Nice to Menton: Best Ways to Get There (Train, Bus, Car & Day Trip Guide) (2026)

I spent years wanting to visit the French Riviera. Every time I saw photos of the colorful villages along the coast, I kept telling myself that one day I’d finally go.

When I finally booked my trip, I stayed in Nice and used it as my base to explore the area. There are so many beautiful towns along the French Riviera that choosing where to go wasn’t easy, but I eventually decided to visit Menton—and I’m really glad I did.

One thing I quickly realized is that getting from Nice to Menton is actually much easier than I expected. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or thinking about spending a night there, there are several easy ways to make the journey.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to get from Nice to Menton, how much they cost, how long they take, and which option I’d personally choose after doing the trip myself.

Nice to Menton: My Quick Answer

There are four easy ways to get from Nice to Menton: train, bus, car or a guided day tour.

Personally, I took the train because it was quick, affordable and really easy. The journey only takes around 40 minutes, and the views along the French Riviera are beautiful.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, you can also take the bus from Nice to Menton. The journey takes a little longer than the train, but tickets are often cheaper, making it a good option if you’re trying to save money.

If you’re planning to explore several towns along the French Riviera, renting a car gives you much more flexibility. You can stop in places like Èze, Monaco or Villefranche-sur-Mer without worrying about train or bus schedules.

And if you’d rather not organize anything yourself, booking a guided day tour can be a great option. Most tours combine Menton with other highlights of the French Riviera, so it’s an easy way to see several places in one day without worrying about transport, parking or planning your itinerary.

How far is Menton from Nice?

The distance from Nice to Menton is only about 30 km (19 miles), which is why it’s one of the most popular day trips on the French Riviera.

Depending on how you decide to travel, the journey usually takes between 40 minutes and one hour. The train is normally the quickest option, while buses take a little longer depending on traffic.

Since Menton is so close to Nice, you don’t really need to spend the night unless you want to. I visited Menton as a day trip from Nice and felt like I had plenty of time to explore the village without rushing.

Nice to Menton by Train (Best Option)

This is exactly how I got from Nice to Menton, and I’d honestly recommend it to anyone.

Trains leave from Nice Ville station and arrive at Menton station, which is only a short walk from the seafront and the Old Town.

The train journey only takes around 40 minutes, it’s direct, affordable, and the easiest way to reach Menton. You don’t need to worry about traffic, parking or driving on unfamiliar roads, and the views along the coastline are actually really nice, so try to grab a window seat if you can.

Since I was only visiting Menton for the day, the train made perfect sense. It was simple, stress-free and I’d definitely do it the same way again.

→ Check train tickets here

Nice to Menton by Bus

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Nice to Menton, the bus can sometimes cost less than the train. It does take longer, but it’s still an easy option if you don’t mind the extra travel time.

The journey usually takes a little longer than the train, but it’s another easy option if you’re traveling on a budget. Just keep in mind that buses are more affected by traffic, especially during summer when the French Riviera gets much busier.

If the prices are similar, I’d personally choose the train. But if you find a much cheaper bus ticket, it’s still a good way to get from Nice to Menton.

→ Check bus tickets here

Nice to Menton by Car

Renting a car is a great option if you’re planning to visit more places along the French Riviera instead of only Menton.

Having your own car means you can stop in beautiful places like Èze, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer or Antibes whenever you want without worrying about train or bus schedules.

The only downside is that parking in Menton can be difficult during summer, especially close to the Old Town and the beach.

→ Compare rental car prices here

Nice to Menton by Guided Tour

If you prefer not having to plan anything yourself, a guided tour can also be a good option.

Most tours don’t just visit Menton—they usually combine it with other places like Monaco or Èze, so you get to see several highlights of the French Riviera in one day without worrying about transport or planning the route.

I personally enjoyed doing it on my own because I like exploring at my own pace. But if you’re short on time or simply don’t want to organize transport yourself, a guided tour is an easy option.

→ Check day tours here

Can you visit Menton as a day trip from Nice?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, that’s exactly what I did.

I stayed in Nice and visited Menton for the day, and I never felt rushed. Since the journey is so short, I had plenty of time to walk around the Old Town, get lost in the little streets, stop by the beach, enjoy the views and still make it back to Nice in the evening.

I actually think staying in Nice and doing a day trip to Menton is one of the best options if you’re visiting the French Riviera. Nice usually has more accommodation choices, and from there you can easily visit places like Menton, Monaco or Èze without having to keep changing hotels.

If you’re planning to do the same, I’ve written a full guide explaining exactly how I spent my day there.

→ Read my complete Day Trip to Menton guide

Practical Information

Stay Connected

Having internet makes traveling around the French Riviera much easier, whether it’s checking train times, using Google Maps or finding somewhere to eat.

I personally always use an eSIM because I can activate it before I even land and have internet as soon as I arrive without having to look for a local SIM card shop.

→ Get my recommended eSIM for France here

Travel Insurance

France is generally a very safe destination, but delayed transport, lost luggage or unexpected medical emergencies can happen anywhere.

Travel insurance is one thing I never travel without. I’d rather pay a little before my trip than end up with a huge bill if something goes wrong.

→ Check my recommended travel insurance here

Where to Stay in Nice

If you’re only planning to visit Menton as a day trip, I’d actually recommend staying in Nice. That’s what I did, and I think it’s the best option. Nice has a much bigger choice of hotels, it’s usually cheaper, and it’s the perfect base if you also want to visit Monaco, Èze or other towns along the French Riviera.

Some great options are:

Budget: Ibis budget Nice Californie Lenval

Mid-range: Hotel du centre

Luxury: AC Hotel by Marriott Nice

→ Check all hotels in Nice here

Where to stay in Menton

If you’d rather spend the night in Menton, I’d recommend staying close to the Old Town or near the seafront. The village is very walkable, so staying in the center means you can explore everything on foot.

Some good hotel options are:

Budget: Hôtel Riva Art & SPA

Mid-range: Ibis Styles Menton Centre

Luxury: Villa Genesis

→ Check all hotels in Menton here

FAQs

What is the easiest way to get from Nice to Menton?

For most travelers, the train is the easiest option. It’s direct, takes around 40 minutes, runs regularly throughout the day, and you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding parking.

How much is the train from Nice to Menton?

The train from Nice to Menton costs 8 euros each way, depending on the time of year and when you book. It’s one of the cheapest day trips you can do from Nice.

How long is the train from Nice to Menton?

The direct train journey from Nice to Menton takes around 40 minutes, making Menton one of the quickest places to reach from Nice.

Do I need a car in Menton?

No. Menton is small enough to explore entirely on foot. A car only really makes sense if you’re planning to visit several towns along the French Riviera during the same trip.

Should I stay in Nice or Menton?

If it’s your first time visiting the French Riviera, I’d stay in Nice and visit Menton on a day trip. Nice has far more accommodation options, it’s usually cheaper, and it’s a much better base for exploring places like Monaco, Èze and Menton.

Final Thoughts: Nice to Menton

Getting from Nice to Menton couldn’t really be much easier.

If you’re staying in Nice, I genuinely think Menton is one of the best and easiest day trips you can do. That’s exactly what I did, and I’d do it the same way again.

Personally, I’d take the train every time. It’s quick, affordable, stress-free and the views along the coastline make the journey part of the experience.

If you’re planning your own trip, don’t forget to check out my other Menton guides to help you plan the perfect visit.

Read my other Menton Guides

Is Menton Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

Is Menton, France Safe? My Honest Experience as a Solo Female Traveler (2026)

Best Time to Visit Menton: A Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

How many days in Menton do you need? My honest recommendation (2026)