Horse-drawn carriages at Place de la Gare in Antibes

Gare D'Antibes

Gare d’Antibes: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Antibes Historical Sites

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Gare d’Antibes is not only a key transit hub on the French Riviera, but also your entry point to the storied town of Antibes—a destination famous for its medieval charm, artistic legacy, and stunning Mediterranean coastline. Established as part of the 19th-century Marseille–Ventimiglia railway line, Gare d’Antibes has evolved to meet modern travel needs while retaining a distinctly Provençal character. Whether you’re planning to stroll the picturesque Old Town, visit the famed Musée Picasso, or take in the lively marina at Port Vauban, Gare d’Antibes provides convenient access and a warm welcome.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth and enriching visit: up-to-date station hours, ticketing options, accessibility features, safety tips, and detailed information on connections and nearby attractions. Practical travel advice, cultural highlights, and key event details are included to help you maximize your experience in Antibes. For real-time updates and further planning, consult the official SNCF website and travel apps like Audiala. (SNCF, Omio, PlanetWare)

Historical view of Antibes Place de la Gare around 1900

Antibes train station exterior with signage and parked cars

Front view of Antibes train station in Alpes-Maritimes, France

Historical Development of Gare d’Antibes

Origins and Growth

Gare d’Antibes was inaugurated in the 19th century as part of the expanding Marseille–Ventimiglia railway, transforming Antibes from a modest coastal town into a thriving commercial and tourist hub.

Modernization and Facilities

A major modernization was completed in 2001, introducing a spacious passenger building with two 450-meter platforms, accessible ticket counters and machines, comfortable waiting areas, and modern amenities to accommodate travelers of all needs. The station seamlessly connects with local bus lines, regional coaches, taxis, and offers bicycle parking, making it a true multimodal transport hub.

Visiting Gare d’Antibes: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Ticket Office Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 07:30–19:00
- Saturday: 09:00–12:00 & 14:00–17:00
Self-Service Machines: Available 24/7 for ticket purchases and online reservation collection.
Online Options: Tickets can be purchased ahead of time via the SNCF website, Omio, and OUIGO.
Validation: Remember to validate (“composter”) your ticket before boarding.

Travel Tip: For peak travel periods and major events (e.g., Jazz à Juan festival), book tickets in advance to guarantee your seat.

Accessibility

Gare d’Antibes features step-free access, ramps, elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms. The SNCF “Accès Plus” service provides personalized assistance upon request.

Getting There

The station is centrally located at Place Pierre Sémard, easily reached by foot from the city center, local buses (Envibus), taxi, or bike. Paid parking and a free “kiss-and-ride” drop-off area are available adjacent to the station.

Station Facilities and Services

Waiting Areas: Heated/air-conditioned seating, newsstand, snack bar, and free Wi-Fi.
Restrooms: Clean and accessible facilities.
Luggage: Luggage trolleys available; short-term lockers or hotel concierge services nearby.
Shops & ATMs: Several options in the concourse.
Car Rentals: Major rental agencies nearby with advance booking options.
Taxi Rank: 24/7 taxi availability outside the main entrance (+33 (0)4 93 67 67 67) (Antibes Guide).

Train and Transport Connections

Train Services

TGV inOui & Ouigo: High-speed links to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other cities (note: coastal section is at conventional speed).
TER Regional Trains: Frequent services to Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Ventimiglia.
Night Trains (Intercités de nuit): Long-distance overnight routes.

Real-time schedules and booking: SNCF Official Website.

Bus and Coach Services

Envibus Network: 31 local routes connect Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Cap d’Antibes, and Sophia Antipolis.
Intercity Buses: Ligne d’Azur lines 620 (Cannes–Nice) and 82 (Vallauris–Antibes–Airport).
Tickets: Purchase on board, via the Envibus Ticket App, or at the station.

Airport Transfers

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (17 km):
- Direct train from Nice Saint-Augustin to Antibes (20 min).
- Shuttle buses and fixed-rate taxis available (Tripcrafters).

Cycling and On-Demand Rides

Bike Parking: Racks available near the station; local rental companies nearby.
On-Demand “Icilà” Service: Book rides across the Antibes area (+33 (0)4 92 19 76 30) (Antibes Juan-les-Pins).

Safety and Accessibility

Antibes is known for its safety; Gare d’Antibes is well-monitored by security and police, especially during busy seasons (Travel Ladies). Standard precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and arrange late-night transfers in advance if arriving after midnight.

The station is fully accessible, with step-free routes, elevators, tactile guides, accessible restrooms, and designated assistance for those with reduced mobility.

Exploring Antibes: Historical Sites and Cultural Highlights

Old Town (Vieil Antibes)

A 10-minute walk from the station, the Old Town enchants with its labyrinthine medieval streets, Provençal market on Cours Masséna, and panoramic ramparts (PlanetWare). Enjoy boutiques, cafés, and the daily market (except Mondays, September–May).

Port Vauban

Europe’s largest marina, home to luxury yachts and the iconic “Millionaires’ Quay.” Its history dates back to Roman times and it’s the perfect spot for a scenic stroll (France Adventurer).

Fort Carré

A 16th-century fortress with panoramic views over the coast (Voyage Tips).

Hours: April–October: 10:00–18:00; November–March: 10:00–17:00
Tickets: Around €6 adults; discounts for students/seniors; available onsite or via local tourism office

Musée Picasso

Located in the Château Grimaldi, showcasing Picasso’s works and other modern art (PlanetWare).

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00; closed Mondays and holidays
Tickets: ~€8 adults; free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Cap d’Antibes and Beaches

Beautiful beaches (Plage de la Salis, Plage de la Gravette) and the wild Cap d’Antibes peninsula with walking trails and secluded coves (The Crazy Tourist).

Juan-les-Pins

Adjacent resort with Art Deco flair, sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the world-famous Jazz à Juan festival (Voyage Tips).

Events, Gastronomy, and Shopping

Festivals:
- Les Voiles d’Antibes (June) – classic yacht regatta (CityXee)
- Jazz à Juan (late June–mid-July) (PlanetWare)
- Festival d’Art Sacré d’Antibes (July–September)
- Street Performers Festival (late May–early June)
Gastronomy:
- Don’t miss the Marché Provençal for local produce, cheeses, and specialties like socca and pissaladière (France Adventurer).
Shopping:
- Old Town boutiques and galleries feature jewelry, ceramics, Provençal textiles, and contemporary art (Iconic Riviera).

Day Trips and Excursions

TER regional trains offer quick connections to Nice, Cannes, and Monaco (The Crazy Tourist).
Boat trips to the Lérins Islands depart from Juan-les-Pins and Golfe Juan (Voyage Tips).

Practical Tips

Getting Around: Antibes is walkable; local buses and taxis are widely available (Voyage Tips).
Seasonal Advice: Summer is busy—book tickets and accommodation early. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds (Iconic Riviera).
Language: French is official, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Tourist Offices: Three locations in Antibes offer maps, advice, and booking support (Voyage Tips).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Gare d’Antibes visiting hours?
A: The ticket office is open Monday–Friday 07:30–19:00, Saturday 09:00–12:00 & 14:00–17:00; self-service machines 24/7.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: At the ticket office, self-service machines, or online via SNCF, Omio, and OUIGO.

Q: Is Gare d’Antibes accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with step-free access, elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are luggage lockers available?
A: Yes, for short-term storage.

Q: What sites can I visit nearby?
A: Old Town, Musée Picasso, Port Vauban, and Fort Carré are all within walking distance.

Q: Is the area around Gare d’Antibes safe?
A: Yes, Antibes is considered safe, though standard precautions apply.

Conclusion

Gare d’Antibes stands as both a modern transportation hub and the perfect starting point to discover Antibes’ rich blend of history, art, and Mediterranean beauty. With extensive facilities, strong safety measures, and seamless links to local and regional attractions, the station is designed to make your journey as enjoyable as your destination. Plan ahead, use official resources for real-time updates, and immerse yourself in all that Antibes and the Côte d’Azur have to offer.

For the latest travel information, visit the SNCF official website and Antibes tourist office. Download the Audiala app for real-time schedules, exclusive travel tips, and more.