How to get around the French Riviera: Transportation guide

Are you wondering how to travel to and get around the French Riviera? Then this guide is for you!

The first thing to plan is how to get to this stunning region in the South of France. Discover the best airport to fly into internationally and the best train to catch from Paris.

The next step is to figure out how to get around the French Riviera. You’ll find detailed info and travel tips on all the transportation options in the French Mediterranean. It’ll help you decide whether to explore the region by car, train, bus, ferry, ride-sharing, or bike.

Are you ready to start planning the transportation for your trip? Let’s go!

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Getting around the French Riviera

Nice is very well connected by road, rail, bus, boat, and bike, making it an excellent launchpad to explore the French Riviera on day trips or for longer itineraries.

Transportation is only one piece of the puzzle. If you’re deciding where to go next — and how different towns fit together — my French Riviera travel guide helps you see the bigger picture, with destination overviews, travel tips, and planning resources beyond transport alone.

Here’s an overview of all the transportation options in the region and some travel tips for each.

French Riviera by car

My preferred way to get around the French Riviera is by car, especially for longer itineraries. The coastal roads are so scenic that you miss out when you can’t drive them at your own pace. Plus, it’s so convenient to be able to enjoy an impromptu stop at a picturesque village on the way to your next destination.

You can pick up your rental car at Nice-Côte d’Azur airport near Terminal 2, behind Car Park P5, where most major car rental companies are represented. Just be sure that you have your driving license (and an international driving license if you’re traveling from outside Europe), ready, as well as an ID and a credit card.

Highway A8 runs opposite the airport and connects Nice to all other French Riviera destinations. Just don’t limit yourself to the highway. Not just to avoid paying tolls, but also because there are many amazing road trips to explore on local roads.

Of course, you can also rent a car at one of the other towns on the French Riviera, including Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco.

I’d certainly advise you to book accommodation that comes with parking, especially when visiting the French Riviera in the summer or during seasonal events such as the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix. You don’t want to spend your precious travel time looking for a safe parking spot. In Nice, accommodations with parking are scarce, so be sure to book your hotel or rental well in advance.

Think again when considering renting an oversized car, and note that parking near the most popular beaches or in smaller towns might be limited and not just during the high season.

I always recommend booking your rental car right after booking your flights and accommodation. This is especially important when you travel during the high season (school holidays). That way, you lock in a good base rate.

Conclusion: The car is the best way to get around the French Riviera for longer itineraries or road trips.

French Riviera by train

Are you wondering how to get around the French Riviera by train?

As you can see on the train map, the train is a viable mode of transportation to explore the stretch of coast between Cannes and Menton.

However, for some French Riviera destinations situated west of Cannes – including Saint-Tropez – the train isn’t really an option. The same goes for those towns that are located inland, such as Saint-Paul de Vence.

The Regional Express Trains (TER) network is part of the ZOU regional transport network, and the trains are operated by the French National Railways (SNCF). There are frequent connections, and the prices are very reasonable.

Individual French Riviera train tickets can be booked through this link or on the app. I would recommend downloading the app for managing your tickets to avoid queuing at the vending machines.

Or, if you plan on relying on public transportation more than once, then the 3-day, 7-day, or 14-day all-in-one SudAzure Explore Pass might be worth looking into. It gives you unlimited access to trains, trams, and buses.

On this page, you can find an overview of all train stops within this TER network. As you can see, the train is a good option if you plan on making Nice a travel base and plan a day trip by train from Nice to Cannes, Menton, or Monaco.

However, since the train stations aren’t always located near the promenades and beaches, planning multiple train trips on the same day isn’t very convenient. For that kind of travel itinerary, a car or bus is better suited.

Conclusion: The train is the best way to get around the French Riviera if you plan on staying at one spot – Nice is especially recommended – and taking day trips from there. It’s also good for shorter itineraries.

French Riviera by bus

Another option to get around the French Riviera without a car is by taking the bus. Several bus networks connect the most popular destinations.

The regional bus company on the French Riviera is Zou. In addition, every town has its own local bus company.

In Nice and its vicinity, that’s Lignes d’Azur, in Antibes it’s Envibus, in Cannes Palm Bus, and in Menton Zestbus. Most company websites feature a handy itinerary planner allowing you to research the destinations of your choice. You can buy a single-use ticket, a day pass, or a week pass at one of the kiosks near the bus stations.

If you have a combined journey on a regional Zou bus and a local Lignes d’Azur bus, there’s no need to purchase two separate tickets. Instead, buy a single ticket Azur for €2.50 at the vending machine or from the driver.

Or, again here, consider buying the 3-day, 7-day, or 14-day all-in-one SudAzure Explore Pass that gives you unlimited access to trains, trams, and buses. Adults pay €35 for the 3-day pass, €50 for the 7-day pass, and €80 for the 14-day pass, and accompanied minors pay even less.

Since bus stops are conveniently located near the main attractions and top beaches, the bus makes for a great option if you’re looking to combine several destinations on the same day.

Conclusion: The bus is another good way to tralve around the Côte d’Azur if you plan on taking day trips from one travel base. It’s also good for shorter itineraries but slower than the train.

French Riviera by Uber or Bolt

Taxis are not the most popular transportation option on the French Riviera, simply because they’re much more expensive than ride shares (even more so on Sundays and official holidays).

Uber or Bolt is ideal for a nightly transfer back to your accommodation when trains and buses are no longer operating. Bolt is the most popular option on the French Riviera because of its lower prices. Except east of Monaco, where Uber has much better coverage than Bolt.

The only caveat about ride-sharing is that it’s not available in Monaco. The driver can drop you off there, but isn’t allowed to do pick-ups. However, since Monaco is super compact, it’s easy to walk over to Beausoleil, which is a French town, and catch your Uber or Bolt there.

Conclusion: Car-sharing is a good way to travel around the French Riviera for short trips from your travel base and for late-night travel when public transportation is no longer available.

French Riviera by ferry

Trains and buses may be convenient, but on sunny days, the boat is a much more pleasant option to get around the French Riviera. Port Lympia in Nice offers a wide range of boat tours that go as far as Monaco and Saint-Tropez.

Examples are ferries from Nice to Monaco, from Nice to Saint-Tropez, and from Cannes to Saint-Tropez. Be sure to book these boat transfers well in advance, especially if you plan to visit the French Riviera during the high season.

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Conclusion: The ferry is the best way to get from Nice or Cannes to Monaco and to reach Saint-Tropez during spring, summer, and first half of autumn.

French Riviera by bike

Some sections of the French Riviera are also particularly bike-friendly. Especially the route from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is popular for a leisurely cycling tour. My family and I tried it in spring, and with an electric bike, it’s a very pleasant way to explore this part of the French Riviera. This stretch is also a great way to string together a couple of the best beaches on the French Riviera along the way.

Two bike-sharing platforms are promoted by the city of Nice (and many other destinations on the Côte d’Azur): Lime and Pony. Lime bikes come with a large basket, while Pony bikes are equipped with a rear passenger seat and footholds. Download the app of your choice, scan your bike, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion: Cycling is a great way to explore neighboring French Riviera towns.

French Riviera on foot

The scenic Sentier du Littoral connects several Côte d’Azur destinations, offering a wonderful opportunity to walk along the coast from one town to another.

There’s a picturesque coastal path from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer and from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, while the leafy Chemin des Sables connects Antibes to Juan-les-Pins.

Conclusion: The scenic coastal path or Sentier du Littoral provides the opportunity to hop over to another French Riviera town on foot.

French Riviera transportation options from Nice

You can find a range of transportation guides on this blog, which will help you get from Nice to the most popular destinations on the Côte d’Azur.

FAQ on getting around the French Riviera

How will you travel around the French Riviera?

That’s it for this detailed guide on getting to and around the French Riviera. Rest assured that, no matter the mode of transportation, you’re in for an unforgettable vacation. Bon voyage!

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