Manchester
United Kingdom
1,500 km
15-17 hours driving
Nice
France
Distance
1,500 km
Drive Time
15-17 hours
Est. Fuel
£120-£150
Est. Tolls
£80-£100
Route Overview
Manchester to Nice is an epic 1,500 km drive requiring at least two days. Flying from Manchester to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is vastly more practical and often cheaper once you factor in fuel, tolls, crossing, and overnight hotels.
Best crossing option
Fly + hire strongly recommended
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £330-£450 |
| Ferry | £80-£140 | £280-£390 |
| 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
Direct flights from Manchester to Nice take 2 hours — driving takes 2 days. The economics favour flying.
If you must drive, break the journey at Lyon or the Rhône Valley for an overnight stop.
Total costs (fuel + tolls + Eurotunnel + hotels) can easily exceed £400 return — compare against flight + car hire.
The drive from Manchester to Dover alone is 4-5 hours before you even cross the Channel.
The French Riviera has excellent public transport — you may not need a car once you arrive in Nice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Manchester to Nice?
Flying is almost always cheapest. Manchester has direct flights to Nice from around £70-£150 per person return. Driving costs £280+ one way including UK fuel, Channel crossing, French fuel, tolls, and at least one overnight hotel. For 2 people, flying saves both time and money.
How long does it take to drive from Manchester to Nice?
The drive takes 15-17 hours of actual driving time spread over two days, plus the Channel crossing. Most people overnight near Lyon, arriving in Nice on day two. By contrast, a direct flight takes just 2.5 hours.
Do I need a car in Nice?
Not necessarily. Nice has an excellent tram network, buses, and the coastal railway connects towns along the Riviera. However, if you want to explore the hilltop villages of Provence (Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Grasse), a car gives you much more flexibility.
Get an exact cost for Manchester to Nice
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Manchester → Nice