Pensacola Beach is connected to the mainland by a pair of bridges across Pensacola Bay. From Pensacola, the US-98 Bob Sikes Bridge (toll, but small) takes you directly onto the island. The drive from downtown Pensacola takes about 20 minutes.
The nearest airport is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), served by American, Delta, Southwest, United, and several other carriers. From the airport to the beach is about 30–40 minutes by car. There is no public transit to Pensacola Beach worth relying on — a rental car is essentially required.
From the east, Navarre Beach is the next town along the barrier island. From the west, Fort Pickens Road into the national seashore runs out at the fort — there is no bridge connection to the Pensacola side of the inlet.