High-speed train from Marseille to Nice
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!
Marseille to Nice by train
TGV, TER, SNCF and Thello trains from Marseille to Nice
TGV
TER
SNCF
Thello
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.
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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.
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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).
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Thello, part of the Trenitalia Group, is an international railway service that connects France and Italy. Thello trains provide direct connections between Paris and Venice via Dijon, and Marseille and Milan via Nice. Trains between Paris and Venice are night/sleeper trains with three service levels. Choose either Standard shared berth compartments (4-6 berth), a standard bed cabin (1-3 people) which includes a welcome drink, breakfast, bed furnishings and a toiletry set, or treat yourself to a premium cabin (1-2 people) which feature a private bathroom with sink, shower and WC. Trains between Marseille and Milan offer Standard Class seating, as well as First Class, which has wider reclining seats for extra comfort.
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Cheap train tickets from Marseille to Nice
- lowest price found‡
- from€20
- 2 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€32.28
- on the day‡
- avg. single price€37.60
Book in advance
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.§
Be flexible with your travel times
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.
Choose a slower or connecting train
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!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guide to check when European train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
How long does the train from Marseille to Nice take?
The average journey time by train between Marseille and Nice is 4 hours and 13 minutes, with around 7 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.
What's the fastest journey time between Marseille and Nice by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Marseille to Nice is 2 hours and 39 minutes.
How much does the train from Marseille to Nice cost?
Train tickets from Marseille to Nice can start from as little as €20 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Marseille to Nice?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Marseille to Nice without having to change trains. There are 6 direct trains from Marseille to Nice. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Marseille to Nice leave?
The first train from Marseille to Nice leaves at 05:58. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Marseille to Nice leave?
The last train from Marseille to Nice leaves at 17:50. 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.
What's the distance between Marseille and Nice by train?
Trains travelling from Marseille to Nice cover a distance of around 99 miles (160 km) during the journey.
