Private car transfer from Nice to Genoa

Even though your journey begins along the sandy shores of Nice's tree-lined promenade, you'll quickly ascend into the surrounding hills. After exiting each looping tunnel, a new surreal image appears in the distance. The most eye-catching scene is how colorful villages clutch to cliffs and manage to maintain steep vineyards stuck upon the ridges.

Almost every city offers the same postcard photo of medieval buildings topped by rustic terracotta roofs. However, you'll know you've reached your final destination in Italy as Genoa's iconic port, sheltering extensive cruise ships, sits just feet from your car window.

There's only one way to travel along the French and Italian Rivieras. In style and comfort! So continue reading our comprehensive Nice to Genoa guide to uncover everything you need to know about embarking on this voyage in 2024!

Early Genoa

The Ligures were the first tribe to form a permanent settlement in Genoa. The city, Oppidum, resided on Castello Hill, where the Old Town is today. However, in 218 BC, the Roman army conquered the area and transformed it into a hub for maritime trade and military movements.

It took until the 11th century for Genoa to witness significant urban growth. During this period, the city established the Genoese Republic, stretching as far west as the modern-day border of France. Although it flourished for centuries, growing competition over the trade routes with the newly formed Venetian Republic led to its demise in 1797.

Recent and modern Genoa

Being a port city was the key to unlocking Genoa's rich past, but it was also the reason for its almost complete destruction. During World War II, the Allied forces dropped 80 tons of explosives on the town to neutralize the importance of shipping military goods for the Axis forces. Luckily, proud locals, constructors, and architects helped rebuild its historical walls and extend the city boundaries after the tragic events from 1939 to 1945.

Today, Genoa is a combination of lavish palaces and rustic cobbled lanes. Piazza de Ferrari is the heart of the new town, where Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles decorate the chic white buildings. Yet, the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crams traditional eateries into cozy stores along the narrow streets. The contrasting nature of this stunning environment makes you feel like you're visiting two cities at once while wandering from idyllic squares to vibrant shopping zones.

• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Plug types: C, F, and L

Prioritize comfort

Coastal road trips and comfort go hand in hand. The last thing you want on this scenic journey is to sit for almost 3 hours in an unairconditioned vehicle with noisy passengers and no sea views.

So, opt for a private door-to-door service like Daytrip that offers 360 panoramic vistas and modern conveniences. Or if traveling by public transport, consider spending more for a first-class ticket and extra legroom. Whatever way you travel, remember to sit on the right side for the best views!

Explore sightseeing opportunities

Although 65 million people visit Italy annually, tourists regularly overlook Liguria. However, several captivating landmarks sit en route from Nice to Genoa that you might have yet to hear of.

Roaming the lush gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild will give you an insight into what to expect when you arrive in Genoa's glamorous new town. Or, you can wander the picturesque walkways of Dolceacqua and unwind before entering the melting pot of Genoa's lively energy!

Have a backup plan

Public transportation is a scenic and affordable way to travel from Nice to Genoa. Unfortunately, it's not always the most reliable.

According to the state-owned SNCF French Railway Company, there has been a strike every year in its 72-year existence. Many of these happen during the peak summer period. But whenever you travel, make sure to have a plan B and explore alternative modes of transportation in case of an emergency.

Buses from Nice to Genoa

The bus is the cheapest way you can travel from Nice to Genoa. So, if you're traveling Europe on a budget, this is the mode of transport for you.

BlaBlaCar Bus and Flixbus are the primary two bus companies operating on this route. The latter offers up to 13 direct daily connections. Most coaches leave from Nice Airport Station, whereas only a handful depart from Nice Vauban Bus Station before arriving at Genoa Fanti Principe Bus Station. Check the timetable and see which is closer to your accommodation before purchasing a ticket.

• Cheapest/average price: $10 (€8)/$16 (€15)
• Fastest/average duration: 2 hours, 40 minutes; 3 hours, 10 minutes
• First/last departure: 1:40 AM-11:25 PM

Trains from Nice to Genoa

The train is a popular way to travel from Nice to Genoa due to its stunning sea and mountain views. The last phase of the journey runs along the Ventimiglia to Cannes route, which experts constantly describe as one of Europe's most beautiful railway journeys.

Since no direct train goes from Nice to Genoa, you first must book a ticket from Nice to Ventimiglia. A pro tip is to purchase one from Nice Saint-Augustin rather than Nice Ville. This way, you'll arrive on board before the herds of locals and tourists fight for a seat on this busy line. After departing to change carriages in Ventimiglia, you can book a ticket online at Trenitalia or the station to Genova Brignole.

• Cheapest/average price: $23 (€21)/$28 (€26)
• Fastest/average duration: 3 hours, 6 minutes; 4 hours, 12 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:40 AM-6:50 PM

Daytrip private car service from Nice to Genoa

Daytrip is the best way to travel from Nice to Genoa if you're searching for speed, comfort, and convenience. Our door-to-door service will sweep you from your hotel in Nice to your new one in Genoa in only 2 hours and 40 minutes. Your driver will handle any luggage, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you don't have to organize cabs to a pickup point or when you arrive in Italy.

But Daytrip isn't your everyday taxi service from A to B. Your professional driver can stop at sights, cities, and other countries en route. Since you'll safely stow your bags in the car trunk, you won't have to search for storage facilities or hurdle suitcases over ancient cobbled roads. Monaco is unquestionably the jewel on this road trip. But you can uncover other gems studded along the coast, such as San Remo, Savona, or the hilltop town of Apricale!

• Seats from: $82 (€76)
• English-speaking driver
• Flexible schedule
• Sanitized, smoke-free car
• Equipped for pets, kids, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Explore the labyrinth of Genoa's Old Town

Since 2006, UNESCO has recognized Genoa's Old Town as a World Heritage Site. The organization preserving history celebrates the area, its exceptional medieval and Renaissance architecture, intricate alleyways, and outstanding examples of an urban ensemble.

Le Strade Nuove is the focal point of the UNESCO status, and Via Garibaldi splits the place down the middle. Today, 42 palaces are fully restored, which you can admire while soaking up the Italian ambiance or sitting at a traditional cafe sipping a coffee. You can also enter their grand settings, as many have been turned into showrooms, including the National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria and the Museum of Palazzo Reale.

Tour the Aquarium of Genoa

Situated in the old harbor area, the Aquarium of Genoa is one of Europe's largest and most impressive aquatic displays, spanning over 33,000 square feet. It houses various marine life, from sharks and dolphins to penguins and tropical fish.

The aquarium's creative design, featuring underwater viewing tunnels and large tanks, provides a flawless experience. It's the perfect place for traveling as a family or as a marine enthusiast.

Climb the Lighthouse of Genoa

Being a lighthouse, you can anticipate stunning vistas overlooking Genoa's bustling port and the tranquil Mediterranean Sea. What you might not expect is its unique red brick design adorned with the city's coat of arms.

Although this structure has stood since the 1540s, the Genoese Republic built a lighthouse here in the 12th century. Today, you can explore its eerie tunnels and learn about the past of this vital landmark before climbing 250 feet to enjoy the views and refreshing sea breeze.

Visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is a distinctive building that you’ll instantly recognize. Its black and white stripes symbolized nobility during the Middle Ages and are a leading factor in why 3 million tourists visiting Genoa come to admire the setting annually.

Its interior is just as impressive as its colossal columns, and its exquisite murals resemble more of a palace than a church. Its black and white trim also continues inside, but luckily, the upbeat energy outside remains outdoors and doesn't spoil the serenity.

From the end of March to mid-June, the average daily high temperature is 67° Fahrenheit. This is the ideal climate for getting lost in Old Town's narrow, brick-paved streets, taking cultural walking tours, and participating in outdoor activities. Also, you can enjoy a cappuccino on the terrace and sample the mouth-watering Italian cuisine in the evening without hiding from the baking summer sun.

The lower cost is another significant reason to travel from Nice to Genoa in the spring. Since fewer travelers are in town, hotels, transport firms, excursions, and dining outlets offer attractive deals to entice customers. Due to the fewer tourist crowds, you'll have more freedom to explore and have more time to snap up photos of the blooming flowers around town!