Walking in Mangalore can be a practical option for short distances, particularly in central areas where key destinations are relatively close to one another. However, the city’s pedestrian infrastructure is inconsistent, with some areas offering well-maintained sidewalks while others may lack safe or continuous pathways. The tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and seasonal heavy rains, can also make walking less comfortable at times. Additionally, the spread-out nature of certain neighbourhoods and the hilly terrain in parts of the city may require careful planning if relying solely on walking to get around.

Cycling in Mangalore is another option for navigating certain areas, especially for shorter distances. The city features a mix of flat and hilly terrain, which may require moderate effort in some parts. While biking infrastructure like dedicated lanes is not widely available, the city’s roads are generally accessible for cyclists. However, traffic conditions in busier areas might pose challenges. The tropical climate can also make biking less comfortable during hotter parts of the day. For those considering biking, planning routes carefully and being mindful of traffic and topography is recommended.

Public transit in Mangalore is primarily served by a network of buses that connect various neighbourhoods and key locations. Private and city buses make it relatively easy to reach many destinations. However, the infrastructure may not always provide direct access to certain areas, and the lack of dedicated public transit options to places like the airport could be a consideration. The city’s compact layout supports bus travel, but factors like traffic congestion and weather conditions during monsoon seasons might affect travel times and comfort.

Les services de traversier à Eat Eats sont un moyen pratique de se déplacer dans certaines régions, en particulier le long des rivières Netravathi et Guupura. Des services comme le Respect de l'Uber Battery Terminal et Adyar Terminal s'adressent aux piétons et aux petits véhicules, offrant des passages de courte durée qui ne prennent généralement que quelques minutes. Ces itinéraires permettent de rejoindre des points clés, mais leur fréquence et leur capacité peuvent varier. Bien que les fers soient une option pratique pour éviter les embouteillages, leur utilisation peut être affectée par les conditions météorologiques et l'infrastructure limitée qui prend en charge des véhicules plus gros ou des itinéraires prolongés.