Downtown Cary is a vibrant hub full of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment, and getting here (and around) is easier than ever. Whether you prefer a pleasant stroll, a quick bike ride, a convenient drive, a stress-free bus trip, or even a train adventure, Downtown Cary offers multiple transportation options to suit your needs. With its walkable streets, ample bike parking, well-placed public parking (with more on the way), efficient bus routes, and a centrally located Amtrak station, navigating this growing area has never been more accessible. Let’s break down the best ways to visit and move through Cary’s lively core for your next visit!
Check out our Getting Around Page for an interactive map of Downtown Cary for car parking, bike parking, and bus stops!
Take a Hike
Walking in Downtown Cary is a lovely experience with many sights and sounds, but it is also efficient and easy! You can go nearly anywhere you want to by going north and south along Academy Street or east and west along Chatham Street. Crosswalks are plentiful, and intersections have buttons to press for crossing whenever traffic is on the heavier side. So whether you parked nearby or got dropped off, once you’re in town, you’re good to go wherever you need to!
I Want to Ride My Bicycle!
For those who want to feel the wind in their face and hit the pedals, biking in Cary isn’t just possible; it’s easy! The Triangle Area already has greenways that make getting around smoother and more scenic. Once in Downtown, bike parking is generously available throughout the area. Keep an eye out, the parking rails come in all shapes and sizes!
Safety is always first! So be sure to follow traffic laws and to walk your bike (or any personal-sized, foot-powered vehicle) if you go through Downtown Cary Park.
Put the ‘Car’ in ‘Cary’
For those driving downtown, several public parking options are available, with more to come!
As mentioned at the beginning of the blog, our Getting Around page shows you your car parking options, as well as provides an idea of the number of spaces the lot can accommodate. So you can be strategic in choosing the closest lot to where you’re going, or maybe you want to aim for a lot with more space if you think things will be busy!
The library parking deck is available 24/7 with the largest capacity right next to its namesake, as well as the park. Just be mindful of areas reserved for specific purposes, such as designated spots for library patrons or electric vehicle users. All the places have signs and are color-coded, with white lines indicating that parking is permitted for anyone.
Another notable place is the First United Methodist Church, which features a sizable open-air parking lot with approximately 193 spots. Parking is open to the public, except on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and during any special events they are hosting. There’s usually a sign at the parking lot’s entrance if it’s closed off to the public, so please be respectful when it’s needed, as it’s available nearly every other time!
Ride the Bus
There’s no better time to utilize the network of buses that operate throughout Cary and the Triangle Area, with their services being fare-free until June 30, 2026! And with the GoCary App, planning a trip and seeing where the next bus is makes the experience easy and stress-free.
If you want to get around Downtown Cary, be aware of the Downtown Loop that occurs at certain times on and around weekends!
This is barely scratching the surface of all the options and routes available with this robust bus network, such as bringing your bike along for the ride! Be sure to check out GoCary.org to learn more and see how GoCary and others might be the perfect fit to get you on the move!
All Aboard!
The final stop on our blog is the train station, which is front and center in Downtown Cary. Amtrak can take you on trips as short as Raleigh and Durham to as far as the West Coast. With a bit of browsing on their website, planning a trip is simple. Three Amtrak lines serve Cary daily, ensuring passengers consistently depart and arrive.
Arriving at the Downtown Cary station, one can walk to their destination or hop on the bus from there!
With walkable streets, ample parking, and seamless transit connections, the only thing left to decide is where to go first. So lace up those shoes, turn the ignition, pack your bags, because your next downtown adventure starts now. Happy travels!
Reminder to visit our Getting Around page as an easy reference for your travel plans, big and small! Get handy links to all the mentioned methods of travel, as well as an interactive map showing parking and bus routes.