Good morning!
We have been researching how to get from the Nice Airport to the train station where we will be staying. Since we are doing many day trips via train/bus, it seems logical to stay near the station. Open to suggestions if you think we are wrong.
What is the best way to get from the airport to the train station? Obviously taxi, but is there a tram or train that will take you, and if so, where would we get it? Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Austin, TX
42 posts
I just checked the RS guide and it says that the T2 tram goes from both airport terminals to the main station in Nice. It says that if the T2 tram isn't running they have a bus.
From all I've read, the public transportation in and around Nice seems to be very user friendly. I'll be going next week and can give first hand advice after that!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7814 posts
Hi JR,
I didn’t fly into/out of Nice, so I can’t help you with those logistics, but I do have a comment about staying near the train station. I didn’t stay near the train station, but when I was in that neighborhood, I didn’t think it was nearly as nice as being closer to the water. I stayed at the Hôtel Régence on Rue Massena. It was great for me and a nice room. I liked being able to walk around the vibrant area at Place Massena and along the promenade and still slept well. Also, the old town section was handy (I love Italian food). The Massena tram stop from the train station is very convenient. I think it was 5-10 minutes to reach the train station. And I caught the bus over to Villa Rothschild from a stop that wasn’t up at the train station.
Posted by
87 posts
From the airport ( terminals 1 & 2) you can take tram line 2 and get off at the "Jean Médecin" station in Nice Downtown. It is located about 800 meters south of the "Nice Ville" train station.
Line 2 is currently in service.
During the day there are trams approximately every 10 minutes
The journey time to the city center is approximately 30 minutes.
When the tram is stopped, it is replaced by a bus service
Posted by
Washington DC
28100 posts
I was happy with the budget-priced/good-value hotel near the train station in Nice where I stayed, but I admit it wasn't on an especially nice block. I'd say the environment was fairly typical of what you find around a lot of European train stations. Two or three blocks away, things were much nicer. JR, if you have doubts about your location, I recommend using Google's Satellite View and the little yellow man to walk the streets around your hotel.
I walked in all sorts of directions from my hotel and never felt unsafe. The tram runs along Rue Jean Medecins, so you'd probably often be heading in that direction (E).
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
713 posts
The Tram 2 also stops at Grand Arenas (free to that point) where it is also possible to transfer (walk) to a train at the Saint Augustin station. You walk out the terminal and the tram is right there. This is slightly more costly but is an alternative that does not involve in the in-city transfer from Line 2 to Line 1 at Jean Medecin (you can also walk from this stop as a you do have to go to the surface and walk about a block to get to the Line 1 stop). Uber also works in Nice, although sometimes it can be tough to connect with a driver without speaking.
I generally don't recommend staying close to the station (defined as within a few blocks), as the surrounding services (restaurants, grocery, even boulangeries) tend to be of lower quality and the other issues that acraven mentioned (and North of the station is even worse). Just south of the area in the Carre d'Or (below Blvd Victor Hugo) or around Place Massena is still close but has more options.
Just a note -- the bus and tram lines were scrambled quite a bit a few years back, so some older sources (including online) may be outdated.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33852 posts
I agree with Gooster - near the Nice Ville station is convenient to the station but has little else in its favour. Further towards the water or to the southwest of the station is a considerably better neighbourhood.
I've gone through that neighbourhood many times to and from the station but I wouldn't stay there...
I hope you have a pleasant trip
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1191 posts
Thank yo all for the tips. will look for better options.
Posted by
74 posts
As others have said--unless you are specifically looking for budget accommodations and understand what the area around French train stations is like, don't go that route. You shouldn't have any issue getting to the station for day trips--there are plenty of public trams and busses in Nice. You may find that the intercity busses are more convenient for many day trips and those leave closer to the old port and old town.
As far as airport to town, you can use the public tram or bus, depending on your destination and time of day. Just use google maps and choose the "transit" option and you will see what's available. That goes for the rest of your time in Nice as well--their public transportation is well represented on Gmaps.