How to get to Nice

Nice is the jewel of the Côte d'Azur, located in the south of France, where the elegance of a historic city blends harmoniously with the rhythm of a modern holiday destination. When planning a trip to Nice, you will discover many convenient routes: it is easy to get here by plane, train, bus, or car, whilst enjoying picturesque views of the Mediterranean.

The fastest way to reach the Riviera is to fly into the international Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), which receives flights from all over the world and is located just a few kilometres from the city centre. This air hub is known for its high capacity and convenient location right by the sea.

If direct flights are not available, you can consider flying to neighbouring cities: Italian Cuneo (78 km) or French Toulon (126 km) and Aix-en-Provence (147 km). The airport is excellently connected to the city, so the transfer to your hotel will not take much time.

Rail travel is one of the most popular and scenic ways to reach the Côte d'Azur. The main station, Nice-Ville, is located in the city centre and accommodates both high-speed TGV trains from Paris and regional TER express trains running along the coast.

If you are travelling from Italy, a convenient route may pass through Cuneo. You can also arrive with transfers via major regional transport hubs, such as Toulon or Aix-en-Provence, enjoying views of Provence along the way.

Bus services connect the Côte d'Azur with many European cities, offering a budget-friendly travel option. From the French city of Toulon, the trip will take just about 2.8 hours (distance ~152 km), while the journey from Aix-en-Provence will last approximately 4.8 hours.

For those travelling from Italy, there is a route from the city of Cuneo. However, be prepared for a long journey lasting about 8 hours, which is compensated by the mountain landscapes outside the window.

A trip by car allows you to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Provence and the coast, turning the transfer into a separate adventure. The fastest route runs from Toulon: covering 155 km takes just 1.7 hours, and the road from Aix-en-Provence (183 km) will take about 2 hours.

For travellers from Italy, it is convenient to drive via Cuneo — a picturesque road of 126 km will require approximately 2.5 hours of driving. This is an excellent choice for those who value freedom of movement.

To ensure your holiday on the Côte d'Azur is flawless, it is worth noting a few local specifics in advance. Here is a list of practical recommendations to help you feel confident in this sunny city.

1. Clothing and Style. The city is distinguished by its elegance. In summer, wear light natural fabrics, but for an evening out at a restaurant, a smart casual style is appropriate. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking.
2. Transport. The historic centre is best explored on foot. For longer distances, use the trams and buses of the Lignes d'Azur network — it is convenient and affordable.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for markets and tipping.
4. Health and Safety. The city is safe, but in crowded tourist spots (such as the Promenade des Anglais), keep an eye on your personal belongings. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green neon cross.
5. Communication. The main language is French. English is widely spoken in the tourism sector, but a polite "Bonjour" when entering a shop or café is essential.
6. Beach Note. Most beaches here are covered with large pebbles. For comfortable entry into the sea, it is highly recommended to purchase special rubber slippers (aqua shoes).

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the French Riviera.