Have you ever thought about leaving the fog or chaos of Milan in the morning and finding yourself, after a few hours, sipping a pastis while gazing at the endless blue of the Côte d’Azur?
What if I told you that you could do it for less than the price of a movie ticket and popcorn?
It’s not a mirage, but the reality of a train journey that is becoming the “best-kept secret” of Milanese travelers. For a total cost of around €28, you can reach the beautiful city of Nice, the beating heart of southern France, by taking advantage of the magical rail connection that crosses Liguria: the secret lies in the combination of Intercity and French regional trains (TER).
Low-cost France without a car: the Ventimiglia “trick”
Image: Jonathan Ansel Moy de Vitry / Unsplash
Your journey to relaxation begins right under the majestic vaults of Milano Centrale. Forget the stress of airport check-ins or endless queues on the highway. The smartest and most economical solution is to board a Trenitalia Intercity train bound for Ventimiglia.
The journey takes about 4 hours (no changes!), which is perfect for reading a book, planning your day in France, or simply looking out the window as the landscape changes dramatically from the buildings of Milan to the first cliffs of the Riviera Ligure di Ponente.
The price of savings: if you book a little in advance (taking advantage of Super Economy or Economy fares), a ticket to Ventimiglia will cost you around €18.
The best departure times for early risers
To really enjoy your day, I recommend the trains that leave early in the morning: there is one at 7:10 a.m. or 9:10 a.m. If you want to take it easier, there is also the 11:10 a.m. option, which still allows you to arrive in France in time for an aperitif at sunset.
Ventimiglia-Nice: 5 hours of pure wonder with sea views
Once you arrive in Ventimiglia, the border is just a stone’s throw away. This is where the “magic” happens: you get off the Italian train and board a TER (Transport Express Régional), the French regional train operated by SNCF.
There is no need to reserve a seat, the ticket costs around €10 and you can buy it directly from the ticket machines at the station or via the app.
This is perhaps the most exciting part of the journey. For about 50 minutes, the train literally runs along the edge of the sea.
You will pass through gems such as Menton, Roccabruna, and Eze-sur-Mer, with glimpses of Art Nouveau villas and exotic gardens that will take your breath away. It is a sensory experience that is worth the price of the ticket alone.
Strategic timetables from Ventimiglia:
- To arrive for lunch: trains at 11:09, 12:16, or 12:40.
- Frequency: there is almost one every 30 minutes, so no stress if the Intercity train is a few minutes late!
Nice in a day: what to do between socca, sea, and pastel-colored alleys
Arriving at Nice Ville station means immediately entering another dimension. Nice is not just a coastal city; it is a concentration of Provençal elegance and Mediterranean vitality.
As soon as you leave the station, breathe in the salty air and head for the famous Promenade des Anglais, the most famous seafront promenade in the world.
What can’t you miss if you’re in Nice (even if only for a day)?
- La Vieux Nice: the old town is a maze of narrow alleys, ochre-colored buildings, and fragrant markets, such as the flower market in Cours Saleya. Here you can taste authentic Socca (a delicious local pancake) for just a few euros.
- The sea: even if you only have a few hours, a walk on the pebble beach or a climb up Castle Hill to take the perfect photo of the Baie des Anges is a must.
- The atmosphere: it’s a unique mix of Belle Époque grandeur and the modernity of a cosmopolitan city.
If you’ve decided to take a day trip, Nice is perfectly accessible on foot. If you have a weekend, you can venture to nearby villages such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, just 5 minutes away by train.
Return to Milan: how to organize the perfect return
After a day spent enjoying croissants, the sea, and shopping in Jean Médecin, it’s time to head home. The return journey is just as easy:
- From Nice to Ventimiglia: TER trains run frequently, even in the evening. You can take the 5:23 p .m ., 5:53 p.m., 6:23 p.m., or 6:53 p.m. trains.
- From Ventimiglia to Milano Centrale: the last direct trains (Intercity) leave at 4:59 p.m. (for those who want to return early) or at 7:10 p. m. The latter will take you back to Milan by 11:00 p.m., just in time for dinner at one of the many places open at night in Milan.
Low-cost travel: some tips for saving money
Photo: GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP – representative image
To ensure that this trip costs less than €30, follow these little technical tips that will save you time and money:
- Book your Intercity train in advance: visit the Trenitalia website or use the official app. Search for the Milan-Ventimiglia route and select the “Economy” offers. The earlier you book, the lower the price.
- Buy your TER ticket online: you can buy the Ventimiglia-Nice route on the SNCF Connect website or directly from the yellow ticket machines on the platform in Ventimiglia. The price is fixed, so there’s no need to rush.
- Use a single app: apps such as Trainline often allow you to view both routes, but always check the official websites for special promotions reserved for young people (under 26) or loyalty card holders.
- Be careful with transfers: make sure you leave at least 15-20 minutes in Ventimiglia to change trains, so you can do everything calmly and maybe buy a Ligurian focaccia for a snack!
What are you waiting for? France is much closer than you think, and it costs less than a taxi to Malpensa. Pack your backpack, the French Riviera awaits!