In early November, we (4 adults and our luggage) will be traveling from Arles to Nice. (One way) We are looking for tips regarding our best options for transportation; train, rental car, or rideshare. We plan to use Public transportation while in Nice, so would likely only have the rental car for one day's travel. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1090 posts
I have never heard of a ride share option for the distance between Arles and Nice. You MAY have a drop-off fee for a one way car rental, maybe not. If it was me, I would opt for the train...maybe slower than driving, but a sit back and relax day. Others will know if the train route is a pain or not (e.g. transfers). What did you mean about ride share? Not Uber? It is anout 250 km from Arles to Nice.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1090 posts
Check the SNCF website for train options between the two cities.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks,
Just wondering about the options available from those who may have made that trip. Thanks for the train link.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10486 posts
A ride share won’t take four people and luggage.
The drive is inland with no sea view, while the train goes via the coast with pretty scenery. You’ll need to change trains somewhere. You have a couple of train options : two local trains with no reserved seats, changing in Marseille. Or, one local train with no reserved seat , changing to a TGV with a reserved seat. I always prefer the trains with reserved seats.
You need to check the price of a one-day rental, and factor in the pick-up drop off hassle and getting to and from your lodging. You’d need to know the local transportation options or call a taxi.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you for your helpful reply. When I look at the train schedule,
https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/shop/results/outward
It looks like there's only one option on Sunday, Nov. 10th. Is that because it's off season, or because it is a long way out and more trains will be added to the schedule later?. I see that there are 10 trains scheduled for Sundays in July.
Thank you again
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33392 posts
I think you are looking far too far out. Locals decide on trains just a couple of weeks out, not 5 months out. A local will need a train at whatever time they want to go, they wouldn't put up with a choice of one.
Give it some more time and have another look. The trains won't be much different to those scheduled in summer.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks for the info. I'm grateful for this community.
Does anyone have tour guides that they recommend for Cote d'Azur, Nice, Monaco?
Posted by
Paris
7216 posts
If you have a car in Arles already, I would keep it and return it in Nice. The drive is quite a bit faster than the train, and you can detour via the St Raphael - Mandelieu coast road if you want.
If you do not have a car, take the train. No need to deal with the hassle of a one-day rental.