Getting around Nice and the French Riviera: Public Transport Tips

Imagine you have just stepped off a plane. As you walk out of the airport doors, a warm breeze touches your face. You look out and see a bright blue sea that seems to go on forever. You are finally here: the French Riviera. I

It is a place of dreams, filled with palm trees, fast cars, and golden beaches. But now, you have a problem to solve. How do you get to your hotel? How do you see the famous towns like Monaco or Cannes without spending all your money on expensive taxis?

Many people think that traveling around the South of France is difficult or only for people with lots of money. I have a secret to share with you: it is not!

The French Riviera transport system is like a giant puzzle. At first, the pieces might look confusing. You might see different names like “Lignes d’Azur,” "ZOU!”, and “TER.” But once you see how they fit together, you become the master of your own adventure.

I will show you how to find the right nice public transport tickets, which apps to download, and how to use the nice tram map like a local. Grab your sunglasses and let’s begin our journey.

 

The First Choice at the Airport

Let’s start at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. It is one of the most beautiful airports because the runway is built right on the water. When you land, you will see two Terminals. Most people feel a bit rushed when they arrive. They see a big machine that says “Tickets,” and they stop.

The machine might try to sell you a special “Airport Ticket” for 10 euros. This ticket is for the tram. It sounds easy, but here is a tip for the smart traveler: that price is a bit of a trick. You do not need a 10-euro ticket to get into the city center.

If you walk a short distance to the Grand Arénas stop, everything changes. The tram ride from the airport terminals to Grand Arénas is actually free! Once you get off at Grand Arénas, you can find a different ticket machine.

Here, you can buy a regular, nice public transport day pass or a single trip for much less. By knowing this one small secret, you have already saved enough money to buy a delicious French gelato later in the day.

 

The Red, Blue, and Green Trams of Nice

Once you are in the city of Nice, the tram becomes your best friend. The city has built a wonderful system that is clean, fast, and very quiet. In Nice, the network is called Lignes d’Azur. Think of the trams as a colorful map that guides you through the city.

The Blue Line (Line 2)

This is the line you will likely use the most. It connects the airport to the Port. If you stay on this line, you will pass through the main shopping street, Jean Médecin.

Imagine sitting by the window and watching the beautiful buildings of Nice go by. The tram stops are easy to read, and most of them are above ground, where you can see the bright sun.

The Red Line (Line 1)

This line is shaped like a giant “V.” It travels from the north of the city to the east. It is perfect if you want to visit the main train station (Gare Thiers) or the famous Place Masséna. Place Masséna is a big square with red buildings and checkerboard floors. It is the heart of the city.

The Green Line (Line 3)

This line goes toward the west. It is the best way to reach the Allianz Riviera Stadium if you want to see a football match or visit the big IKEA store nearby.

The nice tram map is very simple. Every station has a screen that tells you exactly when the next tram is coming. You never have to wait very long. It is a smooth way to travel that makes you feel like you are part of the city.

 

The Magic of “La Carte”

To use the trams and buses in Nice, you need a special tool. It is a small plastic card called La Carte. You can buy this at any tram station from a grey and yellow machine. The machines are very friendly; you can change the language to English so you can understand every step.

The card itself costs 2 euros. Think of this as your “membership” to the city. Once you have the card, you can put different types of tickets on it.

The Sharing Secret

Here is something wonderful about nice public transport tickets: you can share one card with your whole family! If you are traveling with your parents or friends, you only need to buy one plastic card. When you get on the tram, you tap your card on the machine for yourself. Then, you tap it again for the next person. If there are four of you, you tap it four times.

It is a very smart way to travel. You can load your card with a 10-trip pass for 17 euros. This makes each ride only 1.70 euros. Compared to a taxi, this is a huge saving!

The 74-Minute Rule

When you tap your card, you start a 74-minute clock. During these 74 minutes, you can get off one tram and get on a bus, or change from one tram line to another. As long as you are going in the same direction, you don’t have to pay again.

Just remember: you must tap your card every single time you get on a new vehicle. The machine will make a happy “beep” sound to tell you that you are doing a great job.

 

The Coastal Train Journey

Now, let’s imagine you want to go further. Maybe you want to see the giant yachts in Monaco or walk the red carpet in Cannes. For this part of our story, we leave the city buses behind and head to the train station.

The regional train is called the TER. These trains are often double-deckers, which means they have two floors. I always recommend going to the top floor. From up there, you can look out the window and see the white waves hitting the rocks. It is one of the most beautiful train rides in the whole world.

Using the French Riviera Rail Pass

If you plan to visit many towns in one day, look for the French Riviera rail pass. There are special “Day Passes” that give you unlimited rides.

• For one person: It might cost 20 euros.
• For a group: This is where the magic happens! For every extra person you add to your pass, the price goes down. Sometimes, four people can travel all day for a very low price.

The train is fast. You can get from Nice to Monaco in about 20 minutes. You can get to Cannes in about 35 minutes. It is much better than sitting in a car and waiting in traffic. The train stations are usually right in the middle of the towns, so you can start exploring the moment you step off.

 

The ZOU! Bus Adventure

Sometimes, the train doesn’t go exactly where you want to go. Maybe you want to visit the village of Èze, which sits high up on a mountain like an eagle’s nest. For these trips, you need the ZOU! buses.

The French Riviera transport system includes these regional buses that travel into the hills. The price is very low—usually around 2.10 euros for a ticket. However, because the roads on the Riviera are very curvy and narrow, the bus can be a bit slower than the train.

If you are a traveler who loves to see every small house and every flower garden, the bus is perfect for you. Just make sure to check the nice public transport app or Google Maps to see the schedule. The buses in the hills do not run as often as the trams in the city.

 

Finding the Best Pass for Your Story

Every traveler has a different story. Some stay for a weekend, and others stay for a whole week. To make your trip easy, you should pick the right French Riviera transit pass.

Type of Traveler	Best Pass to Choose
The City Explorer	Nice public transport day pass (7 euros). Unlimited trams and buses in Nice for 24 hours.
The Weekly Guest	Nice public transport 7-day pass (20 euros). This is the best value for a long stay.
The Coastal Adventurer	Pass Sud-Azur Explore. This is the “Gold Medal” of passes. It covers the city trams, the regional buses, AND the trains!

Choosing the right pass is like picking the right outfit for a party. It makes you feel prepared and relaxed.

 

Your Digital Compass

In the old days, travelers had to carry giant paper maps that were hard to fold. Today, you have a digital compass in your pocket. To navigate the Riviera like a pro, you should use a nice public transport app.

1. Google Maps: This is the easiest app for most people. It tells you exactly which bus stop to go to and when the bus will arrive.
2. SNCF Connect: Use this app if you want to buy your train tickets on your phone. You don’t even have to wait in line at the station!
3. Lignes d’Azur App: This is great for checking if there are any delays on the tram lines in Nice.

Having these apps on your phone is like having a local friend who knows all the shortcuts.

 

The “Rules of the Road”

Every country has its own little rules, and France is no different. To make sure your story has a happy ending, keep these tips in mind:

• Validate, Validate, Validate: I cannot say this enough! Always tap your card. If a ticket inspector comes and you have not tapped your card, you might have to pay a fine.
• Say “Bonjour”: When you get on a bus, it is very polite to say “Bonjour” (Good day) to the driver. It is a small thing, but it makes everyone feel happy.
• The “Exit” Rule: In some underground tram stations in Nice, you need to tap your card to leave the station, too. If you are sharing a card, let your friends go through the gate first, then tap the card for yourself last.
• Bikes and Dogs: You can bring a small dog on the bus if it is in a bag. You can bring a bike on the train, but try to avoid the busy times when people are going to work.

 

Dressing for the Journey

As you travel from the beach to the city and then to a fancy mountain village, you want to feel comfortable. A long day of hopping on and off trams and trains requires the right clothes.

At Atelier Plage, we create clothing that fits the lifestyle of the French Riviera. Our Marseille, France Oversized Beach T-Shirt or our soft St Tropez Hoodies are perfect for these trips. They are made from organic cotton, which feels soft and stays fresh even after a long day of exploring.

When you wear a high-quality souvenir, you aren’t just wearing a shirt; you are wearing a memory of that beautiful train ride or that fun tram journey through Nice. You can find our full collection on our website to prepare for your next big adventure.

👉 Explore our French Riviera Souvenir Apparel

 

The End of One Journey, the Beginning of Another

Our transport story is coming to an end. You now know how to avoid the expensive airport tickets. You know how to share “La Carte” with your friends. You know that the top floor of the TER train has the best views of the sea.

The French Riviera is a place to explore slowly. Don’t be afraid to get on a bus to see where it goes. Don’t be afraid to walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town. Public transport is the key that unlocks the whole coast for you.

When you sit on the tram heading back to the airport at the end of your trip, you will look at your La Carte and smile. You didn’t just visit the Riviera; you lived it. You traveled like a local, saved money, and saw things that most tourists miss.

Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your Mediterranean story!