Downey ofrece un entorno bastante transitable a pie, con muchas zonas residenciales situadas cerca de escuelas, parques y servicios locales. Hay aceras y pasos de peatones en la mayoría de los barrios, lo que facilita los desplazamientos a pie. Sin embargo, el diseño de la ciudad, que incluye algunas carreteras más grandes y zonas comerciales dispersas, puede hacer que caminar sea menos cómodo para acceder a determinados destinos. Por lo general, el clima es templado, lo que favorece el caminar, pero las distancias entre los puntos de interés clave pueden variar, lo que podría requerir opciones de transporte adicionales para viajes más largos.

Cycling in Downey is generally accessible due to its bike-friendly environment and flat terrain. The city has some biking infrastructure, such as bike lanes, which can help with safety and convenience on certain routes. Many local destinations are within a reasonable distance, making biking a practical choice for short trips. The weather in the area is typically mild, which supports comfortable riding conditions most of the year.

Public transportation in Downey includes the Downey LINK Transit System, which operates on weekdays with multiple circulating routes. The city is also served by regional bus services, providing connections to nearby areas. Public transit can be a practical way to navigate the city, especially for those traveling shorter distances or accessing key locations. However, the spread-out nature of the area may make some destinations less convenient to reach by bus alone. The infrastructure supports local transit needs, but planning routes in advance is recommended for efficient travel.