Nice: Airport Arrival
1. Tram to Nice
Tram 2 to Nice video
The Tram 2 is now the primary option between the city and the airport. Tram line 2 serves the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) and connects the city centre at “Jean Médecin” station. A tram carriage goes to the airport every 8 minutes on weekdays.
The tram can be used with a regular €1.70 / 74 min ticket with interchange into local buses. Do not forget to validate your ticket, which can be bought with contactless credit card or coins from black vending machines directly at both tram stops. You can also buy tickets using a mobile app if your phone supports NFC.
2. Taxi to Nice
Taxis are known for ripping off tourists but there is an authorized ride share, official pick up zone which is easy to find. Or try an Uber or Bolt to the centre of Nice costs around €20.
A taxi might be worth the cost if you are arriving by a long-haul flight through the night. A taxi driver will manage your suitcases and take you to your doorstep while you absorb the color and sights of your trip to Nice.
3. Bus to Nice
To take the bus from Nice Airport to the city center, follow these steps:
Bus Line 12: This is the main bus route from Nice Airport to Nice city center. It takes at least 15 minutes and follows a scenic route along the waterfront.
Ticket Purchase: You will need to pay for your ride with a re-loadable travel card, which costs €2 each. However, the ticket machines at the airport do not sell these cards, so you will need to buy one from the bus driver, which will already be loaded with €2 for your bus journey (there is a €0.30 surcharge included in the fare). This will bring the cost to €4.
Alternative: If you already have a re-loadable travel card, a single-journey bus trip from the airport costs just €1.70.
Bus Stops: The bus towards Palais des Expositions stops at Cathedral – Vielle Ville (Old Town) and Albert 1er/Phocéens for Place Masséna.
Operating Hours: The bus service operates from 06:00 to 00:30.
4. Train to Nice
To travel from Nice Airport to the city center by train, follow these steps:
Use the elevator at Grand Arenas to reach the train platform for Nice Saint-Augustin train station.
From Nice Saint-Augustin, you can take a train to the city center or other destinations in the French Riviera.
Alternatively, you can take Tram 2 to Jean Médecin station and either walk north on Avenue Jean Médecin to reach the Nice Ville Station or transfer to Tram 1 for a direct route to the station.
5. Renting a Car
To rent a car at Nice Airport in France and drive to the city center, follow these steps:
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: The airport is located roughly 4 miles west of the city center and is the main arrival point for travelers to the French Riviera. It has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Car Rental Companies: Several car rental companies operate at Nice Airport, including Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise, and Europcar. These companies are located in both terminals.
Pickup Location: Hertz and Sixt have desks in the arrivals area after you collect your bags. Follow the signs to the car rental center. Europcar is in Terminal 1, and Enterprise is in Terminal 2.
Driving Directions: Exit the airport onto the Promenade Edouard Corniglion Molinier (M6098), which connects to the Promenade des Anglais. This road runs alongside the coast into the city center.
Operating Hours: Most car rental companies are open from 07:30 to 24:00 daily, with some variations. Check the specific hours for the company you choose.
Additional Tips: Be aware of one-way streets and detours in Nice. While GPS can be helpful, it may not cover all city roads accurately.