How to Travel by Train From Nice to Genoa & Milan
A popular way to travel from France to Italy is by train along the Mediterranean rail route linking Nice with Genoa and Milan.
In this short guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about this popular rail link between France and Italy, including how to book tickets.
By train from Nice to Genoa and Milan
The railway corridor linking Nice and the French Riviera with Genoa and Milan in Italy is one of many in Europe that had much better train connections in the past than it does today.
Sadly, there are currently no direct trains between Nice and Genoa or Milan, although the journey is still straightforward if you don’t mind changing trains.
With a single train connection at the Italian border station of Ventimiglia, you can travel comfortably and relatively quickly from Nice and other destinations along the French Riviera to Italy.
Trains depart frequently along this rail corridor, so there is always a departure time to match your schedule.
The InterCity train from Ventimiglia to Milan (left) and the regional train from Genoa to Ventimiglia (right), seen here at Savona railway station. ©AndyBTravels
Step 1: travel from Nice to Ventimiglia
From Nice-Ville, the city’s main railway station, you can catch one of the frequent TER regional trains to Ventimiglia.
These TER trains are operated under the Zou! brand, the regional transport network of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, which is part of SNCF, the French national railway company.
As with other regional trains, seating is unreserved, so you can simply take any available seat on board.
Trains from Nice to Ventimiglia stop en route at popular destinations in the French Riviera such as Monaco and Menton.
Some TER services start further west, allowing you to travel directly to Ventimiglia from popular French coastal towns such as Antibes and Cannes.
It’s a scenic ride, so try to sit on the right-hand side in the direction of travel for the best views over the Mediterranean!
Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the stations on the railway line between Nice and Ventimiglia. ©Paliparan
Step 2: travel from Ventimiglia to Genoa or Milan
Depending on the connection you book, you’ll change at Ventimiglia onto either a Regionale Veloce (fast regional train) or an InterCity (IC) train to Genoa.
For Milan, it’s best to change at Ventimiglia onto a direct InterCity train that takes you straight to your destination.
Regional trains in Italy have unreserved seating, so you can take any available seat on board.
InterCity trains in Italy require seat reservations, which are automatically included with your ticket.
Again, the best views are from the right-hand side of the train in the direction of travel.
Genova Piazza Principe railway station, the main railway station in Genoa. ©AndyBTravels
Trains at Milano Centrale railway station. ©AndyBTravels
Booking tickets
Train tickets from Nice to Genoa or Milan can easily be booked online through Omio, a reliable booking platform where you can book all the train tickets you need for your journey through France and Italy.
Regional trains in France and Italy have fixed fares based on the distance travelled, and tickets cannot sell out.
However, InterCity fares can vary depending on demand and how far in advance you book, with cheaper tickets often available when booking early.
As InterCity trains can sell out, it’s generally best to book as far in advance as possible.
This is particularly important when travelling in the height of summer, when booking several weeks or even months ahead is advisable.
Use the journey planner below to check prices and find the best train connection for your travel date from Nice to Milan, or between any other destinations in France and Italy.
Conclusion
Although there are no direct trains linking Nice with Genoa or Milan, the journey is easy to make with a single change at the border station of Ventimiglia.
It’s a scenic journey, with fine views over the Mediterranean Sea and the French and Italian Rivieras, so sit back and enjoy the ride!
