- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
Fine arts and archaeology museum in a notable modernized building. It is one of France’s oldest public museums and a cultural highlight.
Cheapest price
$181
Average price
$240
Fastest journey
7 h 37 m
Average duration
10 h 42 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
406 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nice to Besançon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nice to Besançon will cost around $240 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
It's difficult to get from Nice to Besançon without transferring at least 2 times.
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17480
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894211
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894211Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Nice to Besançon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 $46, and a train costs an average of $128.
Distance: 252 miles (406 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$169 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $105 Average price | $206 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 50m Average total duration 7h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 21m Average total duration 10h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 16m 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 Nice to Besançon:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nice to Besançon costing on average $105 (€86).
A bus is $92 (€75) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nice to Besançon costing on average $169 (€139).
Other travel options to Besançon take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 20m.
Bus takes on average 10h 51m.
Tickets start at around $169 (€139) compared to roughly $206 (€169) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37 (€30). The journey takes 7h 20m versus 7h 16m 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 Nice to Besançon trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12176+ 894530 | On time 6:57 AM Nice-Ville | 7h33 | 2:30 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
6188 · 6743 | On time 7:57 AM Nice-Ville | 9h29 | 5:26 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
17478+ 5386+ 895810 | 11:32 AM Nice Saint-Augustin | 7h37 | 7:09 PM Besançon Viotte | 2 transfers | |
17480+ 9896+ 894562 | 12:30 PM Nice Saint-Augustin | 8h22 | 8:52 PM Besançon Viotte | 2 transfers | |
5772+ 9261+ 894211 | 7:00 PM Nice-Ville | 16h07 | 11:07 AM Besançon Viotte | 2 transfers |
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 Nice to Besançon run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $128 (€105) but you can travel from only $42 (€35) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 19:09. The fastest train covers the 252 miles (406 km) distance in 7h 37m.
Distance 252 miles (406 km) |
Average train duration 7h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $128 (€105) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 7h 37m |
First train 5:32 AM |
Last train 7:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Besançon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Besançon trip today.
Fine arts and archaeology museum in a notable modernized building. It is one of France’s oldest public museums and a cultural highlight.
Time museum in the Granvelle Palace tracing Besançon’s watchmaking history. A strong choice for understanding the city’s identity and craft.
Museum inside the citadel covering regional wildlife, landscapes, and environmental themes. Good for families and a wider view of Franche-Comté.
Grand central square lined with historic buildings, cafés, and events. It is a natural starting point for exploring the old center on foot.
Historic pedestrian street with shops, façades, and easy access to major monuments. Ideal for strolling through the core of old Besançon.
One of the city’s most attractive riverside walks, linking monuments and viewpoints along the Doubs. Great for photos and relaxed exploration.
A rich Comtois sausage slowly cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and smoked pork. A hearty regional winter dish rooted in Franche-Comté farmhouse cooking.
Smoked pork sausage from the Jura and Franche-Comté, traditionally smoked in tuyé chimneys. It is a flagship local charcuterie with deep smoky flavor.
A denser smoked sausage from nearby Haut-Doubs, protected by PGI status. It is prized locally for its robust flavor and traditional mountain smoking methods.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in a polished setting, known for contemporary French cuisine showcasing Franche-Comté products with precision.
Traditional dining room focused on Franche-Comté specialties, including local cheeses, charcuterie, and hearty regional dishes.
Historic brasserie on Place Granvelle serving regional classics, seafood, and French staples in an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere.
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are usually lower than Paris; local transit is affordable and budget meals are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafés usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Besançon Viotte -> Place du Huit Septembre, Besançon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nice to Besançon 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 Besançon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Nice to Besançon trains use the Nice Ville to Besançon Viotte station pair, with some services arriving at Besançon - Mouillère. Use this guide to compare Nice and Besançon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Nice Ville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Agora, PAUL, Sushi Side, Factory Donuts, Deli & Cia
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located on the forecourt of the station, on the right when exiting the station hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 15:30. Information desks are located in the station main hall.
Available at Nice Ville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nice Ville: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Ville: Level access from the entrance to the station, barrier-free toilets, magnetic induction loops. Assistance offered by Accès Plus to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, located in the central hall.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Trocadero, Ibis Nice Centre Gare, Hotel Belle Meuniere.
Nice Saint-Augustin is 5 km from Nice city centre. Public transport options include:
Nice Saint-Augustin has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Nice Saint-Augustin. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Ramps, restrooms.
Besançon Viotte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pain Soleil, Selecta
Free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi when you create a free account. ATMs are located in the front of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:10, Sat - Sun: 10:00 - 17:10. Information desks are located at the south entrance to the underground level. .
Available at Besançon Viotte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon Viotte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon Viotte: The station is fully accessible, including wheelchair ramps, a magnetic induction loop for people with hearing loss and a guidance system for people with visual impairments. Staff can provide additional assistance, and wheelchairs are available.
Nearby hotels include ibis budget Besançon Centre Gare, Victor Hugo Hotel and Spa, Le Viotte King Size.
Besançon - Mouillère is 1 km from Besançon city centre. Public transport options include:
Besançon - Mouillère has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
ATMs are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
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