By train: The regional train between La Spezia and Levanto stops at all five villages (though at Corniglia the station is at the base of the cliff — a 377-step climb or a shuttle bus away from the village). Trains run every 20–30 minutes. The Cinque Terre Card covers unlimited train travel plus access to the hiking trails.
On foot: The Sentiero Azzurro connects all five villages. The full route (about 12 km) takes 5–6 hours with stops. Individual sections can be walked and then a train taken back. Check the national park website or the Cinque Terre Card offices for current trail closures — landslides periodically close sections, sometimes for months.
By ferry: Seasonal ferries (April–October) run between the villages and to Portovenere, La Spezia, and Lerici. The ferry is an excellent way to see the coast from the water. Boats stop at Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore (not Corniglia, which has no harbour).
By car: Driving between the villages is essentially impossible — the road that connects them is narrow, often closed to through traffic, and parking is extremely limited. Leave your car at La Spezia or Levanto and take the train.