Train to Nice: TGV, Tickets & Station Info

Last updated on by HOIZEY François-Olivier3 min read

France has an extensive rail network. Trains are a comfortable, reliable, and often cost-effective way to reach Nice.

Booking information

Booking recommended

Because of the popularity of trains, seats are sometimes scarce and expensive unless you book in advance, which we strongly advise you to do. In that case, when booking, and if they are available, select the « Prem's » tickets offered at rock-bottom prices. They give access to the same seats as standard tickets. In return, they are neither refundable nor exchangeable.

TGV fares are always cheaper if you book in advance, so do not wait until the last minute to book.

First or second class

The difference between the two classes lies in the legroom and, in first class, the presence of power sockets that let you recharge your mobile devices. Unless you attach great importance to either of these advantages, choose second class, which is only slightly less comfortable.

Travelling by day or by night

You can travel either by day or by night.

The daytime journey is made on the Train à Grande Vitesse, the TGV, which, as its name suggests, is a very fast train, provided it runs on high-speed tracks.

Unfortunately, due to regional disputes, Nice does not yet have this type of line, and from the city of Marseille the train has to use conventional tracks, which makes the journey quite long on that last section.

You can console yourself by admiring the beautiful coastal scenery on this final part of the journey.
Allow about 6 hours by train for the Paris - Nice journey (3 hours to Marseille and 3 more hours between Marseille and Nice).

By opting for the night train, slightly more expensive but much slower, you can save a night in a hotel. Ideal for small budgets. In this case, be sure to choose the couchette train and not the train with reclining seats, at the risk of spending a... dreadful night.

You will then have a real bed (in a 4-person compartment) and a kit containing, among other things, earplugs (« Ear Plugs »), essential for reducing the noise of the rails.
Allow about 12 hours by train for the Paris - Nice night journey.

Information about the journey

Eating on the train

Stops at the various stations along the route are short, usually two minutes. There is no question of getting off to buy something to eat. So plan ahead to bring something to eat. Otherwise, know that the trains have a snack car selling hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, breakfasts, etc., but at prohibitive prices.

Good to know

Even if the outside temperature is mild, don't forget to take a light jacket for the journey. Trains are heavily air-conditioned.

Once you arrive in Nice

Nice railway station is located right in the heart of the city and is served by 6 bus lines whose stops are directly opposite the exit. You can thus reach any part of the city. To find out how to take the bus, go to the category « Getting around Nice ».

Station address: Avenue Thiers, 06000 Nice.

Renting a car at the station

The rental agencies at Nice-Ville station (avenue Thiers) let you pick up a vehicle as soon as you arrive: addresses, pick-up and pitfalls to avoid in Car rental in Nice.

Are you travelling from Paris, Lyon or Marseille?