For more than 20 years, I’ve had a house in Sainte-Maxime, a village facing the port of Saint-Tropez. I’ve traveled here in all seasons, but mostly summer, when traffic moves at an escargot’s pace along the two-lane road between the two.
Travel to Saint-Tropez is NOT easy, which is part of its enduring allure. But it’s also a pain.
So, let me help by offering my tried and true tips on the best ways to travel to Saint-Tropez, whether you’re catching an airport transfer, taking a taxi, bus, or boat, or self-driving.
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Travel to Saint-Tropez From Nice Airport
The best way to travel to Saint-Tropez is by renting a car and driving yourself. I promise, it’s not hard. Nice Airport has numerous rental car companies, and the French highways are well maintained and well marked.
Driving directions to Saint-Tropez from Nice Airport are straightforward: get on the A8 from the airport toward Antibes/Cannes/Marseille, then exit at 36. Follow the signs to Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez. Voila! It’s that easy.
But you will contend with roundabouts, traffic, and toll booths. AND, once you get to Sainte-Maxime, the road is two lanes (one in each direction) and this is where you can expect the traffic to start.
If you aren’t up for a self-driving adventure and don’t mind throwing money around to keep things easy, taxis are located just outside baggage claim and are usually plentiful. Keep in mind that taxi prices aren’t strictly regulated for long intercity routes, so confirm a quote before you hop in.
Private transfers are another solution, and for both, you should expect to pay between €250 and €350* one-way. Depending on the time of year (summer, for example), a taxi might only take you as far as Sainte-Maxime and encourage you to catch the Bateaux Verts ferry (see below).
The new Var Express airport transfer 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.*
On-board services include WiFi, cold drinks, and Usb/220v recharging.
*Always check prices as they can change
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, which takes 1 hour 15 minutes, then take a bus to Saint-Tropez, another 1 hour 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, the bus schedules aren’t well-synced, so you should tack on another 45 minutes to an hour for wait time. You can see this is a long journey.
The good news? The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, and they will cost you less than €25*. At Nice Airport, you’ll find the buses opposite the baggage claim exit at Terminal 2. They are parked in numbered spaces (Saint-Raphael is #4).
Traveling around the French Riviera means you always have access to water, so if you’re game for a scenic journey from Nice, check out the 2.5-hour one-way boat ride to Saint-Tropez and enjoy the Mediterranean scenery. You can book it round-trip, too.
Travel to 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. It’s the easiest way to travel to Saint-Tropez, no question, and the boats drop you right in the scenic sherbet-hued port.
During peak summer, these green and white boats run every 15-20 minutes, from 7:30 a.m. in July and August (8 a.m. other months), until 1 or 2 a.m. It’s honestly the BEST way to travel to Saint-Tropez during summer months if you want to keep stress levels down.
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. Fingers crossed.
Travel Tip: the longest lines for the Bateaux Verts are in the mornings, especially on Tuesday & Saturday, when Saint-Tropez’s market takes place 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
Travel to Saint-Tropez From Saint Raphael
The Bateaux Verts also leave from Saint-Raphael (Fréjus). The advantage of this departure point is that Saint-Raphael has a train station just next to the bus station, and regional and TGV trains stop here from other parts of France, such as Paris.
Taking a taxi from Saint-Raphael, or hiring a private transfer, is much less expensive than from Nice Airport, as it’s significantly closer to Saint-Tropez.
You can book rail travel all over Europe.
Travel to Saint-Tropez with a Private Driver
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
Travel to Saint-Tropez by Helicopter
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!
Spend the Night in Saint-Tropez
After all the effort to travel to Saint-Tropez, it make sense that you’d plan to spend a night or two.
There are Airbnbs, 4* and 5*-stays, and guest houses. They can be pricey in summer, and many close for the season. I’ve picked my favorite 5 amazing hotels in Saint-Tropez.
Or, you could just make Nice your home base and book a day trip to Saint-Tropez . It’ll be long, but no less rewarding.
