Getting around Nice couldn’t be easier! This compact French city is very walkable and easily accessible by public transport, with plenty of eco-friendly ways to get around. Inexpensive fares and short travel times only add to the experience.
Even Nice’s airport – one of France’s biggest hubs, serving hundreds of national and international destinations daily – is located a mere 20 minutes from the city center by tram. So get ready to explore one of France’s most stunning seaside locations with our guide to transport in Nice.
Central Nice is best explored on foot
Nice is a great place to explore on foot. Nowhere is too far away, the weather is usually on your side (it’s more often sunny than not) and some areas – like the atmospheric old town – are fully pedestrianized. There’s also plenty to look at, from stunning architectural gems and colorful facades to cute cafés and quirky boutiques. The best way to find your favorite spots to eat and shop is on foot.
The best walk starts on the Promenade des Anglais
Start with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, one of the most famous stretches of seafront in France, lined with iconic beaches, swaying palm trees, and notable landmarks. Next, climb the steps leading up to the Colline du Château for magnificent views, before making your way back down to the old town just below. Lose yourself in Vieux Nice’s narrow, winding streets and alleyways, which are packed with shops, restaurants, palaces, and baroque churches that are all well worth a visit.
From there, it’s a short walk to the picturesque Place Masséna and the city center, where you can hit the stores along Avenue Jean-Médécin, take a break in Promenade du Paillon’s gorgeously landscaped park, or delve into modern and contemporary art at the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC).
The tram is fast, cheap, and sustainable
After walking, the tram is Nice’s next best mode of transport. Just hop on a tram from anywhere in central Nice for easy and quick access to top sights, including the Avenue Jean-Médécin, Place Masséna, Vieux Nice (Opéra Vieille Ville), and the Libération market.
Run by Lignes d’Azur – the company that runs the city’s bus network – these electric trams are environmentally friendly, fast, and cheap. You’ll pay €1.50 a ride, €10 for 10 journeys, €5 for a 24-hour pass, or €15 for a 7-day pass.
Tram line 2 is the easiest way to reach the city from the airport
The first thing to do when you arrive in Nice is hop onto the city’s sleek tram line 2, which will whisk you to the city center in about 20 minutes. The tram operates three lines connecting the airport, the port, the train station, and the city center. Carriages are modern, air-conditioned, and wheelchair-accessible, with regular services running daily from 4 am till after midnight.
Explore the outskirts of Nice by bus
Also run by Lignes d’Azur, Nice’s extensive bus network is the best way to access and get around outlying neighborhoods such as the leafy Cimiez district, renowned for its art museums, elegant villas, Roman ruins, and famous monastery, or the hiking trails and sweeping vistas of the Parc du Mont Boron.
Buses on most routes run every 10 to 15 minutes from 6 am to 10 pm, with some night services available between 10 pm and 1 am. The same ticket types and fares apply as for trams, allowing you to combine tram and bus journeys when traveling on the Lignes d’Azur network.
Nice is becoming bike and scooter friendly
With the introduction of dedicated cycling lanes, including those along the seafront, Nice has become increasingly welcoming to cyclists and scooter enthusiasts.
Nice’s bikeshare system, Vélo Bleu, is a practical, affordable, and scenic way to see the sights. The city has a fleet of 1300 bikes spread across 161 docking stations in Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and Saint-Laurent du Var. There’s a €1.50 subscription fee, the first 30 minutes are free, and thereafter, rides cost €2 per hour. You can also rent bikes and scooters, including electric models, from Roller Station on the seafront.
Unless you’re cycling along the dedicated lanes, remember to ride carefully alongside Nice’s traffic. Follow the same rules that apply to cars: stop at stop signs, use hand signals, and ride with the traffic flow.
Rideshares are a cost-effective alternative to taxis
Getting around Nice is convenient with rideshare services such as Uber. This compact French city is very walkable and easily accessible by public transport, with the added benefit of inexpensive fares and short travel times enhancing the experience.
Traveling to Nice by car is best avoided
Driving in Nice can be challenging. Car parks are sparse, street-parking spaces are hard to find (double-parked cars are commonplace), and there are many one-way streets that can be quite confusing for first-time visitors. However, if you’re familiar with the area or plan to explore further along the Côte d’Azur, car rental is available at the airport or at the main train station, where all the major rental brands operate, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
Accessible transport in Nice
Nice’s tram and bus network is the most accessible way to get around. All trams and most buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps and have dedicated space for mobility devices. Tactile guidance systems at bus and tram stops help visually impaired passengers board safely.
The city’s Mobil’Azur service provides specially-equipped buses for those with disabilities upon request, and fares are the same as regular buses (€1.50 a ride, or €10 for 10 journeys). For additional information on accessible travel, consider checking accessible travel resources.
Why walking around Nice is a joy
Exploring Nice on foot allows you to spot delightful details – the charming storefronts and colorful shutters of the old town, the enthusiastic local market traders selling their goods on the Cours Saleya, and the children (and adults) enjoying the water fountains on the Promenade du Paillon.
It’s also excellent exercise, as you can never tire of walking along the paved Promenade des Anglais. This is my favorite walk in Nice for its sunshine, sea breeze, ever-changing hues of blue and turquoise, and the people jogging, strolling, or cycling by. Take a seat on one of Nice’s iconic blue beach chairs lining the seafront and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere!
