Driving to Nice: A8 Motorway & Route Guide
Driving to Nice is perfectly feasible: the city is linked to the rest of France and Europe by the A8 motorway. Expect a few caveats about tolls, summer traffic jams and parking once you arrive.
The French motorway network is in very good condition and Nice is served by the A8 motorway. The Paris - Nice drive covers about 700 kilometres via the A6 - A7 - A8 route and takes between 6.5 and 8 hours depending on traffic and breaks.
Driving remains a good option for families, for trips that include excursions to the hills or the coast, and for travellers with lots of luggage. Here is what you need to know before hitting the road.
Toll motorways
French motorways are tolled, and those in the south are among the most expensive in the country. Unlike some European countries, you pay at every toll booth rather than once a year through a vignette system. Nice also has the only tolled ring road in France.
Work out your budget before leaving with the free route planner ViaMichelin, which gives the exact toll cost and a fuel estimate. As a benchmark, the Paris - Nice drive costs about €55 in tolls by car. Motorcycle rates are halved.
Traffic jams in July and August
Traffic jams are widespread in the peak tourist season, in July and August, on the motorways leading to Nice and the neighbouring towns: Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco, Menton and the Italian Riviera all concentrate heavy traffic.
Check the road forecasts before leaving, on Bison Futé or on navigation apps, and prefer leaving early in the morning or outside the big departure weekends. Crossing Nice from west to east can take over an hour at rush hour.
Automatic speed cameras
Watch out for the many automatic speed cameras on the A8 between Fréjus and Nice, located on stretches limited to 110 km/h instead of 130 km/h. They are regularly associated with random speed controls on these sections.
Once in Nice, two fixed cameras are well known: one on the Promenade des Anglais at the airport and one on the RN 202. Both sections must be driven at no more than 70 km/h.
Panoramic stops on the A8
The A8 service areas offer lovely viewpoints: do not hesitate to stop to rest and admire the scenery. Piccolaret service area is particularly recommended for its panoramic view over the bay of Cannes.
Which exit should you take for Nice
Five motorway exits lead to Nice. Choose the one closest to your destination to avoid driving across town:
- Exit 50 : Promenade des Anglais - airport
- Exit 51 : Saint-Augustin
- Exit 52 : Saint-Isidore
- Exit 54 : Nice Nord
- Exit 55 : Nice Est
Exit 50 is the most convenient if your accommodation is by the sea. To reach the Old Town or the port, Exit 55 (Nice Est) puts you on the coast road and avoids crossing the hyper-centre.
Once you arrive?
If you travel by car, plan your parking as soon as you book your hotel: the city centre is dense and spaces are expensive. Check our guide to parking in Nice, short and long stay.
For daily travel once you are there, the car is rarely the best choice: the tram and the Lignes d'Azur bus network cover most sites. You will also find our advice in Getting around Nice by car.
Arriving by air instead? Here is how to reach Nice from the airport.
FAQ
How much are the Paris - Nice tolls by car?
Allow about €55 in tolls for the Paris - Nice drive via the A6-A7-A8, plus fuel. Use ViaMichelin for an exact calculation for your route. Motorcycle rates are halved.
How long does it take to drive from Paris to Nice?
The journey is about 700 km and takes between 6.5 and 8 hours depending on traffic, season and breaks.
How can I avoid traffic jams in Nice?
Avoid arriving in July and August, leave early in the morning, check Bison Futé before setting off and take the motorway exit closest to your destination.
Which A8 exit should I take for central Nice?
For the Old Town and the port, Exit 55 (Nice Est) is the most practical. For the Promenade des Anglais and the seafront, take Exit 50.
Where can I park my car in Nice?
Parking in the city centre is dense and paid. See our dedicated guide: parking in Nice, short and long stay.
Are there many speed cameras on the road to Nice?
Yes, especially on the A8 between Fréjus and Nice (110 km/h sections) and at the gates of the city: Promenade des Anglais at the airport and RN 202, both limited to 70 km/h.
