Wangerooge is reached by ferry from Harlesiel on the mainland, with a crossing time of about an hour. Schedules are tide-dependent and change daily — check the Schiffahrt der Insel Wangerooge website for current times before travelling. The ferry books up in summer, especially on weekends; reservations are essential in July and August. A small airfield also connects the island to the mainland, with flights operated in season.
The narrow-gauge railway from the ferry pier to the village (Inselbahn Wangerooge) is included in the ferry ticket and takes about ten minutes — a small delight in itself, threading through the dune landscape. There are no cars on the island; horse-drawn carriages and bicycles handle luggage and transport.