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 6 km from the center, right at the end of the Promenade des Anglais promenade, the city's airport is one of the most popular in the area. Travelers arriving from all corners to enjoy all that the city of Nice has to offer are met with a runway 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 cabs, 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 in advance a shuttle service. With this transportation system, you will have staff at your disposal to help you with your luggage and to take you to your accommodation in Nice.

Numerous local tour operators offer this type of service as a way to make your trip easier. You can make your reservation online by informing the arrival time of your flight to the city and your space will be reserved.

If you are going to the city during peak tourist season, such as summer in Nice, it is best to book your airport transfer in advance as the flow 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 done on board a shared shuttle and in small groups, ranging from 6 to 8 passengers. This way of organizing the transfers allows that if you travel with friends or with a large family you can even book an exclusive transport for your group of companions.

Useful information:

  • Price: Available from 35€ per traveler approximately.
  • Duration: The transfer from the airport to the center of Nice is completed in just 30 minutes.
  • Schedule: You will have to coordinate it directly with the company you hire. Most of them offer total flexibility of schedule so you will have a transfer available regardless of the arrival time of your flight.
  • Recommended if... You are looking for a relaxing vacation, making important reservations such as accommodations and transfers days before your trip will save you from many inconveniences.

Book an airport transfer in Nice

2. Tramway, the option with the highest availability.

Nice Tramway| ©Andim
Nice Tramway| ©Andim

If you are looking for an economical and efficient transportation option to get from Nice to the airport and vice versa, the city streetcar is the best possible alternative. This system directly connects the airport terminals with the city of Nice.

The main drawback is that if you are traveling with a lot of luggage you may need to take a cab to complete the journey to the hotel, but if you are on a short backpacking trip of 3 days in Nice or less, this method may work perfectly for you.

Inside the Nice airport you will find two streetcar stops: at Exit A0 there is an easy connection to Terminal 1 of the tramway, while at Exit A2 is the connection to Terminal 2. I recommend taking line 2 to Nice and Port Lympia and check the real time schedule directly on the website of the provider Lignes d'Azur.

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 accommodations in the nearby areas. I recommend having the mapof stops and stations handy so that you can determine which one is the most suitable for your accommodation.

Useful Information:

  • Price: The streetcar costs approximately €1.50 each way.
  • Duration: The journey takes only 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 are looking for a cheap and fast alternative to get to your hotel. If you are not traveling with a lot of luggage this method of travel is simple 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 center. This means of transport is one of the most economical alternatives to travel. The company that offers the best services is the bus service Ligne d'Azur (RLA).

To get from Terminal 1 to the heart of Nissa la belle, you can use the urban transport lines 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 the 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 service with connection 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 inconveniences.

Useful Information:

  • Price: Varies depending on the company. The starting price is €1.50 for city bus service.
  • Duration: 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 traveling to Nice for a short vacation and with little luggage. Also if you are looking for the cheapest possible alternative and are not traveling with small children.

4. Cab, the most flexible option.

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

Like most tourist cities in the world, cab transfers to and from Nice International Airport are an available transportation option for travelers. It is a means of transportation that provides 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. The staff is available to help you with your luggage if required and take you non-stop to your destination in Nice.

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

Despite the availability and convenience, I recommend my traveler 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 center.
  • Duration: The journey is completed in about 30 minutes.
  • Schedule: Available 24 hours a day.
  • Recommended yes... Ideal for busy travelers who are looking for a simple solution and have no time to waste. It is also an excellent alternative if the travel budget 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 travelers use it as a connection point to visit 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 neighboring cities such as Monaco, Cannes or Grasse. Before booking or paying for the ticket, be sure to ask if the destination you wish 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 500 meters from Terminal 1 (the equivalent of a 15-minute walk) and 1.9 km from Terminal 2 (the equivalent of a 25-minute walk). You may have to complete the journey with a cab or bus ride.

Useful Information:

  • Price: Prices vary depending on the route. Available from 11€ per passenger.
  • Duration: Varies depending on the destination.
  • Schedule: Regularly operates from 05:30 am to 00:20 approximately.
  • 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 cab 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 counter. Before you leave your luggage in the lockers, it will be wrapped with a transparent security plastic. Prices for the service range from 8 € for up to 3 hours, or 14 € for a day.