Ærø has no bridge — every visit involves a ferry. Three routes connect the island to the mainland.
- Svendborg to Ærøskøbing. The main route, run by Ærøfærgerne. About 75 minutes, several sailings a day year-round. Foot passengers, cars, and bicycles all welcome. Book ahead in summer if you are bringing a car.
- Faaborg to Søby. About one hour. Useful if you are coming from the west of Funen.
- Fynshav (Als) to Søby. About 70 minutes. The shortcut from southern Jutland and northern Germany — saves a long drive around through Funen.
Svendborg and Faaborg both connect by train and bus to the wider Danish railway network, with frequent services from Copenhagen and Odense. Ærø also has a small airfield south of Marstal but no scheduled commercial flights.