Getting around Nice

Public transport

The Riviera-wide Ligne D'Azur (tel: +33 810 061 006; www.lignedazur.com) operates the city's bus and tram network. As well as running all the buses within the Nice metropolitan area, Ligne D'Azur also connects Nice with over 20 other Riviera towns, and much of the rest of France.

Single fares, day tickets, weekly passes and carnets of 10 tickets are available. You can buy tickets at on tramway platforms, at newspaper kiosks, or purchase single tickets on board.

Taxis

You can hail taxis on the street or at the ranks at the railway station and the Promenades des Anglais, as well as in the old town. Pre-booked taxis are available from Central Taxi Riviera (tel: +33 4 9313 7878). Ensure that the meter is switched on or agree a price in advance for all journeys.

Driving

Driving in the city centre can be intimidating, as Nice has heavy traffic and locals often drive erratically.

Car hire

There is little need to hire a car in Nice. The city is quite compact and journeys around central Nice are often quicker by foot. International car hire companies with offices in Nice include Avis (tel: +33 1 7092 2020; www.avis.fr), Europcar (tel: +33 977 403 266; www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: +33 4 9703 0120; www.hertz.fr).

The minimum age for car hire varies from 21 to 25 years. You must have held a national driving licence for at least one year. Credit cards are usually the required method of payment.

Bicycle hire

Nice's bikeshare scheme is called Vélo Bleu (tel: +33 4 9372 0606; www.velobleu.org). There are regular drop-off and pick-up points throughout the city, and the first half hour of hire is free.