There are basically three ways to move from one village to another; you either walk, take the train or the boat. The walking trail is 12 kilometers and runs along the coast through all five villages from Riomaggiore in the south to Monterosso in the north.

In 2026, the primary and most efficient way to travel between the five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) is the Cinque Terre Express train. These regional trains run every 15–20 minutes from mid-March through early November, with travel times of only 4–6 minutes between each stop. Most travelers purchase the Cinque Terre Card, which provides unlimited train travel and access to the hiking trails. For a more scenic perspective, a seasonal ferry service operates between all villages except Corniglia (which has no port); this is a fantastic way to see the colorful facades from the water. While you can also hike the "Sentiero Azzurro" (Blue Trail), check for 2026 trail closures, as sections like the "Via dell'Amore" have specific entry requirements or reservation systems to manage tourist volume and preserve the fragile cliffside paths.