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 summer when traffic moves at an escargot’s pace along the two-lane road between the two.
Getting to Saint-Tropez isn’t easy, 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
The best way to travel to Saint-Tropez is by self-driving, and it’s not hard.
French highways are well marked, and directions from Nice Airport are straightforward: take the A8 toward Antibes/Cannes/Marseille, then exit at 36. Follow the signs to Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez. Voila!
But you will contend with roundabouts and toll booths.
If you aren’t up for a self-driving adventure, taxis and private drivers are the next easiest bet, and certainly a solution if you don’t mind throwing money at it to keep things easy.
However, you should expect to throw between €250 and €350* one-way.
Depending on the time of year (summer) a taxi might only take you as far as Sainte-Maxime and encourage you to catch the Bateaux Verts ferry (see below) the rest of the way.
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.*
*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, 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*. You’ll find the buses opposite the baggage claim exit at Terminal 2. They are parked in numbered spaces (Saint-Raphael is #4).
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 along the French Riviera. 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 the summer, the Bateaux Verts ferries 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. Fingers crossed.
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
Travel to Saint-Tropez From Saint Raphael
The Bateaux Verts also leave from Saint-Raphael (Frejus). The advantage of this 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 here or hiring a driver is much less expensive than from Nice Airport as it’s significantly closer to Saint-Tropez.
You can book via the Trainline app, which I use all the time for 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 private 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 the night.
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.
