Planning a day trip to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice? This chic yet low-key peninsula lies just east of Nice, between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Known for Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, scenic bays, and blissful beaches, it’s one of the most rewarding (half-)day escapes on the French Riviera.
In this article, I break down all the ways to get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice and list the pros, cons, travel times, and costs for each.
So, are you ready to plan your mini-adventure to one of the most luxurious destinations on the Côte d’Azur? Let’s go!
QUICK ANSWER
Fastest: Taxi or ride-share (25 minutes, €23–50).
Cheapest: Bus (30 minutes, €1.70).
Most flexible: Train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer + 30-minute walk (total ~40 minutes, €3.90).
Most scenic: E-bike ride along the Bay of Villefranche (~40 minutes).
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Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat transportation timetable
|
Mode |
Time |
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
🚆 |
11 min + 30 min walk (~40 min total) |
Fast, cheap, frequent connections |
Summer return trains overcrowded, walk required |
|
🚌 |
~30 min |
Scenic coastal route, drops you in the center |
No late evening service |
|
🚕 |
~25 min |
Door-to-door, no parking stress |
Traffic can cause delays, pricier |
|
🚘 |
~25 min |
Flexible schedule, combine with Èze or Villefranche-sur-Mer |
Parking limited and fills up fast, traffic |
|
🚲 |
~40 min |
Scenic, active option, flexible |
Uphill stretches, traffic |
|
🥾 |
~3 hours |
Stunning coastal path, zero cost |
Long, exposed to sun, not for small kids or with mobility issues |
|
⚓️ |
1 h 30 min |
Only in summer, no disembarkation |
|
|
🎫 |
2 hours |
No flexibility, no time to visit the tourist attractions |
This article will then help you plan the journey from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
If you’re visiting on a day trip from Nice, then be sure to read my in-depth guide on the best things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It features the top attractions and some lesser-known sites. Also, have a look at my Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat day trip itinerary to maximize your visit.
And for more travel inspiration, check out the other day trip destinations from Nice.
About Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a breathtaking peninsula that captivated me on my first visit decades ago and has kept me returning ever since. This chic coastal retreat offers the perfect escape from the bustle of Nice, combining natural beauty with quiet sophistication in a way that few destinations on the Côte d’Azur can match.
The crown jewel is undoubtedly Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a pink-hued palace with nine spectacular themed gardens offering panoramic views over both bays. Equally impressive is the Sentier du Littoral in Cap Ferrat, a coastal path that wraps around the entire peninsula, revealing hidden coves and glimpses of some of the world’s most exclusive properties against the backdrop of the deep blue Mediterranean.
Local life revolves around the picturesque port and Clemenceau Square overlooking Port de Saint-Jean, dotted with inviting restaurant patios. The peninsula is also blessed with gorgeous beaches and coveted beach clubs, like Paloma Beach, and offers excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
What if… You make this tranquil retreat your travel base to explore the French Riviera?
Where to stay?
The Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat and blissful Hôtel Royal-Riviera are the most popular accommodation options in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, but here are some alternative places to stay:
All the ways to get from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Because Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is just a short distance from central Nice, getting there is quick and easy. To help you make the most of your day, I compare all transportation options.
That said, if you have the time, I highly recommend the slower travel options — by bike, on foot, or by boat — as the route is simply too scenic to rush through.
Now, let’s dive into all the day trip options for getting from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, so you can pick the best way to enjoy this enchanting destination.
1. By train from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat does not have a train station, but the one in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is within walking distance. It takes only 10 minutes to walk along Plage des Fourmis to Hôtel Royal-Riviera, the gateway to the peninsula and the trailhead for the coastal path. The picture below shows the entrance of the peninsula next to the hotel. From there, you’ll reach the Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in 20 minutes.
If your accommodation in Nice is situated close to one of the train stations, then it makes perfect sense to travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat by train. The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Beaulieu-sur-Mer (direction Menton) takes just 11 minutes. If you leave from Nice-Riquier, it’s 6 minutes.
To return to Nice by train during the summer months, I strongly recommend avoiding rush hour. Trains are packed with commuters and day trippers returning from Monaco, and you likely won’t be able to squeeze in.
Conclusion: At ~40 minutes total for under €4, the train is the best choice if you want speed on a budget. Just be prepared for a summer crowd.
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2. By bus from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Because Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is so close to Nice, the bus is a very convenient transportation option. The drive from Nice takes around 30 minutes.
Take Lignes d’Azur bus 15 at stop Lycée-Masséna or stop Arson / Port Lympia to stop Port de Saint-Jean in Cap-Ferrat to get to the center, or to stop Passable / Rothschild to visit Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Conclusion: For €1.70 and a half-hour ride, the bus is the most direct and hassle-free option, especially if your hotel is near Port Lympia.
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3. By Uber, Bolt, or taxi from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
If you don’t have a car available but like the flexibility of the road, then you can rely on taxi services. The drive from Place Masséna in Nice takes 25 minutes without accounting for traffic. The taxi ride will cost you anywhere between €42 and €50 one-way; you can check the rate table here.
A more wallet-friendly option is ride-sharing to get from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Bolt is the go-to ride-sharing option on the French Riviera because it’s a bit cheaper than Uber. Just order your ride from the app, and the driver will get you to the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Expect to pay around €23 one-way.
Conclusion: It takes 25 minutes to get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice by taxi or ride-share. Bolt is the cheapest alternative to reach Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat by road and costs around €23 one-way.
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4. By car from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (self-drive)
If you have a car available in Nice, you can easily drive to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat yourself. The drive along the coast and around the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer takes 30 minutes from Place Masséna in Nice, without accounting for traffic. There are no tolls.
Parking in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat isn’t any more expensive than elsewhere on the French Riviera. However, spaces are limited and, during the high season, the lots fill up quickly. I usually park at Parking Plage Cros dei Pin or Parking du Centenaire. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild offers free parking, but the lot is pretty small and fills up quickly in the high season.
Conclusion: Driving takes 25 minutes and lets you combine Cap-Ferrat with other stops, but parking is tight in summer.
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5. By bike
A 40-minute e-bike ride along the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer is my favorite way to get from Castel Beach in Nice to the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The stretch of road between Port Lympia and Palais Maeterlinck goes uphill, so I’d definitely recommend getting an e-bike to keep it light and fun. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat participates in the popular e-bike-sharing programs Lime and Pony, which are super popular in Nice and its surroundings. Just scan your e-bike with the app and enjoy the ride. It costs around €10 one-way, depending on the bike scheme of your choice.
Conclusion: Hop on your e-bike and enjoy a 40-minute scenic ride from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. A daytime rental costs ~€10 per person one-way.
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6. On foot
The Sentier du Littoral, or coastal path, from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a slow traveler’s dream. It starts just past Port Lympia in Nice, then wraps around the cape of Nice and hugs the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
This makes for such a beautiful day trip, exploring both Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and all the stunning vistas in between. Here’s a detailed overview of the first part of the route:
You can take a break in Villfranche-sur-Mer and then continue your way to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat via the scenic Plage des Marinières.
Do note that I only advise this option if you’re not planning on hiking around the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, too. Otherwise, unless you’re an experienced hiker, this might be a bit too much for your untrained feet.
Conclusion: The beautiful coastal path from Nice via Villefranche-sur-Mer to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is an inviting option if you matter about the journey as much as about the destination.
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7. Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat boat trip
If you’re not planning to visit the Villa and Gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild but just want to enjoy Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from the water, then this private boat tour from Nice is an excellent option. It’s the perfect way to explore the peninsula’s stunning coastline and get a glimpse of its renowned beaches.
Do note that this tour is only organized in spring and summer and is equipped for up to 5 travelers.
Conclusion: This tour combines a jaunt to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice with a scenic boat trip and costs €690 for a 4-hour private cruise.
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FAQ on how to get from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
How will you travel from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat?
That’s it for this detailed guide on getting to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice. Now all that’s left for you to do is set a date and read up on the best things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat before experiencing this picturesque Côte d’Azur gem for yourself.
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