🚆 Train vs car on the French Riviera

The train is often the best option

For Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Menton, use the TER train whenever possible.

When to use the train instead of a car

• The TER train is often the easiest way to travel between Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Monaco and Menton.

• Nice → Monaco: about 20 minutes by train.

• Nice → Villefranche-sur-Mer: about 7 minutes by train.

• Nice → Menton: about 35–40 minutes by train.

• Use the train for: Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton and beach towns during summer.

• Use the car for: Èze Village, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, La Turbie and scenic coastal drives.

• Buy tickets in advance via the SNCF Connect app, especially in July and August.

• Bus tip: the regional buses are cheap, but trains are usually faster and more reliable for visitors.

During July and August, the train is usually faster than driving between Nice and Monaco.