Vulcano is reached by hydrofoil or ferry from Lipari, which has regular services from Milazzo on the Sicilian coast. The crossing from Lipari takes about 20 minutes by hydrofoil. In summer there are also direct hydrofoils from Milazzo, Messina, and Reggio Calabria, and occasional services from Naples and Palermo.
Most visitors make a day trip from Lipari, which is the practical approach — Vulcano has very limited accommodation. If you want to stay overnight, book well in advance for July and August. The island's small size means you can reach the hot springs and the crater trailhead on foot from the port.