If you’re looking for a fantastic day trip from Nice, Eze is an excellent choice. Eze is a “perched village,” meaning it sits on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding valley.
Eze from Nice also has a great view of the Mediterranean. The city is a fairytale of winding, cobblestoned streets filled with ivy and greenery, charming corners, and picturesque staircases.
The village is also home to many painters, sculptors, and artisans, and their galleries are open to the public to wander in and admire (and shop!). Eze has an incredibly scenic Jardin Exotique at the very top of the village, with sculptures, cacti, and desert plants overlooking the town and sea.
In short, Eze is worth visiting.
How to Get to Eze
Here are the five main ways to get to Eze from Nice:
1. Bus
Taking the bus from Nice to Eze is like embarking on a journey through a postcard. The winding roads hug the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea that seem almost too beautiful.
The #82 bus goes from Nice to Eze. While your exact bus stop will depend on where you are staying in Nice, you will likely want the bus stop on Rue Barla, right by the Port of Nice. Taking the bus to Eze costs just a few euros, and you can pay the driver when you board.
This option will probably take around 45 minutes, depending on the time of day and where you are starting from. I’d recommend pulling up your route on Google Maps (from your location in Nice to Eze village) and then choosing the public transit tab to see the exact bus stop location and timetable.
As you depart Nice, the bus meanders through sun-drenched hillsides dotted with cypress trees and vine-covered slopes, inviting passengers to soak in the serene beauty of this Mediterranean region.
The gentle ascent toward Eze reveals spectacular views of the azure coastline and verdant hinterlands, creating a picturesque backdrop that feels distinctly cinematic.
2. Train, then Hike
The train from Nice to Eze offers more than just a scenic journey; it’s an invitation to experience the magical blend of vibrant culture and breathtaking nature that defines this region.
As the train winds along the Côte d’Azur, you’re treated to panoramic views of azure waters and sun-splashed cliffs, laying a perfect foundation for the adventures ahead.
Upon arrival in Eze, the air is infused with history as ancient limestone structures rise majestically against a backdrop of lush Mediterranean vegetation.
Once in Eze, trading your train ticket for hiking boots opens pathways leading you through enchanting landscapes. The famed Nietzsche Path beckons with its challenging elevation but rewards intrepid hikers with unparalleled vistas of the coastline below.
Each step unveils hidden corners of this medieval village—vibrant gardens filled with exotic plants whisper tales from centuries past while narrow cobblestone streets invite exploration into artisanal shops and quaint cafés serving local delicacies.
If you’re coming from Nice Airport, you should go to the Gare de Saint-Augustin, the train station just outside the airport.
You can buy your ticket from a stand in the train station or scan the QR code on the ticket stations and buy it on your phone. I usually buy a physical ticket in person because it’s easy to use (and you can change the language to English)—a ticket costs just a few euros.
Be aware that this hike is quite intense—the path is somewhat rocky and steep in some places. We did this hike… but started in Eze and hiked down the mountain to the sea, which was much more accessible.
Plan for the hike from the Eze-sur-Mer train station up to the village of Eze, which will take about an hour. It’s 2.3 km long and has a 369 m gain in elevation.
3. Uber/Taxi
Calling an Uber or taxi is a straightforward way to reach Eze from Nice. Uber is available in the French Riviera region.
We found that waiting times for an Uber could vary quite a bit, and it wasn’t always guaranteed that our request would be accepted. Expect to spend about €20-30 for an Uber from Nice to Eze.
Traditional taxis are an alternative. Finding an available taxi on the street can be difficult, so I’d ask your hotel to call one for you.
4. Rental Car
Choosing a rental car offers excellent travel flexibility. It allows you to set your schedule and freely choose your destinations.
However, it’s essential to consider that driving a rental car on the French Riviera involves manoeuvring through narrow streets, limited parking spaces, and one-way roads. Additionally, be prepared to pay for parking everywhere, including overnight parking.
That said, driving in France is mainly straightforward. The highways are in excellent condition and feature clear signage. We’ve had great experiences doing road trips around the south of France without issue.
If you decide to rent a car, I recommend arranging your rental well in advance. Prices often jump as your travel date nears, especially during the busy period from June to September. Also, most European cars have a manual transmission, and automatic vehicles can go quickly. Book that rental as soon as possible if you need an automatic vehicle.
Eze to Nice is about 11 km (7 miles), and it usually takes 20-30 minutes to get there by car.
For the best deals and options, we always use DiscoverCars.com, which allows us to compare prices and check the availability of vehicles across various rental agencies.
5. Guided Tour
Finally, the easiest way to visit Eze is with a guided tour. These tours handle all the logistics of transportation and navigation for you, and you can get some pretty fantastic itineraries on a day tour around the French Riviera.
This small group “Best of the Riviera” tour from Nice is fantastic. Besides Eze, you’ll also visit Monaco (the glitzy, tiny country surrounded by France) and La Turbie (a hidden gem town with incredible views of Monaco from above). All of these are beautiful and exciting spots on the French Riviera.
Since you don’t need a full day in Eze, this is an excellent way to see more of the charm of the Cote d’Azur.
FAQs
What is the best way to get from Nice to Eze?
The best way to get from Nice to Eze Village is by bus, which takes 12 minutes and costs $1 – $3. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $1 – $4 and takes 42 minutes.
Which bus goes to Eze Village from Nice?
Unless you want to hike up a steep mountain to reach the famous perched village! To get to Eze Village from Nice, take Bus #602 Monaco Casino or Bus #82 Plateau de la Justice, which alternate to leave about once an hour.
Is there a bus to the top of Eze?
From Nice, you can reach the hilltop village or the heights of Eze directly by bus! 💡 To get to the seaside, take the train from Nice or walk down from the village along the Chemin de Nietzsche.
The Wrap Up
If you’re more price-sensitive, want complete control over your arrival and departure times, or would leave logistics to someone else, Eze is well worth a day trip from Nice. There are a few different methods to get here.
Travelling from Eze to Nice is well worth the trip, with various options to suit your needs and style. There’s a convenient method to get here, regardless of your preferences for hands-off transportation, budgetary considerations, or the freedom to choose your timetable.
Whatever your mode of transportation, a visit to Eze, with its quaint village on a hilltop, will be truly unforgettable.