For to reach Manarola the best means of transport is definitely the train. The trains from the north and south Italy, stop at the station of La Spezia Centrale and here you'll find regional trains to the Cinque Terre.
The "Cinque Terre Express" trains stop at all stations of the Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) .From Manarola Train Station, cross the tunnel leading to the village, continue on the right, Via A. Discovolo , and take the first road at right, via Belvedere, which goes upward. After, about 100 meters, you'll come to a fork, take the path downhill, via di Mezzo.
By Car
For to reach Manarola, by car, the highway exit is "La Spezia-Santo Stefano Magra" for both the highway A12 Genoa-Livorno or the highway A15 La Spezia-Parma. When you'll be in La Spezia, you'll follow the signs for the Cinque Terre. A very scenic road (SS370), about 18km, you'll lead you in Manarola.
In the village of Manarola you can't get there by car, being restricted traffic area, so you must park your car and walk towards the sea along Via A.Discovolo. In front at the pharmacy take the road on the left, Via Belvedere. After ,about 100 meters, at the fork, take the road downhill, Via di Mezzo.
By Boat
In the summer, you can visit the Cinque Terre by boat. The journey is longer that by train, but you can see the entire coastline that goes from La Spezia to Monterosso.