Getting Around Nice Without a Car: The Complete Transport Guide

No, you don't need a car to explore Nice. The city centre is compact and easy to get around on foot, the tram and bus network covers the whole city and the airport, and regional trains make it easy to reach Cannes, Monaco or Menton. This is also why every AMMI hotel and aparthotel is located right in the heart of Nice — so your stay can be lived on foot, without the hassle of a vehicle.

 

Coming by car anyway?

No problem: AMMI Hotels has partnered with car parks near each of our properties, at preferential rates. Once you're parked, you won't need to get behind the wheel again for the rest of your stay. Just ask our reception for more information.

 

The tram, the backbone of the city

Nice has several tram lines connecting the airport, the train station, the city centre and the metropolitan area's main routes. A ticket costs €1.70 and stays valid on buses for 1h30; day and week passes are available for longer stays. Line 2 runs directly from the airport to the city centre, with stops just steps from Place Masséna, in around 30 minutes, with a tram every 8 minutes.

 

The bus, to complete the network

The Lignes d'Azur bus network complements the tram and serves the more outlying districts as well as several neighbouring towns, using the same ticket as the tram. Handy for reaching certain museums or residential areas not directly served by the rails.

 

Bikes, scooters and pedicabs

Nice has a bike and scooter sharing service (Lime, Pony), available 24/7 across much of the city centre. Expect to pay around €1 for 20 minutes on a mechanical bike, a little more for an electric one. It's a pleasant way to ride along the Promenade des Anglais or head to the harbour. Another fun, effort-free option: the pedicab (vélo-taxi), which drops you off exactly where you want to go.

 

Our guided tours, so you don't have to think about it

Want to discover Nice without worrying about the route? AMMI Hotels offers guided tours around the city — a simple, friendly way to see the must-see spots in Nice without a car or a map to follow.

 

On foot, the best way to discover Nice

Most of Nice's must-see spots (Vieux-Nice, Cours Saleya, Colline du Château, Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna) are packed into a small area and easily connected on foot. That's the whole point of staying at a central hotel: no need for a car, or even public transport, for most of your stay.

AMMI Hotels tip: here's what you can reach on foot from each of our addresses, all located right in the centre of Nice, along with the nearest tram stop:

• Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice (Vieux-Nice): steps from Cours Saleya, Colline du Château and the harbour — Garibaldi tram stop, 2 minutes' walk.
• Aparthotel AMMI Nice Massena (Carré d'Or, rue Masséna): Place Masséna, shopping and the Promenade within minutes — Masséna tram stop, 2 minutes' walk.
• Aparthotel AMMI Nice Lafayette (Jean Médecin): Galeries Lafayette and the shopping streets on foot — Masséna tram stop (lines 1 and 2), 100 metres away.
• Hôtel du Centre (avenue Jean Médecin): Notre-Dame Basilica and the immediate city centre, plus Nice-Ville station (Thiers) just 5 minutes' walk — Jean Médecin tram stop, 2 minutes' walk.
• Hôtel de France (Promenade des Anglais): the beach 150 metres away and direct access to the seafront — Alsace-Lorraine tram stop, a few minutes' walk.

 

Day trips along the coast: Cannes, Monaco, Menton, Antibes by train

The Zou! regional train line, which runs along the French Riviera, makes it easy to reach Cannes, Antibes, Monaco or Menton without a car, with very frequent departures (up to one train every 15 minutes) and affordable fares, starting from a few euros depending on distance and discounts. Perfect for stringing together day trips without ever getting behind the wheel.

AMMI Hotels tip: the train is especially recommended during the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix, two events when traffic and parking become very difficult — the Zou! line remains the simplest way to attend stress-free, without the hassle of the road.

 

Heading inland: the Train des Pignes and the Train des Merveilles

Fancy escaping into the backcountry without a car? The Train des Pignes connects Nice to Digne-les-Bains through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, on a historic narrow-gauge line. The Train des Merveilles winds from Nice-Ville station up to Tende, deep in the Roya valley, with guided commentary from April to September. Two spectacular routes for exploring the Nice hinterland without ever taking the wheel.

 

Your questions about getting around Nice

Do you need a car to visit Nice?

No. The city centre is very easy to explore on foot, and the tram, buses and regional trains cover most needs, including day trips around Nice.

How do I get to the city centre from the airport without a car?

Tram line 2 runs directly from the airport terminals to the city centre in about 30 minutes, with a tram every 8 minutes.

Can I visit Monaco, Cannes or Menton without a car?

Yes, easily, by regional train (Zou! line): journeys take between 15 and 40 minutes depending on the destination, for just a few euros.

Is cycling a good way to get around Nice?

Yes, especially along the coast: bike and scooter sharing services (Lime, Pony) are available 24/7 in the city centre.

Where should I stay to explore Nice on foot?

A central hotel, such as the AMMI addresses located in Vieux-Nice, the Carré d'Or, the Jean Médecin district or just behind the Promenade des Anglais, puts you within walking distance of nearly everything.

I'm arriving by car — where can I park?

AMMI Hotels has partnerships with car parks near each of our properties, at preferential rates. Ask your hotel's reception for more information.

How can I attend the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix without a car?

By train, via the Zou! regional line, with frequent departures from Nice — it's the simplest way to avoid the traffic jams and parking difficulties that come with these events.

 

Stay right in the centre, and forget about the car

Every AMMI hotel and aparthotel is located right in the heart of Nice, just minutes on foot from the main sights and public transport. Book direct with the WEB promo code and enjoy up to -10 % off your stay, plus early check-in from 2pm and late check-out until 12pm, subject to availability.

Book your stay with the WEB code at AMMI Hotels and enjoy Nice without ever needing to get behind the wheel.