I recently spent a night in Nice before heading to Monaco, and I found that information on how to get there by train wasn’t very clear—it was a bit confusing for first-timers. So in this post, I’ll walk you through how to travel from Nice Airport to Monaco by train, including how to buy tickets!
It’s not too difficult once you understand how the ticket machines work.
Also, some people say that the train ride from Nice to Monaco isn’t very safe. But as of July 2023, I personally didn’t feel unsafe while riding the train. However, the area around Nice-Ville station did feel a bit sketchy. I actually almost got pickpocketed on the escalator at the station… (More on safety and pickpocketing later in the article.)
Ways to Get from Nice Airport to the City Center
- Train
- Tram
- Bus
- Taxi
In terms of cost, taxi > tram > train > bus (from most expensive to cheapest).
If you’re really looking to save money, the bus is the cheapest option. But keep in mind that buses often don’t have space for suitcases, and figuring out how to buy tickets or pay—especially if you don’t speak English—can be a challenge.
Since my hotel in Nice was near the train station (which is cheaper than staying near the beach), I chose the train option. The train only costs €2.10 to get into Nice, which isn’t much more than the bus (€1.50).
Getting from Nice Airport to Nice-Ville Station by Train
The nearest train station, Nice Saint-Augustin, isn’t directly connected to the airport, but you can get there easily and for free by tram.
The tram between Terminal 2 ↔ Terminal 1 ↔ Grand Arénas (where Nice Saint-Augustin Station is located) is completely free.
When you exit the airport, head left to find the tram stop near Terminal 1.
Look for the big #I Love NICE sign—it’s right next to the tram stop.
Take Tram Line 2 or 3 from the platform on the #I Love NICE side. It’s just one stop to Grand Arénas.
🔸 Important: You have to press the button near the door to open it. Also, be extra cautious of pickpockets when getting on and off.
Once you arrive at Grand Arénas, cross the road and walk in the opposite direction of the tram’s movement to reach Nice Saint-Augustin Station.
The stairs to the station are under the overpass, right near the start of the bridge.
There’s a blue ticket machine near the platform entrance.
I’ll explain how to buy tickets in the next section on “How to Use the Ticket Machine:“.
You can pay by credit card.
The fare to Nice-Ville is €2.10 (as of July 2023).
Board from Platform 1 (you don’t need to cross the tracks). It’s just one stop to Nice-Ville Station.
Be especially careful at Nice-Ville Station—pickpockets are common both on the platforms and near the ticket gates.
Getting from Nice-Ville Station to Monaco–Monte-Carlo by Train
You can also get to Monaco from Nice-Ville Station by train.
It takes about 20 minutes and costs €4.40.
Use the blue ticket machines at the station.
The white machines are for long-distance trains and are more expensive.
It might seem tricky the first time, but once you understand how the machine works, it’s straightforward.
Though there’s an English option, not all of the text is fully translated…
How to Use the Ticket Machine:
- Select “TO PURCHASE TICKET…” on the left side.
2. Use the dial below the screen to navigate and press the green button to confirm.
3. Select “BILLETS” (top option)
4. Choose the ticket type (the top left option works fine)
5. For departure station, select “NICE VILLE” → for destination, choose “MONACO MONTE CARLO” (top right).
6. Choose the date—select “Today…” if you’re traveling right away.
You can also buy in advance to avoid crowds.
7. Select the number of tickets: For two adults, press “2” under Adult and “0” under Child if none.
8. Choose “Single” for one-way or “Return” for round-trip.
Confirm the details, then pay by card to receive your ticket.
You can also check Google Maps for train schedules.
It will show the train number, which you can match with the displays on the platforms.
Monaco Station is beautiful and modern. However, the platforms are really long, and trains often stop far down the platform. Be mindful of this, especially when catching your return train.
Safety in Nice and How to Avoid Pickpockets
Monaco is extremely safe, but the area around Nice-Ville Station feels a bit rough.
There’s a big avenue running from the beach into town where the tram runs—try to stay along this street as it’s well-lit, busy, and lined with shops.
Compared to the station, the beach area is much safer.
That said, pickpocketing is a serious issue not just in Nice, but throughout France and Italy.
I let my guard down for just a moment and someone unzipped my backpack on the escalator at Nice-Ville Station. (Luckily, they only found tissues!) It was a duo—one distracted me while the other reached in through a tote bag with a hole in it.
My Pickpocket Prevention Tips:
- Wear your backpack or bag in front of you
- Don’t keep valuables like wallets or phones in your pockets
- Don’t keep valuables in outer pockets—keep them deep inside your bag
- Ignore strangers who try to talk to you
- Many pickpockets work in groups—one distracts while another steals
- Children or the elderly may approach you—they’re sometimes involved in theft
- Beware of surveys—they’re often a ruse
- Don’t react to panhandlers
- Keep hold of your backpack and suitcase at all times—never let someone else hold them
- Never accept food or drink from strangers
- Be extra alert in subways, stations, and on trains
To keep your phone safe, use a shoulder strap or sling case so it’s always on your body.
Despite the sketchy station area, the beachside part of Nice is wonderful, with lots of great restaurants and delicious seafood.
I dined at an Italian place called La Favola, and their seafood spaghetti was packed with ingredients and super tasty! The portions are huge, though, so I recommend sharing if you don’t have a big appetite.
Final Thoughts
That’s how you can get from Nice Airport to Nice-Ville Station, and then from there to Monaco–Monte-Carlo by train.
While you may hear warnings about safety on the train between Nice and Monaco, I personally had a great time in 2023 and didn’t experience anything dangerous.
That said, stay alert for pickpockets and avoid going out after dark if possible. (I didn’t go out at night, so I can’t speak to how safe it is after dark.)
The ticket machines can be confusing, even for people who speak French. And because of that, they tend to get crowded…
Also, the trains often run late, so if you have any appointments or connections, be sure to plan with plenty of time.
Hope this helps you plan your trip to Nice and Monaco!
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