Bristol
United Kingdom
1,400 km
15-17 hours driving
Nice
France
Distance
1,400 km
Drive Time
15-17 hours
Est. Fuel
£105-£130
Est. Tolls
£80-£100
Route Overview
Bristol to Nice is a marathon 1,400 km drive requiring at least one overnight stop. Bristol Airport offers seasonal flights to Nice — flying and hiring a car is almost always cheaper and faster than driving.
Best crossing option
Fly + hire strongly recommended
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £315-£430 |
| Ferry | £80-£140 | £265-£370 |
| Fly + Hire | £120-£280 | £195-£460 |
Estimated costs for 2 adults, standard car. Actual prices vary by season, booking time, and vehicle. Use our calculator for personalised results.
Tips for This Route
Bristol has seasonal summer flights to Nice Côte d'Azur — check availability before committing to drive.
If driving, plan an overnight stop around Lyon or the Rhône Valley — it's roughly the halfway point.
Total costs (fuel + tolls + crossing + hotel) can exceed £350 return — compare against flights + car hire.
The A7 autoroute from Lyon to Nice is stunning but extremely busy during July and August.
Nice parking is expensive (£20-£30/day) — consider staying outside the city with cheaper parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Bristol to Nice?
Flying is almost always cheapest. Bristol Airport has seasonal direct flights to Nice from around £80-£160 per person return. Driving costs £265+ one way including fuel, tolls (£80-£100), Channel crossing, and an overnight hotel. For 2 people, flying saves at least £200.
How long does it take to drive from Bristol to Nice?
The drive takes 15-17 hours of actual driving time over two days, plus the Channel crossing. Most people overnight near Lyon. A direct flight from Bristol takes just 2 hours, making it vastly more practical.
When do flights from Bristol to Nice run?
Direct flights from Bristol to Nice typically operate from May to October (summer season). Outside this period, you may need to connect via another UK airport or fly to Marseille instead. Book early for the best prices — summer peak fares are significantly higher.
Get an exact cost for Bristol to Nice
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Bristol → Nice