What's the best way to travel from Nice to Florence?
The best way to travel from Nice to Florence is with a private car transfer with Daytrip. DaytripтАЩs door-to-door service allows you to relax and enjoy the journey without the hassles of navigating public transportation or the stress of driving in a foreign country. Alternatively, if youтАЩre on a budget, you can choose to travel by bus. It takes longer and is less comfortable but is mostly direct. Learn more about the Flixbus schedules here.
Is the train from Nice to Florence scenic?
Yes, the train journey from Nice to Florence offers scenic views, particularly through the Italian Riviera and the hills of Tuscany. While you'll need to change trains, the route provides glimpses of the Mediterranean coastline and Italian landscapes, making it a visually rewarding travel option.
Can I rent a car in Nice and drop it off in Florence?
Yes, many rental agencies offer one-way rentals allowing you to pick up a car in Nice and drop it off in Florence. Be aware of the drop-off fees for international one-way rentals, which can vary significantly between companies.
Are there direct trains from Nice to Florence?
No, there are no direct trains from Nice to Florence. You'll need to transfer, usually in Milan or Genoa. The trip includes regional or high-speed trains to the transfer city, followed by a high-speed train to Florence, taking around six to seven hours in total. Check here for the options of traveling by train.
What is Florence famous for?
Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance, boasting perhaps the finest collection of Renaissance art and architecture in the world. ItтАЩs also renowned for its leather and hearty cuisine.
What should I know about driving from Nice to Florence?
Expect a journey of approximately four and a half to five hours over 263 miles (430 km) mostly on toll roads. Italian motorways are well-maintained but remember to have cash or a card ready for the tolls and be mindful of the ZTL zones in Florence to avoid fines.
Seated in the back of your private car taking you from Nice to Florence, the seascapes from the coast of France and Italy accompany you for nearly the entire car trip. But eventually, the hills of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean Sea give way to the Ligurian coast and the Italian countryside. Though you wonтАЩt want your journey to end, it will take around five to five and a half hours to cover the distance of 301 miles (485 km) that separates the two cities.
Daytrip lets you turn this beautiful route into an unforgettable travel experience with sightseeing stops. Take your first stop in Monaco, the famous city-state whose fame skyrocketed when Grace Kelly married the Prince of Monaco, Rainier III, in 1956.
Take in the cliffed views from the medieval Monte Carlo and stroll around the Monte Carlo Casino, a renowned playground for the rich. Next, stop by another well-known Italian city before Florence.
Not visiting Pisa when you are in Italy is a bit like not eating pizza, so, it's a high-priority must-do! Although it is indeed touristy and popular, there is a reason for that; 20 historic churches, medieval palaces, and architectural treasures such as the Leaning Tower. DonтАЩt be shy and pose in front of the tower---you'll regret it if you don't!
About Florence
The destination of your trip from Nice to Florence is a city of immense historical importance, artistic influence and architectural beauty. Florence, the capital of Tuscany region, has been the center of so much beauty and significance for centuries. Being regarded as the birthplace of Renaissance means that it houses masterpieces by Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Dante Alighieri, Petrarch and more.
To grasp this cityтАЩs enormity in importance, consider that the Florentine dialect is the base of Italian language and it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy for some time in the 19th century.
You know how being in some places is described as being in a painting? Florence is the one place that suits this description more than any city. Walking through the narrow streets lit up with peeled orange paint, passing the musicians on Ponte Vecchio, the (secret) bridge, and taking a break by sitting under one of its arched windows are only a few things that will make you feel like a brush stroke in a painting.
When you walk to Piazza del Duomo, youтАЩll be standing in the middle of one of the most attractive places in the world, and youтАЩll quickly understand why it is so. Careful, being surrounded by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery of Saint John, and GiottoтАЩs Campanile might make you a little bit dizzy with their bright marble beauty.
A little fun fact about the cathedral; the dome of it was built by Brunelleschi who had no architectural training and never built anything in his life before. Here, you can learn more about the square, its buildings and get your tickets in advance.
From Nice to Florence: travel tips
Traveling from Nice to Florence Italy by your door-to-door private car service such as Daytrip is an experience that guarantees ultimate comfort and fun. To make sure everything goes smoothly, note some of our travel tips!
Embrace the journey
Consider stopping at places like Monaco or Pisa. Take the opportunity to sample local cuisine at roadside trattorias and cafes. DaytripтАЩs door-to-door car service makes it easy to stop and make the most of your time in France and Italy.
### Stay connected
Ensure you have a way to stay connected, either through your current plan or by purchasing a local SIM card for internet access since googling some facts and tips along the way and checking the map might be helpful.
### Know the emergency numbers
Have a list of emergency numbers, including local roadside assistance number 116 and the European emergency call number which is 112. The Italian police number is 113, the fire brigade is 115, for any medical emergency call 118. Save this website for more information.
How to get from Nice to Florence
There are several options to travel from Nice to Florence, each with its own advantages. Here's a guide to your travel options:
Nice to Florence by train
The train ride to Florence takes about six to seven hours, including transfers. There's no direct train from Nice to Florence. You'll take a train from Nice to Milan or Genoa, and then another train (Frecciarossa or Italo) to Florence. Check the schedules of the trains and reserve your tickets here. Remember, high-speed trains require seat reservations!
### Nice to Florence by bus
Getting to Florence from Nice by bus takes approximately seven to ten hours, depending on the service. Various bus companies operate this route, including FlixBus. While this is often the most budget-friendly option, it's also the longest. Buses may offer amenities like Wi-Fi and onboard restrooms.
### Nice to Florence by flight
There are no direct flights from Nice to Florence, so this option isn't as fast as you'd think. If you search for flights from Nice C├┤te d'Azur Airport (NCE) to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) you'll find they usually have a layover in a major city like Rome or Milan. At the very best, you're looking at 6 hours including the layover. When you factor in airport transfers, check-in, security, and potential layovers it actually comes out to be slower than driving or taking the train.
### Nice to Florence by private car transfer with Daytrip
A private car transfer with Daytrip is by far the most convenient, fun, and luxurious way to get from Nice to Florence. Unlike any other option, Daytrip lets you add sightseeing stops to your itinerary when booking your car.
You have complete control of everything from when and where youтАЩre picked up, to how long you want to stop. All you have to do is book and then lean back and let your local driver handle the rest of the trip. And since Daytrip drivers speak English, you can turn the whole trip into an enriching experience by talking about local history and culture!
### Nice to Florence by rental car
If you absolutely need complete control over your trip or plan on exploring Tuscany, you can rent a car and drive from Nice to Florence. The most common route by car takes you along the Italian Riviera and through the regions of Liguria and Tuscany.
You'll be driving via the A10 and E80 in France, transitioning to the A12 and then the A11 in Italy. The journey covers approximately 263 miles (430 km) and takes around four and a half to five hours under normal traffic conditions.
There are drawbacks to driving yourself. Traffic around Nice and Florence can get very congested, and be prepared for several tolls along the Italian motorways. And since Florence's city center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), you'll need to find accommodation with parking or use designated parking areas outside the ZTL.
Things to do when you get to Florence
Leaving behind your trip full of exploration from Nice to Florence, youтАЩll get to the city where youтАЩll lose yourself in Renaissance art, statues, mesmerizing views of bridges on the Arno river, delicious Italian cuisine, and much, much more. Here are some of our favorite tips - inspired by lovely memories of Florence!
Explore the Renaissance city on a bike
Florence is not exactly a city that is entirely bike-friendly. However, if you are an experienced biker or someone who commutes everyday/everywhere by biking in your own city, then youтАЩll have no trouble getting around Florence.
There are several hostels in Florence where you can rent a bike, which makes it convenient for you when returning the bike. Bike next to the river and explore the city in a completely different way. Looking back to the memories of being on a bike, under the sun, going through the vast and narrow streets of Florence will be the sole reason to come back again.
Start exploring earlier in the morning to avoid the noon sun. DonтАЩt forget to take a hat and sunglasses with you!
### See the city from Piazzale Michelangelo
Watch the glorious skyline of Florence from the famous viewpoint of Piazzale Michelangelo. Here you will see the bridges of the city including the Ponte Vecchio aligning on the Arno snaking along and dividing Florence in two. The beautiful monuments and buildings along with the Duomo will be laid before you to enjoy. The viewpoint is dedicated to Michelangelo (not designed by him, contrary to common belief) and is decorated with bronze replicas of some of his finest works such as David.
### Marvel at the magnificence of David
Speaking of Michelangelo, Florence is blessed with many of his masterpieces, but David is the one that will leave you absolutely speechless. Housed in the Accademia Gallery, the 17 ft (5.17 m) statue of unmatched grandeur leaves its visitors in complete awe.
It is one of those artworks that you can't fully appreciate until you see it in person. Take as much as time you need walking around and standing in front of David until you are ready to leave the gallery bewitched. Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance because the lines get quite long, regardless of the season.
When is the best time to visit Florence
The best time to visit Florence is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) months. The weather is perfect for a full day spent exploring the streets of Florence and the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Visiting during these months means a perfect balance between comfortable temperatures and relatively lower tourist crowds, leaving more room for you to enjoy FlorenceтАЩs galleries, restaurants, riversides, and cafes.
Spring brings the city to life with blooming flowers and green landscapes, while fall introduces a palette of warm colors, cooler weather, and new wine harvests. These seasons host a variety of cultural events and festivals, so plan your trip accordingly for a deeper insight into the local culture and traditions.
Skyrocketed to fame when Grace Kelly married Prince Ranie III, this seaside city-state is heady with the scent of the sea, and prosperity.┬аGlamour on the Mediterranean┬а
Sanremo
Sanremo's most impressive feature is its beautiful stretch of beach lying along Italy's western Mediterranean coast.┬аA Riviera of Fun┬а
Toirano Caves
As caves go, this one has some spectacular human hand and footprints left in the mud some 25,000 years ago, as well as the cave bear boneyard.┬аStep into history┬а
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro
Overlooking the Italian Riviera, this milky marble basilica offers fantastic views, even for the non-faithful.┬аA Mountaintop Sanctuary┬а
Pisa
Straddling the River Arno, the Italian city of Pisa has much more to offer than its famous Leaning Tower.┬аAncient city of art┬а
Montecatini Alto
Montecatini Alto is an Italian town famous all over the world for its thermal waters and spas. The tiny medieval village offers stunning view of the Tuscan hills.┬аMedieval village with Tuscan views┬а
тАЬWe had a terrific experience on our day trip. We hired a driver to transport us from Florence, Italy to Nice, France. We received door-to-door service. The driver was personable, polite, and enjoyable to spend the day with. Due to strikes and undependable train delays and cancellations in France, scheduling a private driver was a last-minute decision for us. We are so glad we did. Daytrip provided a stress-free and relaxing travel day. The stop-over in Pisa was great and the driver provided terrific recommendations on places to visit once we arrived in Nice. Many thanks.тАЭ
тАЬHad a wonderful day trip from Florence to Nice with Giancarlo. He picked us up at our hotel promptly at 9am in his very clean Mercedes van and off we went.
We had scheduled 2 stops to break up the long drive. First in Montecatini Alto, where we grabbed some breakfast and some ceramics to ship home. 2nd stop was to be in Sanremo, but Giancarlo suggested Portofino for lunch instead. We were not disappointed. We had a fantastic meal in a beautiful location.
With only one additional stop for some coffee, we made it into Nice around 5pm.
Giancarlo could not have been more polite. And he was a very safe driver.
I highly recommend him personally and would not hesitate to utilize Day Trip again. Looking forward to our next adventure!тАЭ
