We often get requests about getting to Cannes from the Italian city of Milan, and the answer we often give is the train. Trenitalia runs three daily trains to Nice at 11.10 am, 13.10 and 15.10 that take roughly five hours to cover the 334 kilometers. From there, it’s another 20-30 minutes to Cannes itself by train. Trenitalia rates start at about €15, although you can reasonably expect to pay more. This is an EC train so you have to reserve. I tried the booking engine online and couldn’t get a final price. Try for yourself at their Smart Price promo. [Note: I had to update this link. You might have to start from the Trenitalia homepage/Promotions/International Special Offers/Smart Price - Michael, October 2009]
The other option is by plane, of course. Air France flies direct, and several others fly with one stopover. The cheapest price I could find with a quick search was €178 return with Swiss (a 3-hour journey) or €311 direct return with Air France (1-hour journey).
If you have any better ideas for this trip, why not drop a message below?
The EUR 15 trains from Milano Centrale to Nice are available. You can reserve them online. That´s what I did.
Trenitalia hasn´t sent any conformation email back (you have to register to reserve, and they´ll send you a confirmation for registring, but not for the ticket.. funny), but deducted it on my VISA. After some frantic calls to Trenitalia I got the number of Centrale station.
A very nice lady called Roberta told me my reservation no. and that I´ll have to get the tickets at the Milano Intl. Ticket office (at the station). Well, we will see.
Other than that, I have seen cheap tickets to Nice from several European cities (Munich, Stuttgart) on airberlin.com
Have a safe travel!