Train service
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s national railway company, operating long-distance, regional, and international train services across Europe.
SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.
Ouigo
Ouigo is SNCF’s low-cost train service offering affordable high-speed travel in France, Spain, and Belgium with simplified onboard amenities.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
SNCB
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway operator, offering domestic and international train services with flexible ticket options, including youth and senior discounts.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
For a non-resident of the EU traveling from Paris to Nice by train, the Eurail pass is valid. The Interrail Global Pass and the Interrail One Country Pass are valid for a non-resident of France. However, if the traveler is a resident of France, neither the Interrail Global Pass nor the Interrail One Country Pass would be valid for this trip.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Nice by train, you have several options for getting around the city using local transportation. The tram system is a convenient and efficient way to explore Nice. The main line, Tramway Line 1, runs from Henri Sappia in the north to Hôpital Pasteur in the east, passing through key areas, including the city center. Tram lines 2 and 3 also serve important parts of the city, with Line 2 connecting Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to the Port Lympia, and Line 3 serving the western suburbs. The tickets can be purchased at tram stations and must be validated once onboard. While Nice does not have a traditional metro system, the extensive bus network offers comprehensive coverage of the city and surrounding areas, with Lignes d'Azur as the main operator. Tickets are usually interchangeable between trams and buses. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands throughout the city, though they can be more costly than public transport. Ridesharing services, like Uber, operate in Nice and offer a flexible alternative to taxis, especially for getting to less accessible areas. For a scenic option, consider using the Vélo Bleu bike-sharing service, which allows you to rent bicycles from automated stations around the city, perfect for enjoying the Mediterranean cityscape on pleasant days.
Onward connections
Nice, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, serves as a significant hub for both domestic and international train travel. Domestically, one of the most popular rail routes is the connection to Paris. High-speed TGV trains offer direct services between Nice-Ville station and Paris Gare de Lyon, with the journey taking approximately 5 and a half to 6 hours. Other notable domestic connections include frequent TER (Transport Express Régional) services to Marseille, which take around 2 hours and provide beautiful views of the Mediterranean coastline. Trains to Cannes and Antibes are also frequent and fast, making them convenient options for day trips.
Internationally, Nice is well-connected to Italy. Trains to Ventimiglia, the Italian border town, run regularly and take about 50 minutes, offering seamless onward connections to Genoa and further into Italy. There are also direct Thello services from Nice to Milan, with the travel time being around 4 hours and 30 minutes, offering easy access to the extensive Italian train network. Another popular international train route is the Nice to Monaco connection, which takes a mere 20 minutes by TER train, making it a quick and enjoyable trip to the luxurious principality. These connections make Nice an accessible gateway for exploring both the south of France and neighboring regions in Europe.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Nice is typically during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and early fall (September to early October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm but not overly hot, making it ideal for exploring the city and its beautiful coastline. Additionally, these months usually have fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season, allowing for a more relaxed experience and often better prices for accommodations and attractions. Activities such as strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, visiting the Old Town, and enjoying the local cuisine are more comfortable without the summer crowds.
In spring, you can also experience events like the Nice Jazz Festival and the Nice Carnival, depending on the timing. In early fall, the city's vineyard tours are appealing as the grape harvest begins. Train travel to Nice in these months is generally more affordable and less crowded compared to the busy summer period, except around the major festivals. Overall, visiting in spring or early fall offers a wonderful balance of pleasant weather, cultural activities, and manageable travel expenses.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Paris to Nice?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Paris to Nice are dynamic. Demand significantly influences ticket costs. Tickets are cheaper when fewer people travel. Booking time also impacts prices. Early purchases often cost less. Seasonal changes affect ticket expenses. High tourist seasons usually raise prices. Time of day matters for pricing as well. Peak travel times result in higher costs. Discounts and promotions alter prices too. Lastly, service class chosen will affect the ticket price.
What trains run from Paris to Nice?
SNCF operates trains from Paris to Nice.
Ouigo runs trains from Paris to Nice.
Trenitalia does not operate trains from Paris to Nice.
Deutsche Bahn does not operate trains from Paris to Nice.
Benerail does not operate trains from Paris to Nice.
Flixbus operates buses from Paris to Nice.
How long does the train from Paris to Nice take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Paris to Nice takes between 5.5 and 6.5 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Paris to Nice?
Avoid major holiday periods. Travel mid-week for fewer crowds. Early morning departures are often quieter. Prices tend to rise around weekends. Advance booking can secure better rates. Off-peak times offer smoother journeys. Check for local events that may affect demand.
What’s the best route or train to take from Paris to Nice?
Flixbus runs direct bus services from Paris to Nice.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Paris to Nice?
According to EveryRail, the One Country Pass applies for travel from Paris to Nice. Both cities are in France, so this pass covers the route. The Interrail Pass applies if the traveler is a resident of the EU or another eligible European country. If the traveler is not a resident of the EU or an eligible European country, the Eurail Pass applies.