Another question for the experts! Two of us want to travel from Aix en Provence to Nice on a Friday in July. I've read in Rick Steve's book that a bus can actually be faster and more economical. I found this site, but could use some assistance: http://www.info-ler.fr/doc/ficheshoraires/20132014/bat2014/fh20.pdf. Can anyone identify for me what is the best mid-day bus to take from Aix to Nice and also which bus stop is recommended for Nice (or the closest to Rue d'Angleterre)? Do we need to book in advance or is walk up okay? As always, I appreciate your wonderful knowledge!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
The timetable is in 24 hour time. In the headings for each journey, "tous les jours" means "every day", and "sauf dim et feries" means "not Sunday or public holidays". So all of them will run on a Friday. You have the choice of the 1320 (1:20 pm) which travels via smaller towns (don't know if it'll pass through the scenic bits of the towns or just the outskirts, but the scenery might be attractive), or the 1430 (2:30 pm) which runs via the freeway and gets to Nice faster. Unfortunately neither of the two stops in Nice is very close to rue d'Angleterre, which is near the railway station. You'd need to walk or get a city bus/tram from Albert Ier, which is on the sea front. Another possibility might be to get off at the airport and then take the express city bus 99 to the station.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
It's not necessary to book in advance for regional buses, but try to get there at least ten minutes in advance if you want to get a decent seat.
Posted by
OP
North Dakota
8 posts
Thank you, Philip. Your responses are very helpful!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
In comparison, most trains from Aix-en-Provence's central station to Nice Ville Station take 3.5 - 4 hours with one connection. Some are regional trains with no need to reserve. TGV departures cost about 40 euros per person in 2nd class if not reserved ahead with an advance discount.