The primary gateway to Rügen is Stralsund on the mainland, which serves as a major railway hub. On the island itself, key transport centers include Bergen auf Rügen and Binz, both served by train, and Sassnitz, which also hosts a significant ferry port.
Travelers can reach Rügen via Deutsche Bahn (DB) long-distance trains directly to Bergen auf Rügen or Binz from major German cities such as Berlin (approximately 3 hours), Hamburg (approximately 4 hours to Binz via Rostock), Munich, and Frankfurt. Regional trains frequently connect Stralsund to various towns across Rügen, including Altefähr, Sassnitz, and Binz.
Long-distance bus services offer connections from cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Dresden, though some routes may require transfers. On the island, the Verkehrsgesellschaft Vorpommern-Rügen (VVR) operates an extensive network of local buses, including new Regiobus lines and an on-demand 'VVR Surfer' service, to connect towns and tourist destinations.
Rügen is easily accessible from the mainland via the Strelasund Crossing (Rügen Bridge and Causeway) from Stralsund, or by a car ferry service between Stahlbrode and Glewitz (operating frequently from April to October). Driving from Hamburg/Lübeck typically involves the A1 and A20 motorways, while routes from Berlin utilize the A11 and A20. Car rental options are widely available, particularly in Bergen auf Rügen, with indicative daily costs starting from around $58–$62.
The nearest major international airports are Hamburg (HAM) and Berlin Brandenburg (BER), both offering convenient onward connections by road and rail. Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG) is closer but has more limited international flights. Rügen also has a small regional airfield (Rügen Airport/Güttin Airfield, GTI) for smaller aircraft.
International ferry connections include services from Trelleborg, Sweden, and Klaipeda, Lithuania, directly to Sassnitz/Mukran on Rügen. Another option is a ferry from Gedser, Denmark, to Rostock, requiring subsequent travel to Rügen.
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