Dauphin Island is reached via the Dauphin Island Bridge (Alabama State Route 193), which connects the island to the mainland south of Mobile. From Mobile, the drive is around 45 minutes. From Gulf Shores, you can take the Mobile Bay Ferry — a passenger and vehicle ferry that crosses from Fort Morgan on the eastern shore to the dock near Fort Gaines at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island. The ferry runs seasonally and takes about 45 minutes; check the schedule in advance as it does not run year-round on all days.
The nearest airports are Mobile Regional Airport (about an hour north) and Pensacola International Airport (about two hours east). There is no public bus service to the island; a car or bicycle is essential for getting around.