Cannes is located on the Mediterranean coast, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. A former fishing village turned world-famous seaside resort, the town is accessible from all over France and Europe by several means of transport.
Here we detail all the practical options for getting to Cannes, whether you arrive by plane, train, car, helicopter or excursion from another city in the region.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Cannes
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- On the Côte d’Azur, in the Alpes-Maritimes department (south-east France)
- ~30min drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (main airport serving Cannes)
- ~1h45 from Marseille Provence Airport (secondary option)
- Cannes train station in the city center, served by TGV from Paris (~5h15), Lyon (~4h) and Marseille (~2h). See train timetables and tickets.
- By car: A8 from Marseille (~2h) or from Italy
- Private transfers or shuttles from Nice airport. See available transfers.
- Helicopter from Nice (~7min flight). See available flights.
- Day trips available from Nice, Monaco, Saint-Tropez or Marseille
WHERE TO STAY IN Cannes
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Five Seas Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel BW Le Mondial – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: on the Croisette
Along the seafront promenade and beaches.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Martinez – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: The Suquet and surrounding area
On the heights of the old town, with lots of charm.
- Hotel le Suquet – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Canopy by Hilton – see prices, pictures and availability
Cannes location and map
Cannes lies on the Mediterranean coast of the Alpes-Maritimes, between Mandelieu-la-Napoule to the west and Antibes to the east. The town borders the Gulf of La Napoule, opposite the Lérins Islands. In the background, the first hills of the Préalpes d’Azur range frame the town to the north.
Its geographical location gives it a dual appeal: a coastline dotted with beaches and coves on one side, and a green, unspoilt hinterland on the other. Here are a few distance markers to help you plan your journey:
- Nice: ~40min by car (33km via the A8)
- Antibes: ~20min by car (12km)
- Marseille: ~2h by car (185km via the A8)
- Monaco: ~1h by car (62km via the A8)
- Paris: ~5h15 by TGV, or ~9h by car
Good to know: the A8 freeway (also known as “La Provençale”) runs along the coast and is the main route to Cannes from both east and west. In summer, allow for extra time, especially between Cannes and Nice at rush hour.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
By plane: the nearest airports to Cannes
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): the nearest airport
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the main international airport serving Cannes. Located around 26km to the east, it can be reached in ~30min on the A8 in normal traffic conditions. It is France’s 2nd busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, with connections to over 120 destinations in Europe and worldwide. We recommend landing in Nice: the proximity and density of flights make it the most convenient option.
The airport operates all year round. The offer is particularly dense from April to October, but there are still many winter connections from the major European capitals.
Main air links to NCE
- From France: Paris (CDG and Orly), Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Strasbourg (Air France, easyJet, Transavia)
- From Switzerland: Geneva, Zurich, Basel (easyJet, Swiss, Edelweiss)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Zaventem, Brussels-Charleroi (Brussels Airlines, Ryanair)
- From Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair)
- From the UK: London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh (British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2)
- From the Netherlands: Amsterdam (KLM, Transavia)
- From Scandinavia: Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo (SAS, Norwegian)
- From Spain: Madrid, Barcelona (Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair)
Compare available flights to Nice.
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How to get to Cannes from Nice Airport (NCE)
From the terminal, there are several ways to get to Cannes, depending on your budget and preferences.
By rental car
Car rental is one of the most flexible options for getting to Cannes and exploring the region. The main international agencies have counters in both airport terminals. We recommend booking in advance, especially from June to September, as availability quickly dwindles and prices rise. The journey takes ~30min on the A8.
By private transfer or shuttle
A driver will meet you at the terminal exit and take you directly to your accommodation in Cannes. This solution is particularly advantageous for families or groups, as the price is fixed per vehicle. We recommend it for a first stay, so you can arrive without the stress of driving after a flight.
See available transfers from Nice to Cannes.
By cab
Cabs are available at the exits of both terminals. The tariff is regulated; we advise you to check that the meter is switched on at the start. A surcharge applies at night, on Sundays and public holidays.
Duration: ~30min
Estimated cost: 60-90€ depending on traffic conditions
By public transport
An economical solution is to take the ZOU! intercity bus from Nice Airport. Line 81 links the airport’s Terminal 2 directly to Cannes, departing from platform 2 on the arrivals level (exits A1 or A3). No changes are necessary. We recommend this option for light travelers, as it avoids the transfer to Nice-City Station. The journey time is longer than by car, but the comfort and price make it an alternative worth considering. Check the latest timetables on the official ZOU! website before you leave, as frequencies vary according to the season.
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): the secondary option
Marseille Provence Airport is France’s 3rd largest airport. Located around 185km from Cannes, it’s an interesting alternative if your departure destination doesn’t offer a direct link to Nice. We mention it because some low-cost airlines serve European cities not covered from Nice.
From the airport, Cannes can be reached by road (~1h45 on the A8) or by train from Marseille-Saint-Charles station to Cannes station (~2h by TGV). Car rental remains the most direct solution from Marseille.
Compare available flights to Marseille.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Helicopter flight from Nice
The helicopter is the most spectacular link between Nice and Cannes. The flight lasts just ~7min, compared with a minimum 30min by car, and flies over the Mediterranean coast with breathtaking views of the Gulf of La Napoule and the Lérins Islands. We mention it not only as a means of transport, but also as an experience in its own right: it’s an original way to arrive in Cannes, especially for a luxury stay or a special occasion.
Regular services are provided from the Nice heliport, close to the airport. The Cannes-Mandelieu heliport is about 8km from the city center. Advance booking is recommended, especially in high season.
See helicopter flights from Nice to Cannes.
By train
Cannes train station is ideally located in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the Promenade de la Croisette and the historic Suquet district. This is one of the major advantages of the train: no additional transfers are required on arrival. We appreciate this option for travelers arriving from Paris or Lyon, as it avoids the constraints of freeway driving.
Main rail links to Cannes
- From Paris (Gare de Lyon): TGV with change in Marseille or direct according to timetable – ~5h15
- From Lyon (Part-Dieu): TGV – ~4h
- From Marseille (Saint-Charles): TGV or Intercités – ~1h45 to 2h
- From Nice: TER – ~30 to 40min, with several departures per hour
- From Monaco: TER – ~45min approx.
- From Antibes: TER – ~10 to 15min
Good to know: TER trains between Nice and Cannes are frequent and inexpensive. For major TGV routes, we recommend booking well in advance to benefit from the best rates.
Consult timetables and book your train ticket.
By car
The car offers the freedom to stop en route, visit the hinterland and explore destinations less accessible by public transport. Cannes is perfectly connected by the A8 freeway, which runs along the Mediterranean coast from Aix-en-Provence to the Italian border.
Find our tips for renting a car in Provence Côte d’Azur here.
Main routes
- From Paris: A6 then A7 to Marseille, then A8 to Cannes – ~9h (non-stop)
- From Lyon: A7 then A8 via Marseille – ~5h30
- From Marseille: A8 direction Cannes/Nice – ~1h45
- From Nice: A8 or seaside (longer but more pleasant) – ~30 to 45min
- From Italy: Italian A10 (Autoroute des Fleurs) then French A8 from Menton – variable according to departure town
Good to know: summer traffic can double journey times, especially on the A8 between Nice and Cannes on Friday evenings and Saturdays. We recommend anticipating departures and using a real-time navigation application. If you don’t want to drive, you can still rent a car to explore the surrounding area once you’re here.
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Day trips from Nice
Cannes is an easy day trip from Nice. The distance is short (33km) and the choice of transport is varied: train, car, or guided tour. It’s a combination we particularly appreciate, as it allows us to enjoy two very different atmospheres in a single stay. The dynamism of Nice and the glamour of Cannes.
By train, the TER connects Nice-Ville station to Cannes station in 30 to 40 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. This is the simplest and least expensive option. By car, allow ~30min on the A8 when traffic is off, more in high season.
If you prefer an organized excursion from Nice, local guides offer day trips including the Venetian Port, the Promenade de la Croisette, the Suquet district and sometimes a crossing to the Lérins Islands.
See excursions from Nice to Cannes.
Excursions from other cities
Cannes lends itself well to a day trip from several towns in the region, provided you have the right means of transport for the distance. Here are the three most common departure points outside Nice.
From Monaco
Monaco is about 62km from Cannes on the A8. By rental car, allow ~1h outside rush hour. The TER from Monaco-Monte-Carlo station offers a practical alternative: the journey takes ~45min with a connection in Nice or directly according to timetables. This is a full-day excursion, devoting the morning to the Promenade de la Croisette and the afternoon to the Suquet district or the Lérins islands.
Rent a car to reach Cannes from Monaco.
From Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is about 75km from Cannes. By rental car, the journey takes ~1h30 via the D98 and N98 (with no direct freeway linking the two towns). Please note that the road can be very busy in summer, especially in July and August: plan an early start. There is no direct rail link between Saint-Tropez and Cannes, so the car is the best option for this excursion.
From Marseille
From Marseille, Cannes can be reached in ~1h45 via the A8 motorway. This is a feasible day trip, provided you leave early and don’t linger too long on the road. By train, the TGV from Marseille-Saint-Charles station reaches Cannes station in ~1h45 to 2h depending on connections. An interesting option for avoiding driving and enjoying the ride. With a rental car, you’ll be free to stop off at Cassis or Fréjus as you wish.
Rent a car to reach Cannes from Marseille.
By ferry
Cannes has no regular long-distance ferry service to the mainland. On the other hand, the town’s port is the departure point for crossings to the Lérins islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat), a 20-minute boat ride away. These are two unmissable destinations to combine with your stay in Cannes.
For travelers wishing to reach Cannes by boat from Corsica or other Mediterranean ports, the Port of Nice or the Port of Marseille are better equipped for long-distance connections. From these ports, Cannes can be reached by car or train.
See ferry schedules and availability.
And once in Cannes…
Once you’ve arrived in Cannes, there’s plenty to discover on foot or by car (all our tips for renting a car in Cannes here). The Promenade de la Croisette, the historic Suquet district, the Palais des Festivals, the beaches, the Lérins islands, the Marché Forville… The town offers a wide variety of experiences, from lazing on the beach to cultural visits and Provencal gastronomy.
- The Croisette Promenade and its grand hotel facades
- The historic Suquet district and Place de la Castre
- The Palais des Festivals and its famous red carpet
- The Lérins Islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite and its Iron Mask Museum, Île Saint-Honorat and its Lérins Abbey)
- Forville Market and the flavours of Provence
- The Croisette, Midi and La Bocca beaches
See our article on the best things to do and see in Cannes.
See our selection of the best hotels to stay at in Cannes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE WROTE THE ARTICLE Julie
