How to take the train from Paris to Nice

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Paris to Nice by train

There are now three options for taking a train from Paris to Nice.

During the day two of the options are by taking high speed trains, as both (1) the regular TGV InOui services and (2) the low-cost, but more basic, Ouigo services share the route.
It's particularly worthwhile to click on the Train Guides below in the Journey Information for each option, so that you can compare the two train services.

However, if you need to arrive at a specific time you will often have to take one train service or the other.
The Ouigo services can plug gaps between the TGV InOui departures.

The third option (3) is taking an overnight train, which conveys couchette berths and reclining seats, but no sleeping cabins.
However, it typically gives the opportunity of arriving in Nice just after 09:00.

Routes you can take to go from Paris to Nice

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:
Looking for connections?

Route Information

Option 1: travelling by a regular TGV service
Travel Time (approx)

5hr 57min - 6hr 6min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

Mon-Thurs: up to 4 x trains per day
Friday: up to 6 x trains
Sat: up to 5 x trains
Sunday up to 4 x trains

On this route there are additional departures in the summer months.


Is the journey from Paris to Nice direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
After departure from Marseille, on two sections of the route, some of the best coastal views from any European train can be seen - see the Journey Information below


What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Nice?
Valence and Avignon and Marseille and Toulon and St Raphael and Cannes and Antibes.


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Nice-Ville from Paris Gare De Lyon on this journey option?
Around 14:55 daily (the time can be earlier in the summer months)
Source = European Rail Timetable


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Paris Gare De Lyon to Nice-Ville on this journey option

  • Around 17:20 on Monday to Thursday and Saturday and Sunday
  • Around 19:15 on Friday
    Source = European Rail Timetable

How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links from the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Paris to Nice trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in France, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Paris to Nice trains?
Up to 6 months in advance, but it varies according to when / if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information.


What are the child ticket terms for these Paris to Nice trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
Children aged 4-11 pay half fare


Does the ticket for these Paris to Nice trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Paris to Nice trains?
Yes - See the rail pass guide for France for info on the multiple booking options.


Is catering available on the Paris to Nice TGV trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

Route Information

Option 2: taking a more basic Ouigo service
Travel Time (approx)

5hr 52min - 5hr 57min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

2 x trains per day


Is the journey from Paris to Nice direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
After departure from Marseilles, on two sections of the route, some of the best coastal views from any European train can be seen - see the Journey Information below


What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Nice?
Valence and Avignon and Marseille and Toulon and St Raphael and Cannes and Antibes


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Nice-Ville from Paris Gare de Lyon on this journey option?
Around 13:55 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice-Ville on this journey option
Around 16:10 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Paris to Nice trains?
Yes


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Paris to Nice train for this journey option?
Typically up to 6 months ahead, but it varies according to when /if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for these Paris to Nice trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
A price of €8 is charged for children aged 11 and under.


Does the ticket for these Paris to Nice trains include assigned seats?
Yes, more info on the seat selection is available on the 'Train Guide' within the Journey Information guide below


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Paris to Nice trains?
Rail passes are not valid on Ouigo services.


Is catering available on the Paris to Nice train on this journey option?
No

Route Information

Option 3; travelling through the night
Travel Time (approx)

11hr 48min

Frequency

Nightly

Travel Info

1 x train per night

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