Scalea is on the Salerno–Reggio Calabria railway line. The station (Scalea–Santa Domenica Talao) sits at the bottom of town near the beach and is served by regional trains; the journey from Salerno takes about two and a half hours, from Reggio Calabria about three hours. Intercity trains stop less frequently.
By car, Scalea is on the A2 motorway (Autostrada del Mediterraneo), exit at Falconara Albanese or Lagonegro Nord depending on direction. The drive from Naples takes around two and a half hours; from Reggio Calabria about two hours. Parking near the old town is limited — the beach areas have more space.
The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF), about 100 km south, which has low-cost connections to Rome, Milan, and several northern European cities. Car hire is available at the airport. Cosenza is the nearest large city with train connections, about 85 km east.