The hourly MST Carmel Valley Grapevine Express (daily 11 am-6 pm, US$4.50) follows a loop linking the Carmel Valley wineries with Carmel Valley Village and downtown Monterey. Although it doesn't go through Carmel-by-the-Sea, visitors can hop aboard or alight at the Crossroads Shopping Center on Highway 1.
Bus
Monterey-Salinas Transit operates public bus service throughout Monterey County from Big Sur to San Jose. Route 4 links downtown Monterey to Sixth and Mission in Carmel; you can connect to Route 5 buses there. Buses are wheelchair-accessible. Phone 831-899-2558 or toll-free 888-678-2871. http://www.mst.org.
Greyhound offers service to Salinas, from where Monterey-Salinas Transit offers connecting service. The Greyhound station in Salinas is at 19 W. Gabilan St. Phone 831-424-4418 or toll-free 800-229-9424. http://www.greyhound.com.
Car
A car is not necessary for exploring within Carmel, where parking in town is at a premium. Although there are no parking meters, many streets are for permit-holders only, and elsewhere, timed 30-minute and two-hour limits are enforced for private cars. There are parking lots at Sunset Center and Carmel Plaza.
Taxi
Taxis are metered. The following companies provide taxi service: Carmel Taxi (phone 831-624-3885); Joe's Taxi (phone 831-626-3333); Marina Taxi (phone 831-384-3894); Monterey Airport Taxi (phone 831-626-3385); and Yellow Cab Carmel (phone 831-626-3333).
Train
Amtrak operates its
Coast Starlight Express service between Los Angeles and Seattle, stopping in nearby Salinas. An Amtrak Thruway Bus connects Salinas station with Carmel, a 90-minute trip. Phone toll-free 800-872-7245. http://www.amtrak.com.
