Nice Airport Transfers

Looking for transfer options between Nice and the city's airport? Fortunately, alternatives abound and here I tell you in detail everything you need to know.

Katherine Betances

Katherine Betances

6 min read

Nice Airport Transfers

Boats in Nice | ©Dr Bob Hall

Located just 6km from the centre, just off the Promenade des Anglais promenade, the city's airport is one of the most popular in the area. Travellers arriving from far and wide to enjoy all that the city of Nice has to offer are met with an airstrip with spectacular views of the beaches, islands and beautiful towns of the French Riviera.

Moreover, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is easily accessible. Upon landing, you will find several transfer options available: private, trains, buses or taxis, you will find all the information here!

1. Shared transfer: comfort and speed.

Summer in Nice| ©Javier Doren
Summer in Nice| ©Javier Doren

The best alternative is to book a transfer service in advance. With this transport system, you will have staff at your disposal to help you with your luggage and to take you to your accommodation in Nice.

Many local tour operators offer this type of service as a way of making your trip easier. You can book online by informing them of your flight arrival time in the city and your space will be reserved.

If you are going to the city during peak tourist seasons, such as summer in Nice, it is best to book your airport transfer in advance as the influx of passengers reduces the availability of options due to demand.

Although certain specific details may vary depending on the company you choose to hire, transfers are usually provided in shared transport and in small groups, ranging from 6 to 8 passengers. This way of organising transfers means that if you are travelling with friends or a large family, you can even book an exclusive transfer for your group of companions.

Useful information:

  • Price: Available from approximately €35 per passenger.
  • Duration: The transfer from the airport to the centre of Nice takes just 30 minutes.
  • Timetable: You will need to coordinate this directly with the company you hire. Most offer total flexibility of schedule so you will have a transfer available no matter what time your flight arrives.
  • Recommended if... You're looking for a relaxing holiday, making important reservations such as accommodation and transfers days before your trip will save you a lot of hassle.

Book an airport transfer in Nice

2. Tramway, the most widely available option.

Nice Tramway| ©Andim
Nice Tramway| ©Andim

If you're looking for a cheap and efficient way to get from Nice to the airport and back, the city's tramway is the best possible alternative. This system connects the airport terminals directly to the city of Nice.

The main drawback is that if you're travelling with a lot of luggage you may need to take a taxi to complete the journey to your hotel, but if you're on a short 3-day backpacking trip to Nice or less you may find this method works well.

Inside Nice Airport you'll find two tram stops: Exit A0 is an easy connection to Terminal 1 of the tramway, while Exit A2 is the connection to Terminal 2. I recommend taking line 2 to Nice and Port Lympia and checking the real-time timetable directly on the Lignes d'Azur provider's website.

This system offers a direct connection to the main train station in Nice, Gare Nice-Ville. It is one of the most central and convenient stops, as you will find numerous hotels and accommodation in the nearby areas. I recommend having a mapof stops and stations handy so that you can determine which one is the most suitable for your accommodation.

Useful Information:

  • Price: The tram costs approximately €1.50 each way.
  • Duration: The journey takes only 30 minutes: The journey only takes 30 minutes to complete.
  • Timetable: Tram line 2 runs from 05:24 to 00:15, with a new train approximately every 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Recommended if... You're looking for a cheap and quick alternative way to get to your hotel. If you are not travelling with a lot of luggage this method of travel is easy and highly convenient.

3. Bus, an economical option.

Nice Bus| ©citivias
Nice Bus| ©citivias

In the city of Nice you will find bus lines connecting the two terminals of Nice Côte d'Azur airport with the city centre. This means of transport is one of the most economical alternatives for travelling. The company offering the best services is the Ligne d'Azur (RLA) bus service.

To get from Terminal 1 to the heart of Nissa la belle, you can use either bus line 12 or line 23. Both belong to the Lignes Essentielles and are the most convenient and economical options available. Although these lines only serve Terminal 1, remember that inside Nice airport you will find a free shuttle service connecting Terminal 1 and 2.

Another alternative is to buy a ticket for lines 98 or 99. Belonging to the same company, these are special buses that provide regular transfers to and from the airport. The buses are equipped with a special luggage compartment and the ticket price is higher.

From Nice airport you will also find bus services with connections to other nearby towns and cities. The company Blablacar, offers connections from Nice to 42 destinations in and outside France, while the company Flixbus offers connections from Nice to at least 70 destinations.

Traveller Tip

If you choose this option it is best to have cash on hand to avoid inconvenience.

Useful Information:

  • Price: Varies depending on the company. The starting price is €1.50 for the city bus service.
  • Duration of journey: The journey to the old town takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.
  • Timetable: Monday to Saturday, from 06:00 to 20:30; Sundays from 07:00 to 20:00.
  • Recommended if... You are travelling to Nice for a short holiday with little luggage. Also if you are looking for the cheapest possible alternative and are not travelling with small children.

4. Taxi, the most flexible option.

Nice Taxi| ©Miguelangel Cubico
Nice Taxi| ©Miguelangel Cubico

Like most tourist cities in the world, taxi transfers to and from Nice International Airport are an available transport option for travellers. It is a means of transport that provides an excellent service with regulated fares, certified drivers and properly identified vehicles.

You can book in advance through a booking platform and the assigned driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it. Staff are on hand to help you with your luggage if required and take you non-stop to your destination in Nice.

It's a service that works well if you're going during the wetter months, for example if you're visiting Nice for Christmas and are looking for a safe and comfortable way to get to your destination. Also if your flight arrives in the early hours of the morning and other options are not available.

Despite the availability and convenience, I would recommend to my travelling friends to opt for a shared transfer service, as you can find cheaper offers with a very similar service.

Useful Information:

  • Price: Taxi fares for Nice airport are set by the prefecture. The base price is around €40 from the airport to the city centre.
  • Duration: The journey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
  • Timetable: Available 24 hours a day.
  • Recommended if... Ideal for busy travellers who are looking for a simple solution and don't have time to waste. It is also an excellent alternative if budget travel is not a problem for you.

Book a guided tour of Nice

Train, the best option to connect with other nearby cities.

Train in Nice| ©Maryphoto92
Train in Nice| ©Maryphoto92

If your flight lands in Nice and you are looking for a way to connect to nearby cities, the train is the best alternative.

Nice is one of the best connected cities in the south of France and many travellers use it as a connecting point to other destinations such as the famous mountains of the Gorges de Verdon or the mountain villages of Provence.

In Nice the SNCF TER trains are used to get from the airport to neighbouring cities such as Monaco, Cannes or Grasse. Before booking or paying for a ticket, be sure to check that the destination you want to reach is included in the route.

The main drawback of this alternative is the distance. The closest train station to the airport is Saint-Augustin station, located about 500m from Terminal 1 (a 15-minute walk) and 1.9km from Terminal 2 (a 25-minute walk). You may need to complete the journey by taxi or bus.

Useful Information:

  • Price: Prices vary depending on the route. Available from €11 per passenger.
  • Duration: Varies according to destination.
  • Timetable: Regularly operates from 05:30 am until approximately 00:20 am.
  • Recommended if... Nice is a transit destination and your accommodation is outside the city in a nearby community. The train will allow you to make the journey with the least amount of inconvenience.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the name of Nice airport?

    Nice Côte d'Azur is the city's international airport, and is located about 7 km (4 miles) away from Nice. It takes about 15 minutes to reach Nice by taxi or transfer, and about an hour by public transport.

  • How many terminals does Nice airport have?

    It has two terminals, with the recent construction of Terminal 2 where low cost airlines operate and which is connected to Terminal 1 by free shuttle buses.

  • Is it possible to leave luggage at Nice airport?

    Yes, there are luggage lockers located in Terminal 2, at the left-luggage desk. Before you leave your luggage at the lockers, it will be wrapped in transparent security plastic. Prices for the service range from €8 for up to 3 hours, or €14 for a day.