The railway network that serves the Cote d'Azur functions as both a means of transportation and a way to discover the region's sights. Scenic trains include the Train des Merveilles and the Train des Pignes.
Check schedules and buy tickets on thetrainline.
See a map of the French Riviera railway network.
Other transport on the French Riviera is handled by the SNCF. The SNCF is France's national rail carrier, handling nearly all rail services within France, including the TGV (train a grande vitesse).
Get a great deal on car rentals: lowest rates guaranteed
The French Riviera is well-served by train connections to other major destinations in France, less so to neighbouring countries. More.
TER
This division of SNCF handles regional services and the scenic Train
des Merveilles which links Nice and Tende summer weekends. It's
a lovely journey and a multilingual guide comments on the surroundings.
The main transportation lines you will use to get around the coast include:
Line 3
Les Arcs-Draguignan-Fréjus-St-Raphael-Cannes-Nice
Line 4
Mandelieu-Grasse-Cannes-Nice-Ventimiglia
Line 5A
Nice-Breil-sur-Roya-Tende-Cuneo
Line 6
Marseilles-Toulon-Nice-Ventimiglia
Trains along the coast are frequent and relatively reliable. Trains are clean and comfortable with heat in the winter and AC in the summer. The carriages can be standing room only at the height of the summer season and during rush hours.
When are rush hours for Riviera trains? Many people from Nice and the surroundings work in Monaco. Try to avoid eastbound trains from 7 to 9am Monday to Friday and westbound trains from 4 to 7pm.
The easiest and most efficient way to check schedules and buy tickets is to buy tickets online or through an app. Lines at the train station ticket machines can be long and the process can be time-consuming if you're not used to it. Buy your tickets now on thetrainline or download their app (Android or iPhone). The SNCF website also handles online ticketing but the app (Android or iPhone) is faster and more user-friendly.
Once your ticket is on your phone with a QR code you're good to go. The tickets no longer need to be validated in a machine before boarding the train. A controller may ask to see it when you're onboard and scan the QR code.
The Chemin de Fer de Provence handles the popular and scenic Nice to Digne train, the Train des Pignes, that links the coast and the mountains. In the summer, this company runs the famous steam engine that makes a circuit from Puget-Theniers to Annot or Entrevaux on summer weekends. Find out more about the Train des Pignes.
Last updated June 18, 2024
Hi! I'm Jeanne and I've been living on the Riviera for years. With my local insights your trip will be easy and fun. And, do check out my book Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City. More about me here.
