Paris to Nice by Train
High-speed service · from €100
Route Overview: Paris to Nice
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.
How Long Is the Paris to Nice Train?
The direct TGV INOUI from Paris to Nice takes approximately 5h 31min, with multiple daily departures.
How Much Does a Paris to Nice Train Ticket Cost?
Tickets start from €100 when booked in advance. Prices vary by date, time, and availability.
How Many Trains Run Daily from Paris to Nice?
Up to 12/day trains operate daily on the Paris to Nice route.
Train Operator
TGV INOUI
Direct high-speed service · 5h 31min max
Which Stations Serve the Paris to Nice Route?
Paris Gare de Lyon
- Metro: Lines 1, 14
- RER: Lines A, D
- RER Location: 12th arrondissement
Nice-Ville
- Metro: Tram 1, 2
- Location: City centre
- RER Bus 12, 23. Tram 2 to Nice Airport (30 min).
What Classes Are Available on Paris to Nice Trains?
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
How to Book the Paris to Nice Train?
Starting Price
Per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices shown are indicative starting prices per person for a one-way journey in 2nd Class and may vary based on travel date, time, and availability. All information is sourced from official railway operators and may change without notice.
Book Early
Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings offer the best prices.
Children & Youth
Children 4-11 may qualify for reduced fares. Youth discounts may be available. Infants under 4 travel free
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance applies
What Should You Know About Paris to Nice Trains?
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: Paris to Nice
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.