Transportation in French Riviera

Many towns are served by trains

Stayed in Antibes and Nice in April 2024. Used trains, Uber, and lots of walking to get everywhere. Uber app worked very well. Would not recommend renting a car.

Uber and Taxis are available throughout, but it may be better simply to take the train. It may also depend on your location in Antibes., note where the train station is in Antibes (and Juan les Pins), and if it is walkable for you (there is also a bus). Note, no Uber pickup in Monaco and taxis price accordingly. If you want to go to the backcountry, those options begin to diminish.

We used buses except to go to Antibes where we took a taxi. Buses had excellent schedules and were a very good option.

The answer to this question depends on when you are traveling. If you plan to visit the French Riviera in July and August, expect huge crowds and packed trains. The trains are so packed you won’t be able to get on, and a train pass will be a waste of money. Any other time of year, the trains are the best form of transportation because car travel is slow.

You will love Antibes. It is a charming town that is lively but not as crowded as Nice and the other coastal towns. Assuming you won’t be traveling in July/August, go to the train station ticket office and buy a train pass that includes bus service. The train to Nice is not scenic, but it’s gorgeous beyond that. You can take the train to Nice, Villefranche, Monaco, Menton. Another easy trip is to St Paul de Vence. Take the train to Cagnes Sur Mer then the 665 bus from the train station, to St Paul de Vence village. It’s really easy and the scenery is pretty. The bus is also handy if you want to stroll along the coastal trail at the Cap d’ Antibes and Billionaires Bay. We were really thankful we had the pass because we had a few hiccups and were able yo flexible with our plans.

If you do rent a car, you can visit the prettiest hill towns and villages in southern France. Some are within 30 min drive of Antibes and Cannes. Il liked Mougins a lot. In July, you can visit the iconic lavender fields and villages in the Plateau de Valensole, about a two hour drive from Antibes. The hill towns in Italy, such as Dolceacqua are also accessible by car.

I hope this helps,

Thank you!