Getting There & Away: Cannes

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

For most international travelers, flying into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the most convenient way to reach Cannes.

Information

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE): Main international airport, ~27 km east of Cannes.
Airlines: Major European carriers (Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa), low-cost carriers (EasyJet, Ryanair), and seasonal direct flights from North America (Delta, United, Air Canada).
Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner help find flights.

Transfers from NCE to Cannes

Getting from Nice Airport to Cannes is straightforward, with several options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Options

Train: Free tram (Line 2) to Nice Saint-Augustin station (5-7 min), then TER regional train to Cannes (25-40 min, €7-€10).
Airport Express Bus (Route 81): Direct service from NCE terminals to Cannes city center (45-60 min, ~€22).
Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Taxi from airport ~€70-€90 (30-45 min). Uber, Bolt, Free Now also operate.

Efficiency

The train is often the most cost-effective and quickest option, especially avoiding coastal road traffic.

Seasonal Pricing

Peak season (Summer, Film Festival) sees highest flight frequency but also highest prices. Book well in advance.

Group Travel

Taxis or private transfers offer convenience for families or groups, providing door-to-door service.

Airport Facilities

NCE Amenities

Free Wi-Fi throughout terminals.
Duty-free shops and various retail options.
Wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
Car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, VIP lounges.

Seamless Transfers

Free tramway connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Easy access to city transport from NCE.
Direct routes from many major global hubs.
Scenic views on landing/takeoff due to coastal location.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are paid directly by passengers upon departure from France. Any relevant taxes are included in your ticket price.

Airport Timing

For international flights outside Schengen, arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure. For flights within Schengen, 1.5-2 hours is often enough. Check airline recommendations.

Train Departure

For train departures from Cannes Gare, arrive 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure time. Online check-in is recommended for flights.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

France's excellent rail and road networks provide options for reaching Cannes from other parts of Europe or within France.

Rail & Coach Options

TER (Trains Express Régionaux): Frequent, affordable connections to Nice, Antibes, Monaco, Menton, Grasse.
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed rail to Paris (~5-6 hrs), Lyon, Marseille.
Long-Distance Buses: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer intercity services to other French cities.

Self-Driving in Cannes

Driving Considerations

Requirements: Valid driving license, IDP (for non-EU/EEA), major credit card. Minimum age typically 21 (surcharges for under 25).
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise. Book in advance. DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.
Navigation: GPS or mapping app. A Michelin France Road Atlas is a good backup.

Road Conditions & Safety

France has excellent roads, but traffic and parking in Cannes require attention.

Aspects

Traffic: Heavy on A8 motorway and coastal roads during summer/peak hours. Allow extra time.
Parking: Challenging and expensive in central Cannes. Use underground public car parks (e.g., Palais des Festivals, La Ferrage).
Roads: Well-maintained. Coastal roads are winding. Motorways are tolled.

Sea Arrivals

Cannes' position on the Mediterranean means sea arrivals, especially by cruise ship or ferry for local excursions, are a remarkable aspect of its transportation.

Maritime Access

Cruise Port: Popular port of call. Ships anchor in the bay; passengers tender to Vieux Port, granting immediate city access.
Ferry Services: Regular passenger ferries from Vieux Port to nearby Îles de Lérins (Sainte-Marguerite, Saint-Honorat) for day trips.
Immigration: Checks upon first entry into Schengen port for non-Schengen arrivals.

Important Considerations

Driving Side: Drive on the right side of the road in France.
Seatbelts: Mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Mobile Phone: Use only permitted with a hands-free system while driving.

Traffic Fines: Pay attention to speed limits and parking regulations to avoid fines.
Tourist Areas: Exercise vigilance in crowded tourist areas, especially for petty crime like pickpocketing.
VAT Refunds: Process tax refund forms at Nice Airport before security if eligible. Allow ample time.

Departure Facilities

Airport Services NCE

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is a modern, well-equipped airport with a wide range of facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities for Your Departure

Free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminals.
Numerous shops, including duty-free options for non-EU travelers.
Various restaurants and cafes.

Train Station Services

Cannes Train Station (Gare de Cannes) offers basic facilities for departing passengers.

Convenience for Rail Travelers

Newsstands and small shops.
Cafes for last-minute refreshment.
Centrally located for easy access to hotels.

Check-in Efficiency

Online check-in is highly recommended for flights to save time at the airport.

Security Procedures

Standard airport security checks apply; electronics and liquids need removal from bags.

Boarding Alerts

Pay attention to boarding announcements and potential gate changes.

Smooth Departures

Careful planning for your journey to and from Cannes allows you to focus on enjoying the French Riviera.

Getting There & Away