Public transport in Nice is modern, efficient and relatively inexpensive. The network is operated by Lignes d’Azur, which runs trams and buses across Nice and many towns in the surrounding metropolitan area.

For most visitors, public transport is the easiest way to move around the city and reach places like the port, the Old Town, the Promenade des Anglais or the train stations.

Trams in Nice

Nice currently has several tram lines connecting the main parts of the city.

The tram network is the fastest way to move around Nice, especially between the airport, the city center and the eastern districts.

The most important lines for visitors are:

Line 1 – connects the northern districts with the city center, Jean Médecin and the Old Town area.

Line 2 – connects Nice Côte d’Azur Airport with the city center and the port (Port Lympia). This is the most useful line for tourists arriving by plane.

Line 3 – connects the airport area with Saint-Isidore and the Allianz Riviera stadium.

Trams run frequently, usually every 5–8 minutes during the day.

Buses in Nice

In addition to the tram network, Nice has an extensive bus system covering the entire metropolitan area. More than 140 bus routes operate across the Nice Côte d’Azur area, connecting districts of the city as well as nearby towns. Buses are particularly useful if you are staying outside the city center or want to reach places not served by the tram network. However, in central Nice most visitors will find that the tram is faster and easier to use.

Ticket prices

Public transport in Nice is relatively affordable compared with many other European cities. A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid on both trams and buses. It allows transfers within the network for up to 74 minutes in the same direction.  Instead of paper tickets, Nice uses a reusable plastic transport card called “La Carte”. The card costs €2 and can be purchased at ticket machines located at tram stops or at official sales points. You can load multiple tickets onto the same card, which makes it convenient for longer stays or for people traveling together. Because the card is anonymous, it can also be used by several passengers. Tickets must always be validated when boarding the tram or bus.

Buying tickets on your phone

Tickets can also be purchased using the official Lignes d’Azur mobile applications, available for Android and iOS.

With the mobile apps you can:

  • buy tickets

  • store them on your phone

  • validate them directly in the app

  • reload a physical transport card

This allows travelers to use public transport without visiting a ticket machine. 

Day passes

If you plan to use public transport several times in one day, a pass may be more convenient.

Typical options include:

1-day pass – €7

2-day pass – €13

7-day pass – €20

These passes allow unlimited travel on trams and buses within Nice during the validity period. 

Public transport to the airport

Nice Airport is directly connected to the city by Tram Line 2, which runs between Port Lympia and the airport terminals. Travel time from the airport to the city center is about 25–30 minutes. A special airport round-trip ticket costs €10, although standard public transport tickets can also be used depending on where they are purchased.

Because of the direct tram connection, reaching the airport by public transport is now much easier than in the past.

Using public transport in Nice

Using the system is simple:

Buy a ticket or load it onto your transport card.

Validate the ticket when entering the tram or bus.

Keep the card with you during the journey, as ticket inspections are common.

With frequent services, a modern tram network and affordable fares, public transport is one of the easiest ways to explore Nice and the surrounding Riviera.

Public transport from Nice to Monaco

Monaco is one of the most popular day trips from Nice and can easily be reached by public transport. The fastest option is the regional TER (Zou!) train, which departs from Nice-Ville station and takes about 20–25 minutes to reach Monaco. Trains run frequently throughout the day and tickets usually cost around €4–6 one way.

Another option is the bus line 600, which runs along the scenic coastal road. The journey takes longer (about 45–50 minutes) but offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean.

Public transport from Nice to Cannes

Cannes is located about 30 km west of Nice and is easy to reach by train. The TER train from Nice-Ville to Cannes takes about 30–40 minutes and usually costs around €7–10. Trains run very frequently, often every 20–30 minutes, making it the most convenient way to travel between the two cities.

Visiting medieval villages by bus

Several beautiful medieval villages in the hills above Nice can be reached by bus. One of the most popular destinations is Èze Village, famous for its panoramic views over the French Riviera. Bus line 82 or 602 connects Nice with Èze Village and the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Another famous village is Saint-Paul-de-Vence, known for its art galleries and historic streets. Bus line 655 connects Nice with Saint-Paul-de-Vence via Cagnes-sur-Mer.

These buses allow visitors to explore some of the most picturesque villages of the French Riviera without needing a car.

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