Are public transportation worth it?
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Exploring Nice for just two days has already given us a unique glimpse into the rhythm of local life, especially as we’ve been relying on public transportation to get around town. There’s something special about riding the buses and trams here. Not only is it a practical way to move from place to place, but it’s also already become our daily dose of people-watching and immersion into the local culture.
One of the things that stands out to us is how integrated the public transportation system is with everyday life in Nice. In the mornings, we often see parents taking their kids on the bus to school. There’s no separate school bus system here; kids hop on the same buses as everyone else, sometimes with their parents, and sometimes on their own. They’re so confident, weaving through the city like seasoned commuters. It’s clear that public transport is a well-oiled machine, and everyone seems to have their routine down to a science.
What really caught our attention was the politeness and sense of community that revolves around the buses. Every time someone gets on or off, they greet the driver with a cheerful "Bonjour!" and when they leave, it’s always "Merci, au revoir!" It’s such a small gesture, but it says a lot about the connection between people here. We’ve even noticed how drivers recognize their regular passengers. On our first ride, we were clearly the odd ones out—not just because of our tourist vibe, but because the driver didn’t recognize us, and neither did the regulars. It was a moment that made us realize how tight-knit even a simple bus route can be.
Tourists don’t seem to venture much into the local neighborhoods via public transport, which is understandable. Most visitors stick to the main attractions, and local buses are often just ferrying people to and from work, school, or errands in areas where tourists don’t typically have a reason to stop. But for us, these quiet neighborhood routes are some of the best parts of our days. As the bus weaves through the streets, we get to see so much—beautiful maisons and apartments with intricate façades, people rushing to catch the next tram, or walking leisurely with their groceries. Sometimes, we even catch heartwarming glimpses of life, like a bus driver chatting with waste truck drivers or school crossing guards. They all seem to know each other, laughing and exchanging jokes as they work. It’s refreshing to see people so happy in their roles, contributing to their community in a way that feels connected.
One thing we’ve learned about the bus schedules—don’t expect them to always be right on the dot! Traffic, or lack thereof, can throw things off a bit. So, we make sure to be at the stop five minutes early, just in case. And if the bus is late, well, you’ll usually see others waiting around too, which is always a good sign.
On the other hand, the trams are a bit more reliable, especially with their digital timetables telling you when the next one will arrive. Riding the tram has become another favorite pastime of ours. It’s a comfortable, quiet way to see the city, gliding through commercial areas, shopping districts, and even past hospitals. Sometimes, we just hop on without a specific destination, letting the tram take us on a tour of the city. Sure, it’s not as informative as a guided tour, but it’s certainly a cheaper way to get around while soaking in the sights.
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| All bus stops have a timetable and schedule. |
Speaking of tours, we’ve been thinking about doing a walking tour in one of the more popular areas. While we love the freedom of riding the trams and buses, it would be interesting to hear what a local guide has to say, to learn the stories behind the places we’re exploring. But until then, we’re happy to keep riding along with the locals, enjoying our daily window into life in Nice.
Go to Getting Around Nice with Public Transportation: A Seamless Experience! (thetrekkingpawns.blogspot.com) for more info on getting a metro pass in Nice!
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