- Must visit
Musée Matisse
Major museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, set in a Genoese villa in Cimiez, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects tracing his life in Nice.
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$162
Fastest journey
7 h 34 m
Average duration
8 h
Trains per day
4
Distance
406 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Besançon to Nice is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Besançon to Nice will cost around $162 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Of the 4 trains that leave Besançon for Nice on Sun, May 31, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 406 km distance in an average of 8 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 34 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 9 h 8 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Besançon to Nice among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, and a train costs an average of $102.
Distance: 252 miles (406 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$161 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price | $211 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 33m Average total duration 9h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 32m Average total duration 10h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Besançon to Nice:
A bus is $13 (€10) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Besançon to Nice costing on average $90 (€72).
A bus is $84 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Besançon to Nice costing on average $161 (€130).
Other travel options to Nice take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 3m.
Bus takes on average 10h 2m.
Tickets start at around $161 (€130) compared to roughly $211 (€170) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $49 (€40). The journey takes 9h 3m versus 8h 0m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Besançon to Nice trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:51 AM Besançon | 7h39 | 3:30 PM Nice | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:09 PM Besançon | 7h34 | 8:43 PM Nice | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:56 PM Besançon | 7h34 | 9:30 PM Nice | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:08 PM Besançon | 15h01 | 8:09 AM Nice | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
![]() | 6:51 AM Besançon | 7h39 | 2:30 PM Nice | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Besançon to Nice run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $102 (€82) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:34, the last at 19:09. The fastest train covers the 252 miles (406 km) distance in 7h 34m.
Distance 252 miles (406 km) |
Average train duration 9h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $102 (€82) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 7h 34m |
First train 5:34 AM |
Last train 7:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Nice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nice trip today.
Major museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, set in a Genoese villa in Cimiez, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects tracing his life in Nice.
National museum housing one of the world’s most important collections of Marc Chagall’s biblical works, known for its luminous colors and serene setting.
Nice’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, noted for postwar European and American works and its striking rooftop views.
Nice’s iconic seafront boulevard lined with beaches and Belle Époque hotels, essential for walking, cycling, and classic Riviera views.
The old town’s maze of colorful lanes, baroque churches, shutters, and lively squares makes it the city’s most atmospheric area to explore on foot.
Castle Hill park and viewpoint with panoramic city and coast vistas, a waterfall, and some of the best photo spots in Nice.
Nice’s signature salad of tomatoes, eggs, anchovies or tuna, olives, and raw vegetables, traditionally without cooked potatoes or green beans.
A thin chickpea flour pancake baked in a hot oven, lightly crisp outside and soft inside; one of Nice’s most iconic street foods.
A Provençal tart topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives, closely associated with Nice and the surrounding coast.
An established Michelin-starred restaurant blending refined Mediterranean and South African influences in an elegant fine-dining setting.
A long-running family restaurant in Vieux Nice serving classic Niçoise dishes and Provençal favorites in a warm, traditional atmosphere.
A famous small Niçoise restaurant known for traditional local specialties in a simple, intimate setting near the old town.
Prices are high by French standards, especially near the seafront. Bakery food and lunch deals help cut costs.
Service is usually included. Locals may round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Small change for cafes; round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Nice-Ville -> Place Masséna, Nice
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Besançon to Nice by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Nice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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