How to Get There
By air – Most visitors bound for Cannes will arrive first at Nice’s Cote d’Azur International Airport Terminals 1 & 2. A free shuttle operates to link Terminals One and Two and all other transit runs out of T1. From here there are a number of travel alternatives; Coach, Express Coach, Train, Bus, and Taxi. Beware that during peak season (August) transportation should be booked in advance, as it will sell-out. If traveling by public transit, two weeks before or after August, also be aware of labor strikes. Strikes are common, anticipated, and highly publicized. Simply check (google) the French newspapers before purchasing your tickets.
Coaches (Express) The commonly recommended and easiest transit is the Coaches or Express Coach. Coaches to Cannes Centre via the A8 motorway at a cost of around €17, runs every 30 minutes, 45 minute trip duration, no view.
Shared Airport to Hotel Shuttle – Cannexpress.com run a “shared” door-2-door transfer service via the A8, between Nice Airport and your accommodation in Cannes. Departures are every 60 minutes and cost €24 per seat. Reservations must be made in advance.
Trains The best cheaper alternative and frequently used by locals is the train (SNCF), between Nice’s St. Augustine station and Cannes. Trains run every 30 minutes, 30 minutes trip duration, and cost €11-15 (round-trip). Not the mention the views are amazing, in comparison to the Coaches, as the train runs adjacent the beach. (Summer 2011) The tricky bit is between the train station and airport(terminal 1), which is a half mile away. From airport(terminal 1) take the local bus #23, from bus bay 6, for 2 stops, for €1.4 (cash on bus, change for small bills only). The bus stop name is clearly marked as “Gare SNCF Saint-Augustine”. Local bus info at: Nice local bus#23 map at: Then walk (100m) between the bus stop and train station, which is kitty corner the intersection; under the train rail overpass and to the right, up “Av. Edouard Grinda”. The train station is on right. In reverse, from Cannes to airport, is the same. To repeat in reverse: Left out the station, down to intersection, left under overpass and across intersection. There is only one bus stop for #23, direction to the right, southwest, running parallel the train tracks. Train tickets can be purchased in advance by English speakers at or by French speakers at. Although the train runs early and late, in the day for local commuters, the ticketing station is only open normal business hours, so purchase tickets online in advance. Although on-board ticketing police are rare, the fine is stiff (minimum €100-300).
Bus The cheapest way in (€1), although not recommended, is the TAM 200, 210, 220,,,etc; via local roads which often experience traffic delays. This goes from Nice Airport (Terminal 1) to 2 stops in Cannes center. The journey is frustratingly long – it takes about 2 hours and stops every few hundred yards and has no special luggage facility. However the cost at only €1 is so low it attracts many travellers even though it may involve standing the whole journey. More info at:
Taxi services are the most convenient, but at an astronomical price of €80 minimum; or more, if they take the scenic route.
By car- As with Antibes, Monaco and other towns on the French Riviera, access by road at popular times can be slow and frustrating. The coast roads are generally packed, and there are few ways to descend from inland. Locals do have some tricks, like the one described below, but they are complex and do not always work. Using the train to get in is probably better. You can park in Mougins or Mouans Sartoux and take the train to Cannes.
The obvious way to Cannes from the A8 Cannes/Grasse exit is often extremely slow; you end up descending the Boulevard Carnot, which has an endless stream of traffic lights. The simplest way to avoid this congestion is to bear right immediately after you have left the A8 at the first traffic light. Then, once you are off the main road, get into the right hand lane and stay there as the road turns into a normal two-way road.
After a sharp bend there is a traffic light. Continue straight on at the light. At the next major intersection (about 1km further), turn left following signs to Cannes.
You are now on the N85; you should stay on it, and not follow misleading signs to other bits of Cannes until you are at the bottom (a T junction with a French Telecom building on your left). Probably the easiest thing to do at this point is to turn left at this T junction and almost immediately left again. Then go into the first parking garage you can (Parking Fontville).
Another way down to the coast (this works for both Cannes and Juan les Pins/Antibes) is to go to Vallauris and descend to the coast on the D135 and then turn right (for Cannes) or left (for Antibes) when you get to the N7.
Getting Around
By foot – Walking can quite often be the fastest mode of transport in Cannes. It also gives you the chance to stumble upon hidden sights that you may miss whilst being anchored to a bus or car.
By bus – Getting around Cannes is not a problem at all. The city is well equipped with an efficient bus system (the only public transportation available in town) that provides service not only in the city but also to neighboring La Bocca, Le Cannet and Mandelieu-La Napoule. The bus companies include STU de Cannes Bus Azur, Bus Azur, CTM Cannes La Bocca and Beltrame. They all have scheduled services with a frequency of a bus every 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the bus or at the bus stations and cost €1 per ride or you can purchase a Carte 10 which gives you 10 reduced-rate tickets. But be careful which fare you buy as buses in Cannes can be very expensive.
By taxi – Taxis can be hailed on the street or you can order them by phone calling Taxis de Cannes at +33 (04)929 9272. Fares are pre-established with an opening charge of €2.35 and subsequent charges of about €3.00 per mile.
By car – Cannes has all the usual hire car rental establishments (Hertz, Avis, Budget) where you can rent a car if you wish. Parking is generally not an issue. Although you will have to pay, it is recommended that you use one of the off street parking garages as this is far better than searching fruitlessly for a parking lot on the street. Moreover Cannes has a truly horrible one-way system and it is much easier to walk. The Fontville parking gives good access to the port and old town.
If you are more interested in the Croisette and/or dislike walking, then there are other parking garages that are available, like the one by the station: one of the best is the one underneath the Palais des Festivales, and the one under the Grey d’Albion hotel in Rue des Serbes.
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