Getting to St Ives is part of the experience, especially if you arrive by train. Once you are there, the best advice is simple: use your feet as much as possible and avoid driving through the centre unless you really need to.
Arriving by train
St Ives is connected to the main railway network via the branch line from St Erth. The final section of the journey is famous for its coastal views, so try to look out of the window rather than at your phone.
Train services and connections can change, so always check current timetables before travelling.
Driving to St Ives
A car is useful if St Ives is part of a wider Cornwall road trip, but it becomes less useful once you reach town. Streets can be narrow, traffic heavy and parking in high season challenging.
Check current car parks and park-and-ride options before arrival rather than improvising in the centre.
Explore on foot
The harbour, Tate St Ives, Porthmeor Beach and many shops and restaurants are within walking distance of each other. Expect slopes, steps and uneven streets in places.
Buses and local trips
Local buses can help you reach nearby towns, villages and walking points without taking the car. They are particularly useful if you want to walk a one-way section of the coast.
Make the journey part of the holiday
My preference would be to arrive by train if St Ives itself is your main destination. If you are exploring Cornwall for a week, bring the car but leave it parked whenever possible.
St Ives is at its best when you slow down. Walking through town and along the coast is not just transport here; it is one of the main reasons to visit.