From one end of France to the other, or at least the South of France, this train route lets you experience two sides of this beautiful area. The French Riviera deserves all of its grand reputation, and if you don’t believe us then just hop on a train and see for yourself! It’s just 2.5 hours of travel time to get to Nice and by TGV train - a suitably fabulous way to arrive in this elegant city. First thing's first, head to the glorious beaches of the area and dip your toes in the water!
And if your dreams don’t consist of being a beach bum, well, there’s a wealth of culture for you too. The Matisse Museum which homes the works of the master is a stunning sight both inside and out. A walk to Vieille Ville, a picturesque area of the city where getting lost among its winding streets is a pleasure, will bring you past plenty more museums and galleries including the impressive Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Every moment of this trip is sure to be a highlight, but the waterfalls of Parc de la Colline du Château really does take you high, being situated over the city. Spoil yourself on the coast and head to Nice - all the journey information you'll need is below!
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Marseille to Nice by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Marseille and Nice is 2 hours and 53 minutes, with around 18 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Marseille to Nice is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Marseille to Nice can start from as little as €19.60 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Marseille to Nice without having to change trains. There are 10 direct trains from Marseille to Nice each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Marseille to Nice leaves at 05:55. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Marseille to Nice leaves at 19:57. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Marseille to Nice cover a distance of around 99 miles (160 km) during the journey.