For its size, Tulsa offers a surprising number of options for getting around downtown and outside the city.
Walk (Best for Sightseeing)
With the downtown core covering just 1.4 square miles, Tulsa is an incredibly walkable city. Most locals will tell you the best way to get around is on foot. It’s our choice too as we love slow travel since it almost guarantees you’ll see more along the way.
Traffic is light throughout the day and night, and drivers tend to be quite courteous to pedestrians. If you’re coming from a big city, it might surprise you to see cars actually stop to let you cross!
Shareable Electric Scooters and Bikes (Cheap + Fun)
By-the-minute electric scooters are the second best (and most fun) way to get around Tulsa. The city has more Lime and Bird scooters than almost any other comparably sized U.S. city. Tulsans seriously love to ride!
Both scooter services work the same way. Download the free mobile app (available for iOS or Android), then locate the closest scooter to you. Once you find a scooter, unlock it by scanning the QR code on the baseboard or handlebars with your phone. Then ride for as long as you like and leave it wherever you like. You only pay for the minutes you use. That’s it!
The city’s bike-sharing program works similarly to its shareable electric scooter network. The system currently operates 160 bikes at 25 stations throughout the downtown area and along Route 66. You just need a membership to get started. These can be purchased as single ride, 3-day, monthly, or annual options at a kiosk, online, or at This Machine’s office. Check the free mobile app for real-time bike availability throughout the city. After locating a bike, enter the code shown on the bike screen to secure your rental. Then: ride away! Rides are 30 minutes long, after which the bike will need to be checked back into a station. $1 buys an additional 15 minutes. Get the full details and download the free BCycle app at the ThisMachine website.
Rideshare (Fastest)
Like most other cities, ridesharing with Lyft or Uber is almost always the fastest way to get around Tulsa. It’s typically the most expensive option on the list. But, considering Tulsa’s relatively small size, it’s possible to travel end-to-end within the city limits for around $20.
Downtown Trolley (Free + Efficient)
The Downtown Trolley is a circulator bus line that runs throughout the city, connecting many of Tulsa’s key points of interest. The free service runs Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to midnight. For route info and a complete map, check out TrolleyMap.com.
Car Rental (Pricey, But Easy)
Renting a car while in Tulsa is often the priciest option, but it also provides the most freedom. The good news for drives it that parking is cheap and plentiful even downtown, and traffic is virtually non-existent even at rush hour. Brand-name car rental counters can be found at the airport and throughout the city.
It’s worth noting that downtown parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day long on Saturday and Sunday. Otherwise, remember to make a note of your license plate and pay at one of the many pay stations or via the ParkMobile app (Download free: iOS | Android)
Taxis in Tulsa (Old School, But Reliable)
While we’re partial to ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber, taxis are still a viable option. Tulsa Yellow Checker Cab is the biggest game in town. Book via their free mobile app (iOS and Android) or by calling (918) 323-4502.
