Trains to Nice

Traveling to Nice by train is a fast, scenic, and convenient way to explore the French Riviera. Here’s what you need to know:

• Fast Travel: The TGV covers Paris to Nice (426 miles) in just 5 hours 40 minutes.
• Affordable Tickets: Prices start at $31 (€29) for second class and $48 (€45) for first class. Budget options like Ouigo start at $20 (€19).
• Stations: Nice-Ville is the main station, with two secondary stations, Nice-Riquier and Nice-Saint-Augustin, for regional and airport connections.
• Regional and International Routes: Frequent TER trains connect Nice to Cannes, Monaco, and beyond. International trains link Nice with Italy.
• Comfort Options: Choose between first and second class, with amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard dining.

Whether you’re planning a quick trip or an extended stay, Nice’s train network offers flexible options for both budget and premium travelers.

Paris – Nice, France: Train Travel Guide

Nice Train Stations

Nice has three train stations that cater to different travel needs.

Nice-Ville Station

Also known as Nice-Thiers, Nice-Ville is the main train station in the city. It’s located in downtown Nice, near the seafront and the Promenade des Anglais ^[3]. Opened in 1864, this historic station now serves both high-speed TGVs and regional trains ^[3][4]. It has seven platforms, labeled A to G, and offers the following amenities:

• Ticket Services: SNCF long-distance and regional ticket counters
• Food & Shopping: Paul sandwich shop and Carrefour Express minimarket
• Tourist Support: Tourist information office
• Platform Access: Pedestrian subway with stairs and an overbridge equipped with a lift and escalator

For easier access with luggage or mobility concerns, use the lift on the far west overbridge ^[3]. While the station itself doesn’t have luggage storage, you can store bags at Hotel Belle Meunière, located across the street, for about $5.35 (€5) per item ^[3].

Secondary Stations: Nice-Riquier and Nice-Saint-Augustin

In addition to Nice-Ville, two other stations serve local and airport travelers.

• Nice-Riquier: Situated about 1 mile (2 km) east of Nice-Ville, this station is ideal for local travel. It includes bike facilities but has limited accessibility ^[7][6]. Luggage storage is available nearby through Radical Storage, costing around $5.35 (€5) per bag per day ^[7].
• Nice-Saint-Augustin: Positioned near Nice Airport, this station connects air travelers via TER trains and a free tram service (lines 2 and B) that links the terminals and the Grand-Arénas area ^[8][3].

Both stations are served only by TER regional trains. Nice-Riquier offers easier access to the old town and Vieux Port compared to Nice-Ville. To reach the city center from Nice-Ville, take the tram heading toward Pont Michel and get off at Masséna after two stops ^[5].

Train Companies and Routes

French Train Services

SNCF runs the main train services in Nice, offering different options through its various brands.

• TGV InOui connects Nice to major French cities at high speeds. Key stops include St. Raphael (a transfer point for buses to St. Tropez), Antibes, and Nice-Ville. For Monaco-Monte Carlo, passengers need to change trains in Nice ^[1].
• Ouigo caters to budget travelers. While cheaper than TGV InOui, it comes with stricter luggage rules and fewer onboard amenities ^{[1] [9]}.
• TER (Trains Express Régionaux) handles regional routes along the French Riviera. These trains link Nice with nearby coastal cities. Heading west, they serve Cannes, Antibes, and Juan les Pins; going east, they connect to Monaco-Monte Carlo, Menton, and Ventimiglia ^{[1] [2]}.
• Intercités de Nuit brought back its overnight sleeper service between Paris and Nice in April 2021. Options range from basic seats to 6-berth and 4-berth first-class couchettes, with tickets starting at $20.30 (€19) for a seat ^[1].

Cross-Border Train Services

Nice is also a key hub for international rail travel, especially to Italy. A collaboration between Trenitalia and SNCF offers daytime services under the Riviera Trains brand. These trains connect Milan, Monte Carlo (Monaco), and Nice, making it easy to travel along the Mediterranean coast. Tickets for these international routes can be booked via SNCF Connect (www.sncf-connect.com) or Trainline (www.thetrainline.com) ^[10].

"TGV stands for Train à Grande Vitesse (high-speed train) and InOui means ‘unheard of’ in the sense of exceptional. InOui is SNCF’s current brand for its front-rank TGV trains." ^[1]

Ticket Booking Methods

Train Company Websites

SNCF Connect (www.sncf-connect.com) is the go-to platform for booking train tickets to Nice. This official website and app provide access to tickets from operators like TGV INOUI, OUIGO, and INTERCITÉS. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express (except for insurance or bus purchases), E-CB, and Chèques Vacances, which can be redeemed at stations for online bookings ^[11].

If you’re looking to compare fares and schedules, third-party platforms can also be a useful option.

Booking Platforms

Platforms like Trainline allow you to compare schedules and fares across multiple operators. According to Trainline, US customers saved an average of 46% on major European routes by booking at least 30 days ahead, compared to booking within 7 days of departure ^[12].

Prefer buying tickets in person? Nice’s train stations have you covered.

Station Ticket Offices

Nice’s train stations offer in-person ticket purchasing options to complement online methods. You’ll find staffed ticket offices (with English-speaking support) and self-service machines. Payment options include credit/debit cards, cash, Chèques Vacances, and rail passes. Keep an eye on your belongings when using ticket machines. And don’t forget – tickets need to be validated at the yellow machines before boarding.

Train Tickets and Classes

First vs. Second Class

Trains to Nice offer two travel classes, each catering to different preferences. Second class features a standard 2×2 seating arrangement, while first class comes with wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter setting with fewer passengers.

Next, let’s break down how ticket changes work.

Ticket Change Rules

Here’s what you need to know about changing tickets for travel to Nice:

• TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS Standard Tickets
  • Free changes up to 7 days before departure.
  • Within 6 days of departure:
    • TGV INOUI: $20.50 (€19) fee.
    • INTERCITÉS: Up to 40% of the ticket price, capped at $16.20 (€15).
• OUIGO Tickets
  • Non-refundable.
  • Changes allowed up to 30 minutes before departure for a $20.50 (€19) fee.

Next, let’s explore rail pass options for those planning multiple trips.

Rail Pass Options

If you’re traveling frequently, rail passes can save you money. SNCF offers annual discount cards for $54 (€50), cutting 30% off French train fares ^[14].

For regional travel, consider these options:

• Pass SudAzur:
  • 3 days: $37.80 (€35)
  • 1 week: $54 (€50)
  • 2 weeks: $86.40 (€80)
• Pass Touristique:
  • Base price: $17.30 (€16)
  • Add extra travelers for $10.80 (€10) each.
• Pass Isabelle Famille: $37.80 (€35) for two adults and two children under 16 ^[14].

For point-to-point fares, booking in advance can offer discounts of up to 50% ^[13]. Rail passes are especially useful if your plans include multiple trips or last-minute travel.

Train Trips from Nice

French Riviera Destinations

Nice is a perfect starting point for exploring the French Riviera by train. The TER (Trains Express Régionaux) service operates between coastal towns every 15 minutes, with extended weekend hours running until 2 a.m. on Sundays ^[2]. For example, traveling to Monaco takes just 23 minutes, with up to 56 daily departures and fares starting at $6.77. The fastest trains make stops at Nice Riquier, Villefranche-Sur-Mer, Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, Eze, and Cap-D’ail before arriving at Monaco Monte Carlo ^[15]. Other popular destinations like Cannes, Menton, and Ventimiglia are also well-connected with frequent TER services. If you’re looking to venture beyond the coastline, there are scenic mountain routes that also depart from Nice.

Mountain Routes

Two breathtaking mountain routes begin in Nice:

• Train des Merveilles: This route takes you through valleys dotted with over 100 bridges, viaducts, tunnels, and retaining walls, climbing to altitudes of around 3,280 feet (1,000 m).
• Train des Pignes: Covering 94 miles (151 km), this line stretches from the coast to the Alpine foothills ^[16][17]. On select dates, historic steam trains operate along this route, adding a nostalgic touch to your journey ^[18].

Local Transport Connections

Nice’s train network is seamlessly integrated with local transport options, making it easy to explore the region. From Nice-Ville station, travelers can access:

• Coastal destinations: Regular TER services run late, with trains available until 2 a.m. on Sundays ^[2].
• Mountain adventures: Guided tours on the Train des Merveilles are available in July, August, and September, as well as during select weekends in late June and October ^[17].
• Cross-border travel: Direct trains connect Nice to Ventimiglia, Italy.

Important: The Train des Pignes departs from a separate station at 4 bis rue Alfred Binet, near the Liberation tram stop. Be sure to confirm your departure location when booking ^[18].

Travel Information

Travel Seasons

The French Riviera’s seasonal changes play a big role in train travel to Nice. During the summer months (July–August), stations and trains are packed, as this is the busiest time of the year. Coastal waters near Nice can warm up to 86°F (30°C), much higher than the usual 70–72°F (21–22°C) ^[19].

For a more relaxed experience, consider traveling in late April to early May or early fall (September to early October). These periods are less crowded, though major events can still affect travel. Festivals like the Nice Carnaval and Menton’s Fête du Citron in February bring in more passengers. Similarly, events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, which typically occur between mid-March and mid-June, might cause schedule disruptions due to construction and preparations ^[19]. Despite these fluctuations, TGV trains offer amenities that make the journey comfortable year-round.

Train Facilities

TGV INOUI trains to Nice are equipped with amenities designed for comfort. Here’s a quick comparison of First and Second Class features:

Both classes include adjustable seats, retractable shelves, and adaptable lighting. Family areas in Second Class even feature a nursery corner ^[20].

Station Transport Options

Nice’s train stations are well connected to the city’s transportation system. From Nice-Ville station, travelers have several options:

• Tram Service: The N°2 line runs west to east, connecting the airport to the port, while the N°1 line covers the north–east route through the city center ^[21].
• Digital Ticketing: Use the Lignes d’Azur Tickets app to buy and validate tickets directly from your phone.
• Contactless Cards: "Ma Carte" (reloadable for €2) and "La Carte" (refundable for €2) make public transport access easy ^[21].

For airport transfers, the Ticket Aéro offers a €10 round-trip fare between the airport and the city center. Be aware that extreme weather, like the Mistral winds reaching speeds of up to 115 mph (185 km/h), can sometimes disrupt services ^[19].

Summary

Train travel to Nice offers convenient connections, both internationally and regionally, with flexible booking options and a variety of travel services. The main station, Nice-Ville, is supported by Nice-Riquier and Nice-Saint-Augustin for regional routes ^[3]. Services are operated by SNCF through TGV INOUI, Ouigo, and overnight trains, while TER ensures frequent regional links along the French Riviera ^[2].

Ticket prices depend on when you book, so timing can make a big difference. The TER network, for example, runs trains every 15 minutes between Cannes and Menton, with late-night services available until 2:00 AM on Sundays ^[2]. If you’re planning to explore the area over several days, the PASS SUD AZUR EXPLORE provides unlimited access to trains, trams, and buses across Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco ^[2].

For local tickets, you can use Zou machines or visit the Billetterie Zou office at Nice-Ville station ^[3].