Ilmenau has rail connections north toward Erfurt and the Thuringian main lines. The station is close enough to the centre to walk, and local buses cover the university campus and outer districts.
Drivers reach Ilmenau from the A71, which makes it an easy stop between Erfurt, Suhl and the Thuringian Forest resorts. If you are coming mainly to hike the Kickelhahn, check local bus options and trailheads before setting out; the forest routes spread quickly once you leave town.