Planning a trip from Nice to Menton? This colorful border town is the last stop before Italy and offers a mellow, sun-soaked vibe that makes it one of the most delightful French Riviera destinations.
With sandy beaches, a charming Old Town, and plenty of lemon-flavored treats, it’s well worth the journey.
In this article, I break down all the ways to get to Menton from Nice and list the pros, cons, travel times, and costs for each.
So, are you ready to plan your jaunt to this picturesque town on the Côte d’Azur? Let’s go!
QUICK ANSWER
Fastest: Train (40 minutes + 15 min walk, ~€8).
Cheapest: Train (same as above, most budget-friendly).
Most flexible: Car (45 minutes, plenty of parking).
Best airport connection: Express bus from Nice Airport (1h37, €20.50).
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Nice to Menton transportation timetable
|
Mode |
Time |
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
🚆 |
38 min + 15 min walk (~53 min total) |
Fast and frequent, budget-friendly |
Station outside the tourist zone |
|
🚌 |
~1 h 18 min |
Scenic, cheapest option |
Slow |
|
🚕 |
~35 min |
Door-to-door, no parking stress |
Traffic, expensive |
|
🚘 |
~35 min |
Flexible for side trips, easy parking |
Traffic and toll |
This article will then help you plan the journey from Nice to Menton.
If you’re visiting Menton on a day trip from Nice, then be sure to read my in-depth guide on the best things to do in Menton. It features all the must-sees for a wonderful day out.
And for more travel inspiration, check out the other day trip destinations from Nice.
About Menton
Menton is one of the most laid-back towns on the Côte d’Azur. Compared to bustling Nice, it feels mellow and serene, with wide beaches and a slower rhythm of life. The newly redeveloped Promenade de la Mer makes the seafront even more inviting, while the Old Town bursts with Mediterranean charm.
The Italian influence is everywhere, from the pastel-colored houses stacked on the hillside to the food served in local restaurants. Lemon trees thrive in the microclimate here, and Menton’s citrus specialties are a must-try, from lemon tarts to limoncello.
Another big draw is Menton’s location. It sits right on the border with Italy and within easy reach of the Mercantour National Park, a spectacular wilderness for hiking and mountain escapes. Few places combine seaside relaxation, Italian flavor, and alpine proximity quite like Menton.
What if… You make this picture-perfect town your travel base to explore the French Riviera?
Where to stay?
Accommodation options in Menton range from enchanting boutique hotels to cozy vacation rentals in the heart of the Old Town or along the coastal Promenade du Soleil. My detailed guide on where to stay in Menton mentions the best hotels and rentals in each neighborhood. Here’s a preview:
All the ways to get from Nice to Menton
There are three main ways to reach Menton from Nice, depending on whether you value speed, flexibility, or convenience from the airport.
Below, I compare the train, car, and bus so you can pick the best option for your trip.
1. By train from Nice to Menton
By train, you can get to Menton from Nice fairly quickly. The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Menton takes just 38 minutes, less if you leave from the Nice-Riquier station. It’s a beautiful journey along the coastline with the tracks winding past gorgeous bays.
Since the train station of Menton is located just outside the tourist center, you’ll need to walk for about 15 minutes to reach the Old Town. A ticket costs €8 one-way. There’s a second station in Menton, just before the Italian border: Menton Garavan. It’s just a bit further from the Old Town – 20 minutes in total, but to me, the walk along the port and the famous Plage des Sablettes is so worth the extra steps!
During the summer months, trains can get packed, especially in the evening rush. However, since Menton is located furthest east and the crowds only start in Monaco, you’re almost guaranteed to have seating for the return journey to Nice.
Conclusion: The train is a fast and, at €8 one-way, a budget-friendly way to reach Menton, taking on average 38 minutes from Nice-Ville plus a 15-minute walk into the center.
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2. By bus from Nice to Menton
Since Menton is located quite far from Nice, the bus is the slowest option to get there. But it’s also the cheapest option and incredibly scenic since the bus follows the coastal road. It’s a direct route.
Take Zou bus line 600 from stop Arson / Fodéré (near Nice’s Port Lympia) to stop Casino in Menton. The journey takes 1 h 18 min and a single ticket costs €2.10 one-way.
Conclusion: The bus is the most scenic but also the slowest option with a travel time of 1 hour and 18 minutes. At €2.10, a bus transfer is also the cheapest way to get from Nice to Menton.
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3. By Uber, Bolt, or taxi from Nice to Menton
Going from Nice to Menton by taxi is another option. Not accounting for rush hour traffic, the drive from Place Masséna in Nice takes 35 minutes. Depending on your departure and arrival point, the taxi ride will cost you anywhere between €100 and €105 one-way; you can check the rate table here.
Ride-sharing services are a somewhat cheaper alternative, with Bolt being slightly cheaper than Uber. Open the app, order your ride, and the driver will pick you up shortly. Prices range around €65 one-way.
Conclusion: Taxi, Uber or Bolt will take you to your preferred location in Menton in around 35 minutes (or more, depending on traffic). Prices start at around €65 one-way.
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4. By car from Nice to Menton (self-drive)
For the drive from Nice to Menton, the most straightforward route is the A8 highway, where you pay tolls, and you’ll arrive after around 35 minutes (plus optional rush hour traffic).
If you prefer a more scenic and toll-free option, then opt for the Moyenne Corniche and enjoy one of the most beautiful roads on the French Riviera. While the drive technically takes around 50 minutes, you’ll likely take frequent stops to enjoy some of the best French Riviera viewpoints along the way
Daily rates for parking in Menton are much cheaper compared to other destinations on the Côte d’Azur. Even during the high season, I was always able to find a parking spot in either Parking Sablettes or Parking Hôtel de Ville.
Conclusion: Driving to Menton takes around 35 minutes, or close to 1 hour via the scenic route, and in my experience there’s usually plenty of parking, even in summer. It’s the most flexible option, especially if you want to explore or make frequent stops along the way.
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FAQ on how to get from Nice to Menton
How will you travel from Nice to Menton?
Now that you’re all prepared to set off on your day trip to Menton from Nice, it’s just a matter of checking out the must-sees in Menton and enjoying a beautiful day in this sun-kissed town.
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