Getting around St Ives is most efficiently done on foot, as the town's charm lies in its narrow, winding cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways that are often impassable for cars. However, for those arriving from outside the center, the St Ives Bay Line train is the premier way to travel; it is widely considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in Britain, running from St Erth and hugging the coast with spectacular views of the turquoise sea. For local hills and reaching the Porthmeor side, a regular shuttle bus service runs from the Trenwith car park down to the harbor. In 2026, the town remains "car-hostile" during peak season, with very limited and expensive parking, so it is a peer-to-peer essential to park at the St Erth "Park and Ride" and take the train in. Once in the harbor area, everything from the Tate St Ives to the local seafood bistros is within a 15-minute walk. If you are heading further afield to Land's End, the open-top "Atlantic Coaster" bus provides an unforgettable way to see the rugged Cornish coastline.