How to Get from Nice to Marseille?

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Getting to Marseilles from Nice can be done via multiple travel options. From high-speed TGV trains and cost-effective bus journeys to scenic driving routes, each travel mode offers a different appeal.

So, if you’re on a budget, then taking the bus or a ride-sharing service is your best bet, while the TGV INOUI train offers classic amenities and stunning speed. 

For more flexibility and stoppages along the way at your own pace, you can choose a car rental service if you can stretch your wallet a bit more. Whether you take the train, bus, or car, it’ll take around 2-3 hours to cover the average distance of 124 miles between Nice and Marseilles.

Read on to find out more!

Key Takeaways
➜ Travelers can choose from various transportation modes, including bus, train, ride-share, and solo road trips.
➜ Bus is the quickest and cheapest option, as FlixBus covers the 99 miles (160 km) distance between Nice and Marseilles within 2 hours and 10 minutes.

4 Best Ways to Get from Nice to Marseille

Due to their proximity, Nice and Marseille are easily accessible and provide visitors with a memorable journey through stunning scenery.

“Nice is a city in France that is situated on the southeastern coast of France and is also the second largest city on the Mediterranean Sea.”

Source: Wikipedia

Now, there are five ways you can travel from Marseille to Nice. They are as follows:

Transports	Est. Travel Duration	Best For
Train	~2.5-3 hours	Speed, convenience, and scenic route
Bus	~2-3.5 hours (depends)	Budget-friendly travel
Car Rental	~2.5-3 hours (depends)	Flexibility and scenic route
Ride-share	~2.5-3 hours (depends)	Budget-friendly and scenic route

This table summarizes the key points for each transportation option, helping you to compare and decide based on your needs. So, choose your preferred mode of transport, but before that, let’s get to know a bit more:

The High-Speed Train Ride from Nice to Marseille

Taking the train from Nice to Marseille is often the preferred choice for travelers seeking comfort and efficiency. Trains in France are known for their punctuality and the scenic views they offer along the way.

“The high-speed TGV INOUI train travels from Nice Ville station to Marseille St-Charles at speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph), covering the 99 miles (160 km) distance in around 2.5 hours.”

Now, let’s see the frequency, timetable, and other essential information about the train ride from Nice to Marseilles. 

• Frequency – up to 16 TGV trains per day, approximately every 30-90 minutes apart
• Average time – 2 hrs 38 min
• Shortest time – 2 hrs 23min
• First departure hour – 5:25 AM (subject to change)
• Last departure hour – 7:25 PM (subject to change)
• Operators – TGV (INOUI/OUIGO), TER, Intercités, Autocar, Regional Express 
• Low-cost option – TGV OUIGO 
• High-cost option – TGV INOUI

The national railway operator of France is SNCF and they operate the high-speed TGV trains from Nice to Marseilles. You can book tickets from their official website or directly from the station. 

Now, to book the train tickets for Marseilles from Nice, here are some tips to follow – 

• Booking tickets in advance can secure better deals and preferred seats.
• Consider traveling during off-peak hours or days to find lower prices and enjoy a more relaxed journey.
• Look for early morning trains to benefit from savings and less crowded conditions.
• SNCF Intercités de Nuit offers affordable Semi-Flex tickets for budget-conscious travelers.
• Group discounts are available and can provide additional savings.
• Check a variety of platforms, including official websites, third-party sites, and travel agencies, to find the best deals.
• Reduced fares are available for children aged 4-11, while those under 4 can travel for free.
• Seniors aged 60+ can get a 60% discount on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS when traveling with children.
• The Carte Avantage Senior TGV INOUI offers a 30% discount for seniors 60+ on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS.

Bus Journey from Nice to Marseille

The bus ride from Nice to Marseille is the cheapest and fastest way to travel from Nice to Marseilles. As you leave the palm-lined boulevards of Nice behind, the bus glides through charming coastal towns and the beautiful landscape of the Provence region.

“FlixBus operates the fastest bus journey, covering the 119 miles (191 km) distance from Nice to Marseilles in as little as 2 hours and 10 minutes.”

The journey starts from Nice Vauban Bus Station or Gare Routière Terminal 1 of Nice Aéroport and ends in Marseille Saint Charles or Saint-Antoine bus station.

Other notable operators include BlaBlaCar, which takes 2.5–3.5 hours depending on the traffic, schedule, and stops.

While FlixBus offers $11.99 as the cheapest price, BlaBlaCar offers as low as $6 for the ride. However, the price may vary depending on the peak season, schedule, and other factors.

Now, let’s see the essential information regarding the bus ride. 

• Frequency – max 19 rides a day for FlixBus and 27 rides a day for BlaBlaCar.
• Average time – 2 hrs 40 min
• Shortest time – 2 hrs 10 min
• Operators – FlixBus, BlaBlaBus, Inters Portugal – Rede Nacional De Expressos, Lda

Now, let’s get some practical booking tips to ensure you don’t miss out on the best deals and preparations: 

• Secure the best fares by booking tickets in advance. Prices rise as the travel date approaches, especially for weekends and holidays. 
• Avoid peak times like Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons when fares are higher.
• FlixBus offers a direct shuttle between Nice Airport and Marseille Airport. Although the journey takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes, it is convenient for airport transfers. 
• Since there’s no onboard catering, pack your own snacks and water. The buses do have toilets, and there are no planned stops during the journey.
• Be at the bus station at least 15 minutes before departure. Buses leave on time and won’t wait for late arrivals. 
• Each passenger can bring 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 piece of hold luggage, with a combined weight limit of 20 kg. 
• Extra or oversized luggage may incur additional fees.

Driving to Marseilles from Nice with Rental Cars or Ride-Sharing

Renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore the stunning French Riviera at your own pace. This option is ideal if you enjoy scenic drives, flexibility, and the convenience of having your own vehicle.

“The fastest driving route from Nice to Marseilles is via the A8 highway (La Provençale), which will take you as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes to cover the distance of 123 miles (198 km).”

You can choose departure times for rental cars and even partner with people who share interests in ride-sharing services. However, ride-sharing can be way cheaper than renting a car with prices as low as $15-$15 for the ride to Marseilles from Nice, while rental car prices start at $52.

So, let’s get to the details of rental cars:

• Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt operate in Nice. 
• Cars can be picked up from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) or various locations within the city center.
• Make sure you have a valid driver’s license, passport, and credit card for the rental deposit.
• Reserve your rental car in advance for better rates and availability. Compare prices on Rentalcars.com or other rental company websites.
• Choose comprehensive insurance and verify the coverage details in your agreement.
• Check for existing damage before leaving and report it to avoid charges. 

On the other hand, ride-sharing services are a bit different. Here’s what you need to know:

• BlaBlaCar is the most popular ride-sharing service in France, with other options like BusBud and Share Now.
• Create an account on the service app, enter your trip details, and select a ride based on driver ratings, times, and costs.
• You can choose based on driver ratings, departure times, and costs.
• Payments are typically made through the app for security.
• Arrange a convenient pick-up location in Nice with the driver.
• Similar to driving yourself, you can expect around 2.5 hours of travel time.
• Drop-off points are often flexible, typically near central locations in Marseille.

The Scenic Route and Hidden Gems Along the Way

The direct route from Nice to Marseille offers stunning views of the French Riviera coastline and inland Provence landscapes. Here’s a brief look at some of the stops you should make for your road trip:

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: A beautiful fortified village known for its art galleries, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Antibes: Explore the old town’s charming streets, visit the Picasso Museum, and stroll along the ramparts with views of the Mediterranean.
• Cassis: A coastal town renowned for its calanques (steep-walled inlets), crystal-clear waters, and charming harbor lined with cafes and seafood restaurants.
• Bandol: Known for its vineyards and wine production, stop by for a wine-tasting session or enjoy a meal overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Gorges du Verdon: While slightly off the direct route, this canyon offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring charming villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
• Le Castellet: A medieval village perched atop a hill just 30 miles before Marseilles, known for its winding streets, art galleries, and views over the vineyards of Provence.

Tips for Driving from Nice to Marseille

As you’ll be driving from Nice to Marseilles, either by rental car or ride-share, it’s crucial to learn some driving tips as a tourist to avoid any unwanted situations.

So, first, plan your route and scenic stops –

• Use reliable GPS or navigation apps like Google Maps to plan your route.
• Pre-download maps for offline use in cases of poor signal areas.
• Plan stops at scenic viewpoints and charming towns along the French Riviera.

Then, learn the road conditions and some driving tips –

• Adhere to speed limits – 130 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on main roads, and 50 km/h in towns.
• Learn key French road signs like “Stop” (Arrêt) and “Yield” (Cédez le passage).
• In France, vehicles from the right have priority unless indicated otherwise.
• Yield to vehicles already inside the roundabout.
• Be patient and courteous. French drivers can be assertive, especially in cities. 
• Use your horn sparingly and follow local driving customs.
• Pack a first aid kit, flashlight, tools, and a reflective vest.
• In France, it’s required to have a reflective vest and warning triangle in the car.
• Be prepared for tolls on the A8 highway; use cash, a card, or a toll tag.
• Fill up your tank before leaving Nice, and note fuel stations along the A8. 
• Fuel is often more expensive at highway stations, so consider stopping in towns for better prices.
• Bring snacks, water, a charger, and a travel pillow for the journey.

Finally, you made it to Marseilles. Some basic parking tips to follow are –

• Look up parking garages or lots near your destination in Marseille. 
• Popular areas like the Old Port (Vieux-Port) can have limited parking, so plan ahead.
• Use secure parking facilities, especially if you have luggage or valuables in the car. Avoid leaving items in plain sight.

How to Find the Most Convenient Transport Option?

Here are some tips to help you find the most convenient transport option:

• Time vs. Cost: Evaluate whether time or budget is your priority. Trains and planes are quicker but may cost more, while buses and cars offer budget-friendly options with a longer travel time.
• Flexibility: Consider how much flexibility you want during your journey. If you enjoy impromptu stops and detours, a car or bus might be your best bet.
• Scenic Routes: If you’re into breathtaking views, opt for the train or bus. They provide a visual feast that can turn your travel into a memorable experience.

Concluding Words

Now that you know how to get from Nice to Marseille, make sure to choose your preferred mode of travel and get going.

As the sun sets over Marseille’s ancient port, reflecting its warm hues on the shimmering Mediterranean, you’ll realize that the journey from Nice to Marseille is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about embracing the moments in between.

From the charming streets of Nice to the vibrant culture of Marseille, this route is a tapestry of experiences waiting to be woven into your travel story.

So, are you ready to make the leap from Nice to Marseille, creating memories that will last a lifetime? The adventure awaits; let the journey begin!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)