How to Travel the French Riviera by Train ⋆ Lifeguin

Discover how to get around the French Riviera by train with ease – practical tips

There’s something cinematic about train travel in the French Riviera. The tracks run parallel to the Mediterranean, with waves crashing against the shore just steps from the platform. This isn’t just transportation. When you decide to travel the French Riviera via train, you will get a front-row seat to the glamour and rhythm of the Côte d’Azur. If you want to experience the Riviera without a car, this is the most clever and scenic way to do it. Read on to learn how to buy tickets, where to validate them, and more.

Why Travel the French Riviera by Train

Driving the Riviera sounds romantic, but the reality often means traffic, tight parking, and car rental fees that add up quickly. By contrast, the regional TER trains offer comfort, speed, and affordability. They link the main coastal towns between Cannes and Menton, with regular stops in hotspots like Antibes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Monaco. Every seat faces the sea or the hills.

The Ultimate South of France Itinerary

Where You Can Go By Train on the French Riviera

The primary train route hugs the coast from Marseille to Ventimiglia, just over the Italian border. For most, the stretch between Cannes and Menton offers the best mix of scenery, attractions, and convenience.

Key stops include:

Cannes. Start your day with a stroll on La Croisette. Watch the world parade by from a cafe.
Antibes. Visit the Picasso Museum or shop at the local Provençal market.
Nice. A base for many. Wide beaches, the old town, and vibrant dining.
Villefranche-sur-Mer. A postcard-perfect bay with quieter charm.
Monaco-Monte Carlo. The glitz. The casino. The Formula 1 track.
Menton . Citrus-scented lanes and colorful facades close to Italy.

A Bit of History

Train travel along the French Riviera dates back to the mid-19th century. The railway line between Marseille and Nice opened in 1864, and by the 1880s, it reached Monaco and Menton. This new rail connection transformed the region from a sleepy stretch of coastal villages into a winter playground for European royalty and artists. Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II, and later F. Scott Fitzgerald all arrived by train, drawn to the sea and sun. Even Pablo Picasso rode these rails. The trains didn’t just bring tourism; they also helped shape the Riviera’s identity.

How to Buy Train Tickets

Tickets for TER trains are easy to get. You can buy them:

At the station. Most have ticket machines. Choose English. Select your destination. Pay with the card.
Online. Use the SNCF Connect app or website. Digital tickets work perfectly.
On the app. The SNCF Connect and Trainline apps both sell TER tickets. Save them to your phone.

Prices range from about €3 to €10 depending on the distance. Children, students, and seniors may qualify for discounts. There is no seat reservation on TER trains, which means you can board any scheduled departure for that day.

Important: If you buy a paper ticket at a machine, validate it in the yellow or blue machines before boarding. Digital tickets don’t need validation.

A not-validated ticket can cost you. A typical penalty is up to €50 for a missing compostage stamp. If an inspector checks that you have a ticket but it’s not validated, they will add a processing fee, typically around €20–€35, plus the full ticket fare, depending on the train type and distance. If you board without any ticket at all, fines go higher, usually €50 to €75, plus the cost of your. If you pay later (not on board), SNCF may issue a fine of up to €375 via public treasury. So, ensure that you validate your ticket.

If you’re a foreigner, maybe the controllers will be nice, but let’s not test it.

Also, don’t lose your ticket while you’re on the train. You need it again to scan at the exit gates of many stations. This can create queues, especially during busy hours. Be aware and keep your ticket handy.

How Often Do the Trains Run?

From Cannes to Monaco, TER trains run roughly every 30 minutes during the day. Service starts early, around 5 a.m., and continues until close to midnight. During the high season, expect additional trains. On Sundays and holidays, frequency drops, so check schedules in advance.

Trains run on-time more often than not, but occasional delays do occur. If you plan to connect with a TGV or flight, allow for a buffer time.

Insider Tips for Riding the Train Like a Local

Skip rush hour. Locals commute, too. Trains between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. can be crowded.
Sit on the right (when heading east). That’s your best bet for sea views.
Keep change. Some smaller stations still have old ticket machines that only take coins or chip cards.
Picnic on board. Buy a baguette, some olives, and a bottle of Perrier, and turn your train ride into a Riviera moment.
Mind the strikes. SNCF occasionally goes on strike. Look up “grève SNCF” before your travel day.

What Kind of Train Should You Expect?

The TER trains are simple and functional. No frills. No Wi-Fi. But you get clean seating, large windows, and open cabins. Some trains have upper decks—grab a spot upstairs for better views. Bring your entertainment or use the ride to recharge.

This isn’t high-speed rail. Speeds average 80 to 120 km/h. That’s slow enough to enjoy the sights and fast enough to keep the day moving.

Combining Train Travel with Day Trips

One of the biggest perks of traveling by train here is the ability to base yourself in one town and explore others easily. Stay in Nice and take a day trip to Eze, Cannes, or Menton. Each ride takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Want to hike? Get off at Cap d’Ail and walk the coastal path to Monaco. Craving Italy? Ventimiglia is one stop past Menton and has a sprawling Friday market.

You can also catch buses from many train stations for inland destinations, such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Grasse. Multimodal travel is easy and efficient in this part of France.

Is a Rail Pass Worth It?

For short stays, individual tickets are cheaper and more flexible. However, if you plan multiple daily trips or are traveling with family, consider a regional rail pass, such as the ZOU! Card. It offers up to 50% off on TER trains across the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

You can get ZOU! Cards online or at major stations. Some versions are valid for unlimited travel over a set number of days. Do the math based on your itinerary. We haven’t tried it, as we had a combination of car and train travel, and for us, individual tickets were cheaper.

Accessibility and Safety

French trains generally accommodate mobility needs. Most platforms have ramps or elevators. Train staff can assist with boarding if you notify them in advance. Stations like Nice-Ville and Monaco have better facilities than smaller stops.

Safety on the train is not a concern. Keep your belongings close. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded stations, such as Nice and Cannes. Travel late at night with others, or opt for earlier departures.

Here are some interesting facts about train travel in the French Riviera:

The coastal TER train route from Cannes to Menton takes less than 90 minutes but covers some of the most iconic Riviera towns and landscapes.
Villefranche-sur-Mer’s train station is just steps from the beach. It’s one of the few places in Europe where you can swim minutes after stepping off the train.
The tracks between Nice and Monaco are among the most scenic in France, curving alongside cliffs with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean.
Nice-Ville is the main hub, but smaller stops like Beaulieu-sur-Mer or Cap d’Ail offer direct access to lesser-known beaches and walking trails.
The train allows quick access to cultural events and festivals in Cannes, Monaco, and Nice without the stress of parking or traffic.
You can photograph five different countries from the train window on a clear day: France, Italy, Monaco, Corsica (distant), and sometimes even the Maritime Alps.

Train travel on the French Riviera makes perfect sense. It enhances your experience. You see more. You slow down. You get a better feel for the lifestyle that makes this part of France so iconic. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a few weeks, build your itinerary around the rails. Step off at a town that looks interesting. Stay as long as you like. Get back on and keep going. The train gives you freedom and perspective.

It’s not just a way to get around—it’s the way to travel. Not to mention, it is sustainable.