The gorge has one main road running through it — Provincial Highway 8 (the Cross-Island Highway) — with almost no branching roads. Most sights are on or close to this road; getting around means getting on the road. Options are: hire a taxi for the day from Hualien (recommended for flexibility); take the local bus with infrequent service; rent a scooter in Hualien; or join an organised day tour.
Some sections of the main road are pedestrianised or closed to private cars at certain times; the Tunnel of Nine Turns and Swallow Grotto sections require walking. Shuttle buses run between the car parks in the gorge and are free or very cheap. The most scenic approach for those with energy is to cycle the gorge road from the entrance, though the Taiwan summer heat makes this uncomfortable in daylight hours. The gorge is not large — 30 kilometres from entrance to Tianxiang — and a day is enough to cover the main sights if you are efficient.