Must know before visiting Nice France | Updated public transportation 2024

Don't spend more money than you need to on public transportation in Nice France! There were changes recently made to public transportation in 2023 that make it more expensive and confusing. In this video I'll share must know information before visiting like how to save money, avoid the airport tourist tax, and take advantage of discounts on public transportation in Nice France in 2023. The French Riviera and the south of France are one of the easiest destinations to get around on public transportation, but make sure to these tips to make sure you are saving money.
Google sheet cost calculator: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1o9JfceDh83hLeMdFDHG_eWr7sO6FjktdRF0AD2392Gk/edit?usp=sharing
Video Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:45 Rechargable La Carte Card
00:01:30 Airport Tourist Tax
00:05:37 Discount Tickets
00:06:46 Free Cost Calculator
00:08: 30 Planning Your Trip
00:09:51 Lignes d'Azur App
#nicefrance #frenchriviera #travel

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

I’ve upgraded the calculator from a google sheet to a website! Check out the new and improved calculator and the perfect two day Nice itinerary: www.intransitguide.com/france/nice

[@lindadorman2869]

Thanks for the information - it is much appreciated. How sad that a popular tourist destination such as Nice chose to implement such a complicated transit pass system. Let us hope they will simplify the process in the future.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You’re welcome! I hope so! I’m sure plenty of tourists will just pay the increased airport amount, but we can hope they’ll take the extra to improve public transportation in Nice.

[@nefipalma4058]

That was so helpful!. Thank you for putting all the info together in 1 video.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You’re welcome!

[@w15h0na5tar]

That Google sheets is awesome! What a great resource!

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Thank you! It was fun to figure out how to make it and I was so excited to share it with everyone 😊

[@tonybott9147]

Great information ☆ . Listen and learn . Was in Nice last week and this info is vital .

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Thank you! I hope you enjoyed your trip. October is our favorite time to visit. 😊

[@bettinalee139]

Super clear and useful information. Thank you!

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Thank you! You’re welcome 😊

[@karenward6484]

Thank you! Very helpful - I’m sure the old system was much easier - but thank you anyway - great info!

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You’re welcome! I hope you have a fun trip ❤️

[@janiebratt8826]

Wow!.. It sounds like a genius came up with this system which leaves the rest of us confused. Last time in Nice we were asked by the "locals" how to use the **&* machines and now it sounds even more complicated. We are returning in September, so we will use your info. Thanks!

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

I’m glad it was helpful! I hope you have a great trip in September.

[@emilypotter1391]

Very informative video! Thank you! 🫶🏼

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You’re welcome! I hope you have a wonderful trip 😊

[@Facelessdigitalmarket]

This is very useful as we will fly to nice tomorrow ❤ thank you 🙏

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You’re welcome! Enjoy your trip 😊

[@gaetanlarose2671]

Excellent you are awesome thank you

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful. I hope you have a great trip.

[@amnak.alsh.1239]

Thank u so much

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You’re welcome!

[@SusanNafash]

Great info! What are your thoughts about the Sud A'zur pass for 3/5/7 days. I'll be based in Nice & plan to take day trips every day. Is this a better option then purchasing single tickets? Thanks!

[@rogerroger5255]

Just been to Nice. I bought solo travel "ticket" using the app before I left the UK - 1.70 Euro - validate by passing the back of your phone over the validator on board. Really convenient - no issues at all.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

That’s great to hear! Thank you for sharing! Do you mind sharing what kind of phone you have?

[@rogerroger5255]

@@AnyoneCanTravel Android. I traveled from the airport to Port Lympia. The app shows your ticket , at what time you validated it and how many minutes you have left if you wish to transfer to another line.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

@rogerroger5255 that’s awesome! I wonder if it work on iPhone. I guess i need to go back and try it out myself 😉

[@malo66]

We spent two weeks in Nice and walked everywhere, so we didn't even need to spend anything except to get to/from airport.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Most of Nice is very walkable so that definitely helps save some money if you’re on a tight budget!

[@vitorbarradas7430]

Is safe Nice or like marseille

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Nice is safe. I’ve never been to Marseille so I can’t say comparatively but Nice is smaller and I think draws more international tourism so it’s very safe. Of course be smart with your belongings and self though as always 😊

[@FirstLadyGaming]

I’m going this Friday and would like to know what is the best transportation?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

The video should answer your questions but I’m happy to answer any questions I would just need more information. Where are you arriving too and where are you trying to go?

[@danbudiman]

Thank you for the video and the explanation. My family and I (4 people) will be coming to Nice in Jan'24 for 6 nights, and will do like you said. So we will be arriving from Lisbon (that means landing in T2), then take the free tram to Grand Arenas, buy 1 La Carte, fill with whatever number of trips we think we'd need and continue with whatever public transport that goes to our hotel near Modern/Contemporary Museum. Everytime we get to the bus/train/tram, we need to validate the La Carte 4x, then if we transfer to another within 74 minutes, we only need to validate 1x. Did I get this correctly? Thanks

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Yes! That is correct. I would maybe double check when you get on again if you transfer the only scanning once since I personally haven’t used the new La Carte system, but that is what I’ve read.

[@peaceforchildren4303]

thanks for video.! really informative! yeah it sounds very complex. ive not been to france before, so im not sure what to buy. I'll be in Nice for 4 full days. I do plan on using tram or bus a lot each day, as I have mobility issues. I hope to travel in and out of old and new town and see other small towns on riverie. If I buy the card and then buy bulk journeys.... ie maybe 51 journeys. Are these journeys for city centre tram only....? or do they include trains to surrounding towns like Antibes?/.... and are these journeys for bus or train or tram? Thanks a million. I did watch your vid in full,,, but the changes have really complicated things

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

It can be complex for sure. Thankfully actually using the tram/bus is easy it’s just figuring out the cheapest option that can be hard. If you think you’re going to use the bus/tram multiple times a day I would just get a week pass. The bus can get you to other towns like Eze and Villefranche-Sur-Mer. The most popular way to get to Antibes is by train though and the train is not included since that is a different company. Someone also mentioned a pass called the Sud Azur Pass. I think they stopped selling it in November but you can always keep an eye out for it if it’s still available since that would include train travel.

[@peaceforchildren4303]

fantastic! Thanks a million for taking the time out to help me with all the info... I appreciate it!@@AnyoneCanTravel

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

No problem! Happy to answer any additional questions you have 😊

[@AbbyHewitt-bt7zt]

Hi! Thanks for all the info... Just to clarify, we won't get stopped or fined for jumping on the tram with no ticket when traveling to that first stop of Grand Arenas, correct? Also, the card we get at the Grand Arenas stop is this the card you can reload with more funds for the bus and tram?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Nope you won’t be stopped. It is part of the “free zone”. Yes, you can buy the La Carte card that can be reloaded for more tram and bus rides at the Grand Arenas stop

[@Racheengel80]

Thanks for the video, very helpful! Do I still need to purchase La Carte if I downloaded the android app?

[@mikeos1]

yes

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

The nice airport website makes it sound like you don’t need it since you can buy or top up on android and only top up on iPhone. I don’t have an android though so I’m not 100% sure. The app download page also makes it sound like you don’t need to buy a card with Android: “buy tickets and subscriptions wherever you want, whenever you want. Load them onto a Lignes d’Azur card or onto your phone”. In Paris Android users can use their phone as the card but IPhone users can’t so I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s similar in Nice. Let me know how it works for you though!

[@davidmoreno4638]

​@@AnyoneCanTravel I just got back from Nice and I watched this video before I went. It was very useful to me. Thank you. Regarding the question in this specific comment, I have to say that I went by train from Nice airport to Nice-Ville and asked at the Agence de Mobilité ZOU. They told me that the app sometimes gives problems and that it is better to buy the card (2€) and that it can be recharged at the same agency or at the tram stations (1,70€ per ticket). I hope someone finds useful this information updated to April 2024.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Thank you for sharing. Since I have an iPhone I just know it doesn’t really work but good to know it’s not much better for Android either.

[@malgorzatakubicka330]

Great and helpful. I would like to ask about Tickets Azur (2,50EUR) necesary if you are going for example to Monaco or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. I have read that it can be bought from the driver or at any tram stop ticket machine. Do I need another card for Tickets Azur or they can be added to La Carte with Solo Tickets (1,7 EUR). Can multiple people use the same card like in case of Solo tickets?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Hi! Thank you 😊 I personally haven’t used the Ticket Azur, but it sounds like you do not need the La Carte card. We have always just taken the train. You can buy from a driver or a machine on the way to Monaco and it’s recommended to buy from a machine on the way out so you can board quickly and get a seat on the right for the best view during the ride. On the way back you can only purchase from the driver. I hope this helps!

[@malgorzatakubicka330]

@@AnyoneCanTravel Great thanks 🙂

[@amycox7491]

Do the ticket vending machines require a 4 -digit pin number for your credit card? Can you use the tap feature on the credit card?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Very good specific question. We haven’t been asked for a 4 digit pin when using our credit card. I think there is tap to pay on the machine (not on the tram or bus) but that isn’t something I’ve paid attention to in the past so I can’t say for sure. Sorry! Maybe someone else can chime in who remembers.

[@xerezxerez6260]

can I buy ticket in advance for when I go back to the airport after 5 days? also what time is the earliest I can catch the tram from the city center since I need to be in the airport at 8 for an 11 am flight?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

A general tram ticket will get you back to the airport which you can buy from any ticket machine. The tram starts very early. The first blue line tram leaves from Port Lympia at 4:45 am. You can use google maps to easily see the schedule as well.

[@elizabethfreeman1323]

Does the la carte card get you to Eze or Menton for a day trip?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Hi! Definitely to Eze but Menton is probably best to just take the train. The line 100 supposedly goes all the way to Menton but may be kind of slow.

[@elizabethfreeman1323]

Also, does the like 2 day pass take you by bus to Eze and Menton or just to get around the city?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Hi! Definitely to Eze but Menton is probably best to just take the train. The line 100 supposedly goes all the way to Menton but may be kind of slow.

[@bettinalee139]

So, do I understand correctly that the day passes are just for buses and trams? If I take the train to Menton, do I use the La Carte card? Or do I buy a ticket from the station?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

@bettinalee139 Yes, the day pass from Lignes d’Azur would just cover the bus and tram since the train is run by SNCF. You would buy a separate ticket for the train. You could try the Pass SUD Azur but I’m not sure if it’s still available. It said it was a trial until November and I haven’t been able to find more information. That pass would include the train plus the buses and trams

[@nehax5]

Hello! Thank you for all the information. Do the buses and the trams not have NFC, can u not use my phone to tap and pay? Will I have to buy the reloadable card for €2?

[@nehax5]

also can I buy the €1.70 ticket at Terminal 1 and go into the city centre?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You can not tap with your credit card or Apple Pay for example but you may be able to buy a ticket on the app on your phone depending on the phone you have. Someone was able to do that using an android. Otherwise you need the €2 La Carte card and to load tickets on it. The only ticket sold at either airport terminal is the €10 airport ticket so you cannot buy a ticket for €1.70 at the airport.

[@nehax5]

@@AnyoneCanTravel thanks for your reply! So I can walk to Grand Arenas from Terminal 1 and buy the €1.70 ticket from the machine and travel into the city centre? Is that something I can do?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

@NehaSK0905PH94 you can take the tram to Grand Arenas for free and then buy your ticket for €1.70. You don’t need to walk.

[@nehax5]

@@AnyoneCanTravel perfect, thanks for the information! :)

[@jaxfl8945]

So i am going to Nice in Oct for 5 days. I would like to see 5 villages close to Nice. So do i buy a la carte 2 euro and 12 tickets including getting back to airport?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

I think it depends where you are staying. If you’ll want to take the tram or bus to the train station then that sounds like a good amount. Since you’re buying 12 or under you could just buy as you need since buying 12 at once doesn’t get you a discount.

[@chrisspinazzola2651]

I feel like for all the efforts towards frugality u could have just gone to nice in September when the season is over and the weather is better, maybe next time.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

The public transportation costs the same in June or September 😅 the time we went in October was actually my favorite though so going in September is a great recommendation to save money! We wanted to see the lavender in Provence and that has a relatively small window unfortunately.

[@mikeos1]

Just what I'm doing, going on October 1st. Hope the weather is still warm.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

The weather was perfect when we went in October! You’ll have a great time.

[@mikeos1]

Pefect, thanks.@@AnyoneCanTravel

[@MarianDouglasUngaro]

How would I travel from Nice to La Vallée de l’Ubaye (Barcelonnette), up in les Alpes de Haute Provence? Grazie! Thank you!

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Hi! This video is about local transportation in Nice. I’m not sure how exactly to get where you want to go but I’d recommend using google maps. It looks like the fastest route you need to go to Marseille and then take a train to Gap and then another bus or you can take two buses from Nice. I found that all on google maps though and have not done this myself before.

[@markjamison9765]

the worst thing i found ,was coming off the flight and there are only 2 ticket machines at Nice airport , 3 port lympia trams had passed before we got to the machine, next time ill go to the first stop , good tip ,hope the ticket inspector doesnt see this

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

That’s a good point! The lines do get pretty long at the airport. Glad this can help in the future though. 😊

[@mikeos1]

It's perfectly legal. It's free to get to the Grand Arenas stop. Buy your ticketa there and then board the next tram

[@Grotto666]

@@mikeos1 do you pay regular tram price if you get the tram from there? At the airport tram machine the cheapest option is 10 euro to city centre which is a two way ticket that can be used within 12 months from what I understood. Regular tram price is 1,70 euro I believe. This seems like some trap for tourists.

[@mikeos1]

@@Grotto666It IS a tourist trap. Never buy a tram ticket at the airport. Instead, take a free tram to the first stop, Grande Arenas and use the machine there. This is quite legal. Have look at Tripadiser forum where a very helpful local named Rivierabear has masses of good information like this.

[@kristeltjeeee]

Can I go to Eze, Monaco and Menton with the Lignes d'azur 7 days card? Or is it only for transport in Nice? What is the option when I want to go from the airport tot Nice Centre and to the other cities (Eze, Monaco, Menton and maybe Cannes)?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Hi! You can take the bus to and from Eze and getting farther than that is possible but it is easier by train. Also even if you took the bus I don’t believe you would be able to return with the pass since you aren’t in Nice anymore. You can buy the 10€ airport ticket to get to the Nice Center or take the tram for free to Gran Arenas and then get off and purchase your ticket or pass to save money. From there take the tram to the city center. You can take the bus to Eze and the train to Monaco, Menton, and Cannes.

[@kristeltjeeee]

@@AnyoneCanTravel Thank you, then I forget the card for the trips to Eze etc and take the bus or train!

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

@kristeltjeeee Don’t take the train for Eze or you’ll be at the bottom of the hill by the beach and not the town. Use your card and take the bus to Eze, but yes for Monaco, Menton, and Cannes take the train 😊

[@kristeltjeeee]

@@AnyoneCanTravel Thank you very much!!

[@HelenGill2222]

This sounds confusing. How does it go if you just head to the airport to do a one way trip? In Lyon you just used a debit card on the buses.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

If you took the train in or some other method and are heading from Nice city center to the airport it’s just €1.70 or one ticket. From the airport to Nice city center it’s 10€ and unfortunately they don’t sell one way so even if you don’t return to the airport you still have to pay the €10 euros unless you get your tickets at the first stop outside the airport or you take the train. If you don’t mind just paying the 10€ it’s pretty straightforward but if you’re trying to save some money it does get more confusing.

[@HelenGill2222]

Oh, okay, thanks for replying. So it is just a normal ticket for me to go back. Good :).

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Definitely a lot simpler if you take the train in instead of flying into the airport. You will still need the 2€ La carte though which is unfortunate if you’re not planning on using the tram or buses at all. If you’re not I would maybe recommend the train instead.

[@cedriclloyd5571]

I'm arriving by train, but will leave flying out of the airport. Is it still 10euro to take the tram to the airport?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Nope! You can buy a normal ticket from any of the tram stops to get to the airport so you’re all set 😊

[@jodiehebert8285]

Why do you need so many tickets? Didn’t you say La Carte covers multiple trips?

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

Hi! The La Carte card is just the card you add tickets to. Unless you add tickets it doesn’t actually get you anywhere. It replaced single use paper tickets. Does that answer your question?

[@walideg5304]

Be careful the trio between Grand Arenas and Terminal 1 is not free.

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

The Nice airport website says it is: Free connection Terminal 2 Terminal 1 Grand Arénas (Nice Saint-Augustin Airport SNCF station). www.nice.aeroport.fr/en/directions/public-transport Did someone say something to you when you were on the tram?

[@wernerstrohlein1697]

Too fast!! Only o.k. for native speakers 😢

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

I’m sorry! Thank you for your feedback. I will add subtitles if that helps. Are there any questions I can help with?

[@SkinnyPe]

if im understanding this right, if you want 10 trips your paying a 1€ something if you want 20 trips your paying a 1€ something ... my point is, you talking about 1€ or 2€ ... is it really worth the conversation? ... in la, your paying $50 for pretty much everything

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

I think where it’s important is to see if it’s cheaper to buy a week pass or buy single tickets. The discount used to be much better but now I guess you take what you get. The metro in LA is $1.75 so actually pretty similar to Nice, but that’s where the similarities end 😂

[@chrisspinazzola2651]

Or u could stay in LA and buy from French based designers while looking like a try hard and letting everyone know u can’t make it in the greatest city in California…SF

[@simoszka]

Or just buy the 7 day pass and the whole shitshow will cost you 22

[@AnyoneCanTravel]

You could just do that haha. Some people will want to see if it’s cheaper to just do single passes but to each their own. The airport wouldn’t be covered with the 7 day pass though since you can’t buy the 7 day pass at the airport.

[@malo66]

Keep your bad language