Russell is accessible by two routes. The quickest and most enjoyable is the passenger ferry from Paihia — a short trip across the bay that runs frequently throughout the day. The car ferry from Opua to Okiato is the other option, adding about 15 minutes to the drive from Paihia for those who need to bring a vehicle to Russell.
By road from Auckland, the drive to Paihia (and thence the ferry) is about 3.5 hours. The Bay of Islands is a popular domestic destination, and buses run from Auckland to Paihia. From Paihia, the passenger ferry to Russell takes around 15 minutes.