El Hierro has a small airport (VDE) on the east side of the island. Binter Canarias operates regular flights from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Tenerife Norte — the journey takes 40–50 minutes. Flights fill up in peak season, so book ahead.
A ferry runs between El Hierro and La Palma via La Gomera, operated by Fred. Olsen and Naviera Armas. Journey times are long (three to four hours from La Palma) and the sea between the western islands can be rough, particularly in winter. The ferry terminal is at the small port of La Estaca on the east coast.
Most visitors fly in. Hiring a car at the airport is essentially essential unless you plan to stay in a single village.