Your San Remo Day Trip at a Glance
Imagine swapping your morning French croissant for a rich Italian espresso in just over an hour. A day trip from Nice to San Remo, Italy, is a delightful cross-border adventure that offers a complete change of scenery, culture, and cuisine. Wondering if San Remo is worth visiting? Absolutely, and this guide will show you why it’s one of the best day trips from the French Riviera, covering exactly how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and how much it all costs for your 2025 trip.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Nice | Approx. 65 km (40 miles) |
| Travel Time | 1 to 1.5 hours by car, bus, or train |
| Average Cost | €30 – €80 per person (transport & food) |
| Best Day to Visit | Tuesday or Saturday (for the famous market) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Must-Try Food | Trofie al Pesto, Focaccia, Sardenara |
How to Travel from Nice to Sanremo: Train, Bus, or Car?
Getting from the heart of the Côte d’Azur to the Riviera dei Fiori is surprisingly simple. Each mode of transport has its own charm, cost, and convenience. Here’s the breakdown to help you choose the best option for your Italian escape.
By Train: The Scenic Route
The train journey is a classic European experience, hugging the coastline for beautiful Mediterranean views. There is no direct train, but the change is very easy. The journey is a two-part trip:
- Nice-Ville to Ventimiglia: You’ll take a French SNCF TER train. This leg takes about 50 minutes.
- Ventimiglia to San Remo: After a quick stop in Ventimiglia (the Italian border station), you’ll hop on an Italian Trenitalia regional train for the final 15-20 minute ride to San Remo.
You can buy tickets for each leg separately or use a platform like Omio or Trainline to book the entire journey. The total travel time is about 1.5 hours.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to validate your Italian regional train ticket! Look for the small green (or sometimes yellow) machines on the platform marked ‘Convalidare’ and stamp your ticket before boarding. Failing to do so can result in a hefty fine.
By Bus: The Budget-Friendly Option
For travelers keeping a close eye on their budget, the bus is a fantastic choice. Flixbus operates a direct route from Nice (departing from Vauban bus station or the airport) straight to San Remo’s central bus station. The journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, and if you book in advance, you can snag tickets for as little as €5!
By Car: The Freedom & The Challenge
Driving offers the most freedom to explore the coastline at your own pace. The route is straightforward via the A8 motorway in France, which becomes the A10 in Italy. The drive is about 65 km and takes roughly an hour without traffic. However, be aware that this is a toll road. The main challenge is parking in San Remo, which can be difficult to find and expensive, especially on market days. We recommend heading directly to the main underground car park, “Parcheggio Palafiori” near Piazza Colombo, which costs around €2-€3 per hour.
Comparison Table: Nice to San Remo Transport
| Method | Avg. Cost (Round Trip) | Avg. Time (One Way) | Convenience | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | €25 – €40 | ~1.5 hours | High (Relaxing) | Scenery lovers & hassle-free travel |
| Bus | €10 – €25 | ~1 – 1.5 hours | Medium (Direct) | Budget travelers |
| Car | €30 – €50 (fuel + tolls) | ~1 hour | Low (Parking stress) | Families or those exploring beyond |
Top 5 Unforgettable Things to Do in San Remo
Once you’ve arrived, San Remo’s Italian charm is ready to sweep you off your feet. Here are the top five experiences you can’t miss on your day trip.
- Get Lost in La Pigna (The Old Town): Step back in time as you wander through La Pigna, a labyrinth of steep, covered alleyways (caruggi) and medieval stone arches. The climb is well worth the effort. At the very top, you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Ligurian Sea. Accessibility Note: This area has many stairs and steep inclines, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- Experience the Famous San Remo Market: If you plan your visit for a Tuesday or Saturday morning, you’re in for a treat. The sprawling outdoor market takes over Piazza Eroi Sanremesi and the surrounding streets. It’s a vibrant, chaotic, and utterly Italian experience where you can find everything from leather bags and cashmere sweaters to local cheeses and fresh produce.
- Stroll the Corso dell’Imperatrice: This magnificent seaside promenade gets its name from Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna, who visited in the 19th century and was so taken with the city that she gifted the Canary Island palm trees that line the walkway. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk, a gelato, and people-watching.
- Admire a Slice of Russia on the Riviera: A testament to San Remo’s history as a haven for European aristocracy, the Russian Orthodox Church (Chiesa di Cristo Salvatore) is an architectural marvel. With its colorful onion domes and stone facade, it looks like it was plucked straight from Moscow and dropped on the Italian coast.
- Soak in the Glamour at the Casino & Ariston Theatre: Feel the city’s glamorous pulse at the Art Nouveau Casino di Sanremo. You can enter the main hall for free to admire the architecture (ID required, 18+). Just a short walk away is the Ariston Theatre, the legendary venue that has hosted the iconic Sanremo Music Festival—the inspiration for Eurovision—since 1951.
A Perfect One-Day San Remo Itinerary (Market Day Edition)
Want a foolproof plan for your day? Follow this schedule for the ultimate market day experience.
- 9:00 AM: Depart from Nice-Ville station by train, enjoying the coastal views.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive in San Remo. Take a 10-minute walk from the station towards the city center and Piazza Eroi Sanremesi.
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Dive into the bustling atmosphere of the Tuesday or Saturday market. Hunt for bargains and soak up the local life.
- 1:00 PM: Time for lunch! Grab a cone of fresh fried calamari from a market stall or find a seat at La Pignese for authentic, no-frills seafood.
- 2:30 PM: Begin your ascent through the winding alleys of La Pigna. Take your time and enjoy the medieval architecture on your way to the sanctuary at the top for stunning photos.
- 4:00 PM: Make your way back down and reward yourself with a stroll along the elegant Corso dell’Imperatrice, passing the Russian Church and the Casino.
- 5:00 PM: It’s time for one last Italian treat. Grab a gelato or an espresso near the port and enjoy a final moment of dolce vita.
- 5:30 PM: Walk back to the train station to catch your return service to Nice.
Where to Eat: A Taste of the Ligurian Coast
From quick street food to Michelin-starred dining, San Remo’s culinary scene is a highlight. Here are a few recommendations for every budget.
Budget-Friendly Bites (€)
For a quick, cheap, and delicious taste of Liguria, head to any local focacceria. Be sure to try a slice of sardenara, the local specialty that resembles a thick-crust pizza topped with tomatoes, garlic, capers, and anchovies. It’s the perfect fuel for exploring.
Authentic Mid-Range Lunch (€€)
For a sit-down meal that won’t break the bank, try a classic trattoria. Trattoria da MIKE is a local favorite, serving up generous portions of Ligurian specialties like fresh pasta with pesto (trofie al pesto) and locally caught seafood. For classic seafood dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, check out Ristorante Flipper.
A Michelin-Star Experience (€€€)
If you’re looking to splurge on a truly memorable meal, book a table at Paolo e Barbara. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an exquisite fine-dining experience focused on innovative Ligurian cuisine.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Details
Best Times to Visit
- Seasons: The best weather and most pleasant atmosphere can be found in Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October). Summer is peak season, which means beautiful weather but also more heat and bigger crowds.
- Days of the Week: To experience the city at its most vibrant, visit on a Tuesday or Saturday for the famous outdoor market.
Opening Hours & Customs
- Shops: Most shops follow the traditional Italian schedule, opening from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and then again from 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Many are closed on Sundays and Monday mornings.
- Restaurants: Be aware that the coperto (cover charge) is a standard practice in Italian restaurants. It’s a small per-person fee for bread and table service.
San Remo Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Here’s a look at what you can expect to spend for a day trip from Nice.
| Expense | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | €15 (Bus) | €30 (Train) |
| Lunch | €10 (Street Food) | €25 (Trattoria) |
| Coffee/Gelato | €5 | €8 |
| Attractions | €0 | €8 (Villa Nobel) |
| TOTAL | ~€30 | ~€71 |
Insider Tips for a Flawless Day Trip
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: This is non-negotiable. Between the cobblestones of the market square and the steep hills of La Pigna, your feet will thank you.
- Bring Your Passport: While there are no formal border checks within the Schengen Area, it is a legal requirement to carry a valid government-issued ID or passport when crossing international borders.
- Cash is Handy: Many smaller cafes and market stalls prefer cash. Having some Euros on hand is always a good idea for small purchases.
- Check the Calendar: Avoid visiting during the Sanremo Music Festival (usually in February) unless that’s your specific reason for going. The city becomes extremely crowded and prices for everything skyrocket.
- Learn a Little Italian: A simple per favore (please), grazie (thank you), and buongiorno (good day) will be much appreciated by the locals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is San Remo worth visiting?
Yes, San Remo is definitely worth visiting for a day trip. It offers a perfect taste of the Italian Riviera with its beautiful Belle Époque architecture, a vibrant market, a charming old town, and delicious Ligurian food, all just a short journey from Nice.
How to travel from Nice to Sanremo?
You can travel from Nice to Sanremo by train, bus, or car. The train is a scenic 1.5-hour journey with a change in Ventimiglia. The bus is the most budget-friendly direct option, taking about 1.5 hours. Driving takes about an hour but involves tolls and challenging parking.
What is the best day trip from Nice?
San Remo is one of the best day trips from Nice, especially if you want to experience another country’s culture. Other popular day trips include Monaco, Eze Village, and Antibes, but San Remo provides a uniquely Italian flair.
What is the closest Italian town to Nice France?
The closest Italian town to Nice is Ventimiglia, located right on the border. While Ventimiglia has a famous Friday market, many travelers prefer to continue just 20 minutes further to San Remo for its greater charm, beautiful architecture, and resort-town atmosphere.
TL;DR: Your San Remo Day Trip Cheat Sheet
In a hurry? Here’s the need-to-know:
- Getting There: Take the train for scenic views (change in Ventimiglia) or the Flixbus for the cheapest fare.
- Best Day: Go on a Tuesday or Saturday to experience the massive outdoor market.
- Top 3 Must-Dos: Explore the market, climb through the old town (La Pigna), and walk the palm-lined Corso dell’Imperatrice.
- Must-Eat: Grab a slice of sardenara (local pizza) or sit down for trofie al pesto.
- Key Tip: Wear very comfortable shoes. You’ve been warned!
