Getting Around
Nice and the surrounding area offer you an assortment of ways to travel around during your stay. Whether you’re planning to hire a car, take a taxi, use the public transport system, cycle or walk, you’ll find all you need locally.
Car Hire
All the major hire car companies are represented at the airport - Europcar, Sixt, Avis and Hertz to name but a few, plus there are local companies such as RentaCar. All have pick up/drop off places around Nice.
Alternatively you can use a service such as Kayak which will search various companies to find the best deal for you. The airport’s website also provides information and quotes for car hire.
Trains
One of the easiest ways to visit the villages, towns and beaches around Nice is by train. Trains from Nice Ville station travel both ways along the coast allowing you to explore Antibes, Cannes, St Tropez to the west or to follow the beautiful coastline east to visit Monaco, Menton and onwards to the Italian region of Liguria.
Local trains are run by SNCF. You can buy tickets at the station (don’t forget to validate your ticket in the machine before boarding the train!) or online.
Taxi/Uber
As in most major cities, licenced taxis and Uber are available for trips around town or further afield. You can either hail a vacant taxi in the street or pick one up from the taxi ranks located in places such as Nice airport, Nice Ville train station or the Negresco hotel. Alternatively, you can download the TAXI NICE app from the Tourist Office website.
Use your Uber app to arrange an Uber trip.
Walking
One of the best ways to discover Nice is by foot.
Wander the cool streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice) on a hot summer’s day or enjoy the spring sunshine on the Promenade des Anglais.
Whether you enjoy the architecture of the 17th century Palais Lascaris in the old town or the elegant bourgeois buildings of the town centre, Nice has many beautiful streets and parks where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, a picnic or a cold glass of the famous Côte de Provence rosé at a local bar or café.
For those who like to cook, head to the famous Cours Saleya market. This typical French street market, selling fresh produce and local souvenirs, can be found each morning in a beautiful setting just moments from the Promenade des Anglais. On a Monday morning, the Cours Saleya becomes a “Brocante” - an antiques market full of stalls selling all manner of things. A super place for a morning stroll.
Nice has an abundance of wonderful shops and you’ll find some more recommendations on our Delicacies of Nice page.
Cycling
If you like to cycle, you can follow the route of the Tour de France 2020 and climb to the summit of the Col D’Eze (or beyond!), to get a spectacular view of the coast from the Grande Corniche.
For those looking for something a little less energetic, Velo Bleu is the local on-street bike rental service. You pay a small rental fee and can pick up a bike from one of the 161 docking stations around the city. Drop your bike off at any docking station afterwards. An inexpensive and fun way to see the city.
Trams & Buses
Nice is well served by excellent public transport. Trams and buses at affordable prices will enable you to enjoy Nice, the surrounding countryside and further afield.
The buses and trams are run by Lignes d’Azur, and you can download an English language version of their useful app for your smart phone or tablet.
The recent extension of the tram line (T2) to the airport means you can travel directly to and from Terminals 1 & 2 to the centre of Nice and the port area. Tickets are 1.50 € per trip or you can buy a Multi 10 Voyage ticket which is 10 € for 10 trips.
You must have a ticket when you board the tram or the bus; they can be bought at the self-service machines at the tram stops, in the Lignes D’Azur boutiques or online. Each time you get on the bus or the tram, you must stamp your ticket in the on-board machine to validate it. If more than one person is travelling, you can use the Multi 10 Voyage ticket but remember to stamp it once for each of your party.