The simple answer is yes, technically it is possible to get to Cinque Terre by car. However, I really wouldn't advise visiting the villages of Cinque Terre by car. Cinque Terre roads are narrow, parking – nearly impossible, and driving between the villages would take you forever and would leave you frustrated.

While you can technically drive to the outskirts of Manarola, it is highly discouraged for visitors in 2026. Like the other four villages of the Cinque Terre, Manarola's historic center is a strictly enforced ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) or Limited Traffic Zone, meaning only residents with permits can bring vehicles into the town. Tourists must leave their cars in the "Parcheggio di Manarola," a small pay-and-display lot located at the top of the hill, roughly a 10-15 minute walk from the harbor. This lot has a daily rate of approximately €25.00 and fills up incredibly early—often by 9:00 AM—during the peak spring and summer seasons. The roads leading to the village are narrow, winding, and steep, which can be stressful for those unaccustomed to Italian coastal driving. The most professional and stress-free advice for 2026 is to park in a large parking structure in La Spezia or Levanto and take the "Cinque Terre Express" train, which delivers you directly into the heart of Manarola in mere minutes.