Updated October 2026 · By the Luxotica Team, private chauffeurs on the French Riviera
Short answer: Nice to Saint-Tropez is about 100 km. By car it takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours without traffic, and 2.5 to 3.5 hours or more on summer weekends. There’s no direct train. Your options are to drive or book a private transfer, take the train to Saint-Raphaël and continue by ferry or bus, or take the seasonal direct boat from Nice port. Which is best depends on the season, your luggage and when you need to arrive.
How far is Nice from Saint-Tropez?
Saint-Tropez is about 100 km south-west of Nice by road. The fastest route follows the A8 motorway west, then local roads down to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The coastal road via Cannes, Théoule and Saint-Raphaël is far more scenic, but much slower.
How long does it take to get from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
Journey times from Nice to Saint-Tropez depend mostly on the season. This table compares every option:
| Option | Typical time | Season | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car or private transfer | 1.5–2 h off-peak, 2.5–3.5 h+ in summer | All year | Heavy traffic on the final approach in July and August |
| Train + ferry via Saint-Raphaël | About 2.5 h with the connection | Ferry April–November | Train to Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, then boat |
| Train + bus via Saint-Raphaël | 2.5–3 h+ | All year | Varlib bus 7601, slow in traffic |
| Direct boat from Nice | About 2.5 h | Summer season only | One morning departure, evening return |
| Helicopter | Under 30 minutes | All year | The most expensive option |
These are typical times. Always check the operator’s timetable on the day you travel.
Driving from Nice to Saint-Tropez
Driving from Nice to Saint-Tropez usually means the A8 toll motorway, then the roads through the Var down to the gulf. Out of season it’s the fastest and most flexible way to travel, with the fastest route taking about 2 hours without traffic, according to travel planner Kimkim. In summer the bottleneck is the last stretch into Saint-Tropez, where queues can add an hour or more, and parking in town is very limited in high season.
Good to know: in July and August, leaving early in the morning or in the evening generally cuts the wait on the final approach.
Can you get from Nice to Saint-Tropez by train?
Not directly. Saint-Tropez has no railway station, and the nearest one is in Saint-Raphaël. From Nice-Ville, TER and TGV trains reach Saint-Raphaël-Valescure in about an hour. From there you have two ways to continue:
- By ferry: Les Bateaux de Saint-Raphaël sail from Saint-Raphaël’s Old Port to Saint-Tropez in about an hour, from April to November. The port is a few minutes’ walk from the station.
- By bus: Varlib line 7601 leaves from behind Saint-Raphaël station and reaches Saint-Tropez bus station in about 1.5 hours without traffic.
These details come from Kimkim. Check train times on SNCF Connect.
Is there a ferry from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
Yes, in season. Trans Côte d’Azur runs a boat from Nice port to Saint-Tropez with one morning departure and an evening return. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours. It makes a lovely day trip, but it isn’t practical with luggage or a fixed arrival time, and it doesn’t run in winter.
Is there a bus from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
There’s no direct year-round bus between Nice and Saint-Tropez. The simplest public-transport route is the train to Saint-Raphaël followed by bus 7601. It’s the cheapest way to get there, but also the slowest, especially in summer traffic.
Who is a private transfer from Nice to Saint-Tropez for?
A private transfer is the door-to-door option. It suits travellers arriving at Nice Airport with luggage, families and groups, and anyone who needs to arrive at a set time: a wedding, a restaurant booking, or a villa check-in. Your chauffeur meets you inside the terminal, tracks your flight in real time and takes you straight to your hotel or villa, with no connections.
- Fixed price agreed in advance, so traffic doesn’t change what you pay.
- Mercedes vehicles: an S-Class for up to 3 passengers and 3 bags, or a V-Class for up to 7 passengers and 7 bags.
- Available 24/7, including for late flights.
Want to go from Nice to Saint-Tropez without changing trains or boats? See our private chauffeur service in Nice for airport transfers across the Riviera.
For a door-to-door ride at a fixed price, see our private transfer from Nice to Saint-Tropez.
What’s the best way to get from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
There’s no single best way. It depends on your trip:
- On a budget and not in a hurry: train to Saint-Raphaël, then bus or ferry.
- A summer day trip: the direct boat from Nice port.
- Arriving at the airport with luggage, as a family, or on a schedule: a private transfer.
- Fastest, whatever the cost: helicopter.
French speakers can read this guide in French: comment aller de Nice à Saint-Tropez.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Nice from Saint-Tropez?
About 100 km by road, via the A8 motorway and the roads around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
How long is the drive from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
About 1.5 to 2 hours without traffic. In July and August, allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours or more.
Is there a direct train from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
No. Take the train to Saint-Raphaël-Valescure (about an hour), then the ferry or bus 7601.
Is there a boat from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
Yes, in season, with one daily departure from Nice port and a crossing of about 2.5 hours.
How much is a private transfer from Nice to Saint-Tropez?
With Luxotica, the price depends on the vehicle, the number of passengers and the time of travel. It is fixed and confirmed in writing before your trip.
The bottom line on Nice to Saint-Tropez
Nice to Saint-Tropez is about 100 km and takes from 1.5 to more than 3 hours depending on the season. The train and ferry suit light, flexible travellers, and the direct boat is a great summer day out. A private transfer is the simplest choice from the airport, with luggage, or when you have to arrive on time.
Ready to book? Request your fixed-price quote and we’ll confirm your car and driver in writing.