Cannes, taxi and transport during the Cannes International Series Festival

The Cannes International Series Festival, more commonly known as Canneseries, has become in just a few years an unmissable event for amateurs and professionals of the small screen. Every year in the spring, the city of Cannes is transformed into a true global epicentre of TV series, attracting thousands of visitors, international stars and audiovisual professionals from all over the world.

While the glamorous and artistic aspect of the festival often makes the front pages of magazines, a crucial element is sometimes overlooked in the preparation: how to get around Cannes efficiently during this major event? Between the massive influx of festival-goers, the reinforced security measures and the particular geography of the city, the issue of transport deserves special attention.

In this article, we will explore in depth the different transport options available during Canneseries, with a focus on taxi and VTC services which are often the most convenient, although not always the most economical, way to get around the city of festivals. We will also discuss alternatives such as public transport, car rental, as well as eco-friendly solutions that are gaining popularity.

Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or about to live your first experience at Canneseries, this guide will help you plan your trips in an optimal way, allowing you to fully enjoy the event without unnecessary stress.

Understand the geography of Cannes during the festival

The transformation of the city

During Canneseries, the usual physiognomy of Cannes undergoes a significant metamorphosis. The Croisette, an emblematic artery along the Mediterranean Sea, becomes the beating heart of the festival. The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, easily recognizable with its famous red carpet, hosts official screenings and numerous events. Around this epicenter, several luxury hotels such as the Carlton, the Martinez or the Majestic become places for professional meetings, interviews and parties.

This concentration of activities in a relatively small area has a direct impact on traffic. Some streets may be temporarily closed or with limited access, particularly around the Palais des Festivals. Safety barriers are installed, modifying the usual routes of pedestrians and vehicles.

Strategic areas to know

To optimize your travels, it is essential to know the nerve centers of the festival:

The Palais des Festivals : central point where official screenings and ceremonies take place.
La Croisette : emblematic promenade where the large hotels are located that host many side events.
The rue d’Antibes : a commercial artery parallel to the Croisette, often less congested.
The Suquet district : historic centre offering a more authentic atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of festivals.
The La Bocca district : a residential area where festival-goers with a more limited budget often stay.
The SNCF station : arrival point for those who opt for the train.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport : the main entry point for international visitors, located about 30 km from Cannes.

Knowledge of these different areas of activity will allow you to anticipate your journeys and choose the most suitable means of transport according to your needs.

Taxis: the preferred solution during Canneseries

An essential service but under pressure

During Canneseries, taxis become one of the most popular means of transport, especially for professionals and festival guests who are looking for comfort and efficiency. However, this high demand has several consequences: reduced availability, long waits and sometimes increased prices.

Taxi drivers in Cannes are generally well versed in festivals and know the city perfectly, its shortcuts and restricted areas. Their local expertise is a considerable asset, especially when it comes to getting as close as possible to strategic places such as the Palais des Festivals.

How to book a taxi in Cannes

There are several options available to you to book a taxi during the festival:

By phone : Local companies such as Taxi Cannes or E-Taxi have reservation centers on +33 753 54 87 71. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for peak hours or important trips.
Taxi Ranks : The main stations are near the train station, the Palais des Festivals, and in front of the major hotels. During the festival, however, the wait can be significant.

Prices and specifications

Taxi fares in Cannes follow an official schedule, with kilometre rates, surcharges for bulky luggage and surcharges for night trips or Sundays and public holidays. During Canneseries, you should also plan for:

Nice airport – Cannes : count between €80 and €95 during the day, more in the evening or very early in the morning.
Intra-Cannes rides : the minimum price is around €30, plus the kilometre rate (around €1.5/km during the day).
Waiting and traffic jams : the meter continues to run even when stationary, at a rate of about €30/hour.

A valuable tip: discuss the estimated price before getting into the vehicle, especially for important journeys such as the one from the airport. Most drivers accept credit cards, but check this point at the time of booking.

Taxis reserved for accredited professionals

A peculiarity of the festival deserves to be highlighted: some taxi services are exclusively reserved for accredited professionals. Vehicles identified in the Canneseries colours provide shuttles between different strategic locations. If you have a professional accreditation, ask the organizers about how to access these privileged services.

VTCs: the modern alternative

VTC06 and other platforms during the festival

The arrival of VTC (Chauffeur-driven Transport Car) services such as VTC06 has considerably changed the transport landscape in Cannes. During Canneseries, these platforms are particularly busy and offer an interesting alternative to traditional taxis.

The advantages of VTC06 during the festival are numerous:

Simple booking via app
Paperless payment
Pre-race price estimate
Real-time vehicle tracking
Driver ratings generally guarantee a quality service

However, as Canneseries is a busy period, VTC platforms frequently apply dynamic rates that can considerably increase the cost of trips during rush hour or in the evening. It is not uncommon to see prices double or even triple compared to the usual price, especially after screenings or major events.

Practical advice for using VTC Taxis

To optimize your use of VTC Taxis during the festival:

Plan ahead for your trips: book your ride a few minutes before you actually need it.
Avoid peak hours : If possible, stagger your trips slightly to avoid peak fare periods.
Check the pick-up locations : some areas near the Palais des Festivals may be inaccessible to VTCs. The app will show you the nearest meeting point.
Compare platforms : In times of high demand, prices can vary significantly between local services.

BLACKCARS premium services adapted to the event

During Canneseries, several BLACKCARS services offer special offers adapted to the event:

High-end vehicles : some professionals and stars opt for premium services with luxury sedans or SUVs.
Private day drivers : expensive but convenient option for those who have many trips during the day.
Multilingual services : drivers who speak several languages, particularly appreciated by the festival’s international clientele.

These services usually require a prior reservation and can represent a significant investment, but they guarantee comfort and punctuality, two crucial elements during an event as dense as Canneseries.

Public transport: an economical solution

The Palm Bus network

Despite Cannes’ glamorous image, public transport remains a very viable option during Canneseries, especially for festival-goers on a budget. The Palm Bus network provides efficient service to the city and its surroundings.

During the festival, some lines are particularly useful:

Line 1 : serves the Croisette and the city centre, ideal for reaching the Palais des Festivals.
Line 200 : connects Nice to Cannes, an economical alternative for those who stay outside the city of festivals.
Special shuttles : In some years, additional services are set up specifically for the event.

The advantages are obvious: affordable prices (single ticket at around €1.50, day pass around €5), reduced environmental impact and service to most residential areas where many festival-goers stay.

However, keep in mind that buses can get crowded during the festival, and some evening schedules may be limited. Check the Palm Bus website for updated schedules and any changes related to the event.

The train: intercity option

The Cannes SNCF train station is ideally located near the Croisette. For those staying in nearby cities such as Antibes, Juan-les-Pins or even Nice, the train is often the fastest solution during rush hour.

The TER (Regional Express Trains) run regularly on the coast, with increased frequencies during festival periods. The journey from Nice to Cannes takes about 30 minutes, compared to often more than an hour by car or bus during busy periods.

A valuable tip: buy your tickets in advance via the SNCF Connect app or at the ATMs to avoid queues, especially at the end of the day when many visitors leave Cannes at the same time.

Ecological and alternative solutions

Electric bikes and scooters

In a human-sized city like Cannes, soft mobility is gaining in popularity, even during the festival. There are several options available to fans of ecological solutions:

Self-service bikes : The Palm Vélo system offers stations throughout the city.
Electric scooter rental : several operators offer this service via mobile applications.
Electric bike rental : ideal solution to explore the Croisette effortlessly.

These options have several advantages during Canneseries: ease of circumventing traffic jams, no parking problems, and of course reduced carbon footprint. In addition, the relatively flat topography of the centre of Cannes lends itself well to these modes of transport.

However, be careful: the density of pedestrians on the Croisette during the festival can make cycling or scootering tricky, especially around the Palais des Festivals. Cycle paths exist but can be congested.

Walking: often the most effective solution

Paradoxically, within the perimeter of the festival, walking is often the fastest and most reliable way to get around. The distances are relatively short between the main places of interest:

From the Palais des Festivals to the Hotel Martinez: about 15 minutes on foot
From the SNCF train station to the Palais des Festivals: less than 10 minutes
From the rue d’Antibes to the Croisette: 2 to 5 minutes depending on the location

Walking also allows you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the festival, spot celebrities and sometimes even take part in impromptu events or photo shoots that are an integral part of the Canneseries experience.

Practical tip: opt for comfortable shoes instead of high heels or new shoes, even if elegance is the order of the day during the festival!

Car rental: freedom and constraints

Rental cars: advantages and disadvantages

Renting a car during Canneseries has definite advantages for those who wish to explore the area beyond the event or who are staying in the hinterland. However, this option also has significant constraints to consider:

Benefits:

Freedom of movement and flexible hours
Possibility to easily explore the surroundings (Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, Nice hinterland)
Practical solution for transporting equipment or bulky luggage

Disadvantages:

Extremely difficult and expensive parking during the festival
Heavy traffic, with many traffic jams at rush hour
Access restrictions in certain areas near the Palais des Festivals
High cost (rental + fuel + parking)

If you nevertheless opt for this solution, prefer to book well in advance of the festival, as availability is quickly scarce. The agencies are mainly located at Nice airport, Cannes train station and in the city centre.

Parking and parking: a major challenge

Parking is probably the biggest challenge for those who choose to travel by car during Canneseries. The options are limited and often expensive:

Public car parks : car parks such as the Palais des Festivals or the Ferme are often full in the morning. Count about 20-30€ per day.
Hotel car parks : generally reserved for customers, but some offer day parking spaces (high rates, often €40-50).
Peripheral car parks : a more economical solution, with the possibility of reaching the centre by bus or shuttle.
On-street parking : extremely limited and strictly regulated, with reinforced controls during the festival.

An insider tip: some private car parks offer special “festival” subscriptions allowing guaranteed access. Check with operators like Indigo or QPark several weeks before the event.

Planning your trips: practical tips

Before the festival: essential preparation

Careful preparation of your trips can make all the difference between a smooth experience and stressful moments during Canneseries:

Book your accommodation strategically : focus on proximity to places of interest or public transport stations.
Study the city map and identify the routes between your accommodation and the places you will be visiting.
Check the official schedule to plan your travel based on the events you want to attend.
Plan a realistic transport budget , taking into account the increase in fares during the festival.
Book your airport transfers well in advance if you are arriving by air.

During the festival: adaptability and alternatives

Once there, the key is adaptability:

Plan for safety margins : Add 30 minutes to your travel time estimates, especially for important appointments or projections.
Always have a plan B : if your taxi doesn’t come, know which bus line to take or which VTC app to use.
Take advantage of off-peak times : move around during the main screenings to avoid peak traffic
Create local contacts : regular taxi drivers, hotel concierges, who can make it easier for you to get around.
Group your activities geographically to limit unnecessary back-and-forth.

Special cases: people with reduced mobility and specific transport

Accessibility is an important issue that the organisers of Canneseries are increasingly taking into account:

Adapted services : some taxi and VTC companies offer vehicles specially equipped for people with reduced mobility.
PRM access to the Palais des Festivals : specific entrances and routes are provided.
Accessible buses : Most Palm Bus buses are equipped with low floors and reserved spaces.
Assistance at the train station and airport : escort services available upon reservation.

If you have specific needs, contact the festival organization before your arrival to benefit from the adapted services and the most accurate information.

Transport budget: from low-cost to premium

Comparison of options according to budget

The cost of transportation during Canneseries can vary greatly depending on your choices. Here is a comparative estimate for a festival-goer who is present for 5 days, making an average of 2 daily trips:

Economical option (about 50-100€ for 5 days):

Public transport (weekly Palm Bus pass)
Walking for short distances
Possibly a few self-service bike rides
A round trip by collective shuttle from the airport

Intermediate option (about 200-350€ for 5 days):

Combination of buses and taxis/VTCs as required
Taxi rides mainly in the evening
Airport transport by collective shuttle or TER + bus
Occasionally, bike or electric scooter rental

Premium option (about 600-1000€ or more for 5 days):

Taxis or VTC for the majority of trips
Chauffeur-driven car service for important evenings
Private airport transfers
Optionally high-end car rental with valet parking in the hotels

Tips for optimising your budget

Some tips to control your transport budget while taking full advantage of the festival:

Combine modes of transport : use public transport during the day and book taxis for the evenings.
Share the groceries : organize with other festival-goers staying in the same area to divide the costs.
Negotiate packages : Some taxi drivers accept weekly arrangements during festivals.
Use promo codes : VTC apps often offer discounts during major events.
Opt for central accommodation , even if it’s more expensive – you’ll save on daily transport.
Avoid rush hour to benefit from more advantageous VTC rates and reduce waiting times.

The particularities of the 2025 edition of Canneseries

Transportation Innovations

The 2025 edition of Canneseries is expected to see the introduction of several innovations in the field of transport, reflecting the growing commitment to sustainable and smart mobility:

Dedicated electric shuttles running between the main hotels and the Palais des Festivals.
VTC area specially equipped in the immediate vicinity of the Palais to facilitate care.
Unified mobile app consolidating all the transport options available during the festival.
Official carpooling service allowing festival-goers to share their journeys via a dedicated platform.
Temporary charging stations for electric vehicles, installed specifically for the event.

These initiatives should help improve the experience of festival-goers while reducing the environmental impact of the event.

The impacts of urban construction sites and works

Like any living city, Cannes regularly undergoes development work that can impact travel. For the 2025 edition, several construction sites are likely to affect traffic:

Partial redevelopment of certain sections of the Croisette as part of the urban renewal plan.
Work to extend the network of cycle paths in the city centre.
Modernisation of access to the Palais des Festivals, which may temporarily modify certain pedestrian routes.

It is recommended that you consult the official website of the city of Cannes or Canneseries shortly before your visit to find out precisely the impacts of this work and adapt your journeys accordingly.

Conclusion: optimize your Canneseries experience through smart mobility

At the end of this in-depth exploration of transport options during the Cannes International Series Festival, several major lessons emerged.

Firstly, there is no universal transport solution that would suit all profiles of festival-goers. Each option has its pros and cons, and the optimal choice will depend on your personal priorities: budget, comfort, flexibility, environmental impact, or speed.

Secondly, preparation is a key factor for success. By anticipating your travel needs, booking your important transfers and familiarizing yourself with the geographical specificities of Cannes, you will avoid a lot of inconvenience during the festival.

Third, flexibility and adaptability remain essential. Even with the best planning, unforeseen events can occur: exceptional traffic jams, last-minute changes to the program, or adverse weather conditions. Always having an alternative solution in mind will allow you to manage these hazards with peace of mind.

Finally, don’t forget that travel is an integral part of the Canneseries experience. A taxi ride can be an opportunity for a chance meeting with a professional in the sector, a walk on the Croisette can allow you to see your favorite actors, and even waiting for a bus can become a moment of exchange with other series enthusiasts.

Ultimately, the key to a successful experience lies in a judicious balance between different transport solutions, adapted to your specific needs and the particularities of this major international event that Canneseries has become.

Have a good festival, and happy travelling!