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Saint-Tropez isn’t easy to get to, and an estimated 20,000+ visitors hit the sands of Pampelonne Bay per day during the summer months. It’s no surprise, then, that this storied French village, famous for its glamour, is also known for its traffic problems.
For more than 20 years, I’ve had a house in Sainte-Maxime, a village facing the port of Saint-Tropez. I’ve driven there in all seasons, including during summer when traffic moves at an escargot’s pace along the two-lane road. It’s frustrating for everyone in the car.
But traffic can also be heavy outside of summer, too, such as in May when there are multiple holiday weekends in France, and during sailing events, such as Les Voiles, a well-known regatta held at the end of September. (Read my guide to visiting Saint-Tropez during September).
I won’t even mention the parking challenge.
So, let me help you remove the frustration by offering some options.
Saint-Tropez From Nice
Self-driving is the easiest way to get to Saint-Tropez. Highways in France are well-marked, and directions are straightforward from Nice Airport: take the A8 toward Antibes/Cannes/Marseille, then get off at exit 36. Follow the signs to Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez. Voila!
If you don’t want to rent a car, taxis and private drivers are available, and you can expect to pay between €250 and €350*one-way. Depending on the time of year, they might only take you as far as Sainte-Maxime and encourage you to catch the Bateaux Verts ferry (see below).
The new Var Express service is a game-changer. An air-conditioned van will pick you up at Nice Airport and drop you off in Saint-Tropez for around €86* and in Sainte-Maxime for around €59.*
ZOU! is the public bus company serving the region, but there is no direct bus from Nice Airport to Saint-Tropez. You’d first have to go to Saint-Raphael, about 1 hour 15 minutes, then connect to Saint-Tropez, another 1 hour 30 minutes. Unfortunately, the bus schedules aren’t well-synced, so you should tack on another 45 minutes or an hour in between.
The good news? The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, and it will cost you less than €25* total. You’ll find the buses opposite the baggage claim exit at Terminal 2. They are lined up in numbered parking spaces (Saint-Raphael is #4).
If you’re game for a boat ride from Nice, check out the 2.5-hour one-way ride to Saint-Tropez and enjoy the scenery along the French Riviera. You can book it round trip too.
*Always check prices as they can change
Saint-Tropez From Sainte-Maxime
The Bateaux Verts, a ferry service that takes you directly to the Port of Saint-Tropez in 20 minutes, is my go-to during peak months. During the summer, the boats run every 15-20 minutes from 7:30 a.m. in July and August (8 a.m. other months), until later than I stay up. It’s honestly the BEST way to travel to the port of Saint-Tropez.
The cost* is €9 one way and €16 round-trip, and you buy a ticket for the day you want to take the boat, not a specific time, so there’s no pressure.
You can purchase near the embarkation point (opposite the Tour Carré in Sainte Maxime), but I find it easier to buy online. They’ll send you a barcode via email, and you can show it to them upon boarding or print it out. Someday they’ll have an app.
Tip: the longest lines are in the mornings, especially on Tuesday & Saturday, when Saint-Tropez’s market unfurls on Place des Lices. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your desired departure time to avoid missing the boat.
Schedules are posted on their website
*Always check prices and schedules as they can change
Saint-Tropez From Saint Raphael
The Bateaux Verts also leave from Saint-Raphael (Frejus), about a 25-minute drive east of Sainte-Maxime.
Saint-Raphael also has a train station just next to the bus station, and regional and TGV trains stop here from other parts of France, Nice and the French Riviera.
You can book via the Trainline app, which I use all the time for rail travel all over Europe.
Saint-Tropez Private Drivers & Chauffeur Services
I know it’s an absolute luxury to have a private driver, but time is valuable when on vacation. I often book a driver to pick me up at the Saint-Raphael Train Station and bring me to my apartment in Sainte-Maxime, which is a schlep from the bus stop, especially with luggage.
Ride shares like Uber are also becoming MUCH more reliable in the area
Saint-Tropez Helicopter Service
Pull up your fancy pants travelers! A helicopter transfer is the ultimate way to get to Saint-Tropez, cut down on travel time, and up your jet-set style.
You can board from hubs like Cannes, Monaco, and Nice and arrive, movie-star-style in Saint-Tropez.
Read about these 5 amazing hotels in Saint-Tropez
Read more about visiting Saint-Tropez in September, my favorite month
