Paris to Nice by Train
High-speed + conventional coastal service · from €19
Route Overview
Travel from Paris to Nice by TGV INOUI in as little as 5 hours and 31 minutes. Up to 12 trains operate daily between Paris Gare de Lyon and Nice-Ville station. The route runs at high speed to Marseille on the LGV Mediterranee, then follows the scenic Mediterranean coastline through Toulon, Saint-Raphael, Cannes, and Antibes.
TGV INOUI operates most services on this route. The fastest trains stop only at Marseille, while others call at additional Cote d'Azur stations. Trenitalia Frecciarossa also serves Paris-Nice, typically via Lyon.
Tickets start from €19 per person one way in 2nd Class. The coastal section between Marseille and Nice is one of the most scenic rail journeys in France, passing along the Mediterranean shoreline. Book early for summer travel -- this route is extremely popular from June to September.
Train Operator
TGV INOUI
SNCF high-speed service. Paris-Marseille at high speed on LGV, then conventional coastal railway to Nice.
Direct high-speed · 320 km/h max
Departure & Arrival Stations
Paris Gare de Lyon
- 12th arrondissement
- Lines 1, 14
- RER Lines A, D
Nice-Ville
- City centre
- Tram 1, 2
- Bus 12, 23. Tram 2 to Nice Airport (30 min).
Classes of Service
2nd Class
- 2+2 seating layout
- Free WiFi (TGV Connect)
- Power outlets at every seat
- Bar-buffet car access
1st Class
- 2+1 seating layout (wider seats)
- Free WiFi (TGV Connect)
- Power outlets at every seat
- Bar-buffet car access
- Quieter atmosphere
Tickets & Booking Tips
Starting Price
from €19 per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices typically range from €19 to €160+ depending on class, fare type, date and availability.
Book Early
Tickets are available Approximately 4 months in advance. Advance bookings typically offer the lowest fares.
Children & Youth
Children aged 4-11 get up to 50% discount. Youth aged 12-25 can access Carte Jeune discount card for additional savings. Children under 4 travel free on adult's lap. No separate seat or luggage allowance.
Luggage
2 bags (max 75x53x30 cm each) + 1 hand luggage per passenger
Good to Know
Two-Speed Journey: High-Speed Then Coastal
The Paris-Nice route has two distinct sections. Paris to Marseille runs on high-speed LGV tracks at up to 320 km/h (approximately 3 hours). Marseille to Nice runs on conventional coastal railway at lower speeds (approximately 2.5 hours), passing through stunning Cote d'Azur scenery. This explains why the total journey is over 5 hours despite Marseille being only 3 hours away.
Scenic Coastal Views -- Sit on the Left
For the best Mediterranean views between Marseille and Nice, choose a window seat on the left side of the train (in the direction of travel). The track runs close to the coastline in several sections, particularly between Toulon and Saint-Raphael, offering beautiful views of the sea.
Stop at Cannes and Antibes
Several Paris-Nice services stop at Cannes and Antibes, allowing you to break your journey on the Cote d'Azur. Cannes (famous for its film festival) is approximately 30 minutes before Nice. Antibes is just 15 minutes before Nice.
Nice-Ville Station Location
Nice-Ville station is centrally located in the city, approximately 1 km from the Promenade des Anglais and the beach. Tram line 1 connects the station to Place Massena (city centre) in 10 minutes. The airport is reachable by tram line 2 in about 30 minutes.
Summer Is Peak Season
The French Riviera is one of Europe's most popular summer destinations. Paris-Nice trains fill up quickly from June through September, particularly for Friday afternoon departures and Sunday returns. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for summer travel to secure the best fares.
Overnight Train Alternative (Intercites de Nuit)
SNCF also operates an overnight Intercites de Nuit service from Paris Austerlitz to Nice, departing in the evening and arriving the next morning. This saves a night's accommodation and frees up a full day. Berth options include seated, couchette (4 or 6-berth), and single/double cabins.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest TGV INOUI takes 5 hours and 31 minutes. Average journey time is approximately 6 hours and 41 minutes, as most services stop at Marseille, Toulon, and other Cote d'Azur stations.
There is no non-stop service. The fastest trains stop at Marseille Saint-Charles. Most services also call at additional stations such as Toulon, Les Arcs-Draguignan, Cannes, and Antibes along the Cote d'Azur.
Prices start from approximately €19 per person one way in 2nd Class with an advance Prem's fare. Standard prices range from €50-€120 depending on demand and booking time.
Paris to Marseille runs entirely on high-speed LGV tracks (up to 320 km/h). After Marseille, the train switches to conventional coastal railway with lower speed limits, adding approximately 2.5 hours for the Marseille-Nice section.
You can book separate tickets (Paris-Cannes and Cannes-Nice) to stop over. Many TGV services to Nice stop at Cannes, approximately 30 minutes before Nice-Ville.
Yes, SNCF operates an Intercites de Nuit overnight service from Paris Austerlitz to Nice. Options include seated, couchette, and private cabin accommodation. This is a separate service from TGV INOUI.