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Transfer Options from Nice Airport to Nice City Center

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer - 40+ countries and counting | MSc Wildlife Conservation Biology

October 5, 2024

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is located around 8 km from the city center, so whichever mode of transport you opt for, it shouldn’t take you too much time. That being said, if you prefer to travel directly to your hotel, a Nice Airport taxi or private Nice Airport transfer offer the only door-to-door service, dropping you to your hotel in as little as 13 minutes.

If you’re after a more affordable mode of transport, the cheapest and quickest public transport option is the bus. Bus Line 12 travels regularly between the airport and the main plaza in Nice in around 15 minutes, although you will have to wait in between services.

Lastly, you can choose to take Tram Line 2 which runs more regularly than the bus but takes around 30 minutes to reach downtown. This is, however, a great option for passengers who need to connect with another train.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Nice at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€32	13min	24/7
Tram	€20	30min	04:05–00:35
Bus	€8	15min	06:00–00:30
Private Airport Transfer	€35	13min	24/7

How to get from Nice Airport to the city center by taxi

A Nice Airport taxi is the best option for those carrying lots of luggage or who simply want to get to their accommodation as quickly as possible. Taxis in Nice have a blue “TAXI” sign on their roof and come in a variety of models and colors. Taxis can be found at taxi ranks outside the airport terminals, just make sure you double-check that they’re using the fixed-fare system. When using a taxi from Nice Airport to the city center, expect the journey to take between 13 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

What's the cost of a taxi from Nice Airport to the city center?

Nice taxis are government-regulated and while fares are typically calculated using a taximeter, this isn’t the case when traveling from the airport. The taxi cost from Nice Airport to the city center is a fixed rate fee of €32, not including extra charges for luggage, road tolls, additional passengers, or traveling during holidays.

Cost

€32

Trip Duration

13 Min.

*There can be up to a 10 minute wait for a taxi.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis in Nice are available 24/7, in the city and at the airport.

Where do I catch a taxi from?

The taxi ranks at Nice Airport are located outside the Arrivals area of Terminals 1 and 2, in front of the A3 entrance.

Convenience

Taxis are the most convenient option for those traveling in groups or with children since they are quick, comfortable, and reliable. Wait times for buses and trams can add to your journey times, plus there is often crowding on board, which is why taxis are a hassle-free way to travel while avoiding the stress of public transport.

Editor’s Note

Buses can become very crowded and don’t run at all hours of the day so taking a taxi is a more convenient option.

Useful Tips

Tipping your cab driver in Nice isn't expected although it's common to round up the fare to the nearest euro.

Be sure to carry cash since many taxis don't have card machines (or don't like to use them!).

Drivers are required to provide a receipt at the end of the trip in case you leave anything behind or need to dispute the fare.

How to get from Nice Airport to Nice by tram

Tram Line 2 towards Port Lympia is a fun and cheap way to travel from Nice Airport to the city center. The tram stops at the nearby Grand-Arénas station before traveling 30 minutes to Jean- Médecin Station in the city. This is where most people disembark but you can choose to stay on to the end of the line to Port Lympia which is a further 5 minutes.

How much is the tram from Nice Airport to the city center?

Use of the tram to and from the airport requires a special ticket called an ‘Aero’ ticket. The ticket from Nice Airport to the city costs €10 and is valid for a return trip which can be used at any time, with no expiration date. Tickets can be bought from ticket vending machines available on the tram platform at the airport.

Cost

€10

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Trams run every 8-9 minutes Monday to Friday and every 9-11 minutes on Saturdays, a more limited schedule on Sundays.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Trams are available between 05:24 and 00:15.

Where do I get the tram from?

Terminal 2 of the airport is the first stop on the tram route and Terminal 1 is the second. If you’re landing at Terminal 1, walk to Exit A0. For Terminal 2, turn left when you come out of the Baggage Claim area and you’ll see large doors at the end of the terminal building leading to the tram stop.

Convenience

Whilst the tram is a simple and budget-friendly way to get from Nice Airport to Nice city center, it has the longest journey time, taking 30 minutes. However, if you’re traveling with lots of luggage and are set on using public transport, the tram’s ramps make it more accessible than the bus and may be more convenient for passengers trying to reach Nice Ville station.

Timetables

Tram Line 2 Timetable

Nice Airport – Jean- Médecin Station

Editor’s Note

The tram system is a new and popular way to travel between Nice Airport and Nice. It's also wheelchair accessible, unlike the bus that has steps to board.

Useful Tips

If you have an Android phone you have the option to purchase tram tickets using the Ligne d'AzurTickets mobile app.

A one-way trip is "aller simple" in French.

You need to validate your ticket using the machine onboard the tram.

How to get from Nice Airport to the city center by bus

Since the tram opened, there’s only one main bus route from Nice Airport to Nice city center – Bus Line 12. The bus towards Palais des Expositions takes at least 15 minutes via a scenic route along the waterfront with stops at Cathedrale – Vielle Ville (Old Town) and Albert 1er/Phocéens for Place Masséna.

*Note that there isn’t a direct train from Nice Airport to Nice city center.

How much is the bus from Nice Airport to Nice?

Just like riding the tram, buses in Nice require passengers to pay for their ride with a reloadable travel card. These cost €2 each, however, the ticket machines at the airport don’t sell the 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.

*If you already have a card, a single-journey bus trip from the airport costs just €1.70.

Cost

€4

Trip Duration

15 Min.

The average wait time for the bus during the week is 10 minutes, and 15 to 20 minutes on weekends.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses from the airport are available between 06:00 and 00:30.

Where do I catch the bus from?

After exiting through Gate A0, look for the Aéroport/ Promenade stop outside Terminal 1. If your plane lands at Terminal 2, you can take the free tram to Terminal 1.

Convenience

Although the airport buses are quite efficient, they can be crowded, and since seats can’t be booked in advance, there is no guarantee you’ll make it onto the next service. If your transfer is time-sensitive or you’d like to avoid the crowd, it’s best to arrange a private transfer in advance so you can reach your destination quickly and hassle-free.

Timetables

Bus Line 12 Timetable

Nice Airport – Albert 1er/Phocéens

Editor’s Note

If you're an Android user and don't want to pay for the rechargeable card, you can download the Lignes d’Azur Ticket app and purchase tickets this way.

Useful Tips

The same card can be used to pay for multiple people so you can simply load it up with more money rather than purchasing another €2 card.

If you're planning on using public transport frequently throughout your stay, you can purchase a 7 day pass for €15, valid on all urban lines.

Your ticket is valid for up to 74 minutes of travel.

Make sure you validate your ticket at the front of the bus when boarding.

How to get from Nice Airport to the city center by private transfer

Similar to a taxi, private Nice Airport transfer services offer a direct and door-to-door transport option allowing you to reach your hotel quickly and seamlessly in under 15 minutes. Given that these services are designed to cater specifically to tourists, they include lots of benefits such as 24/7 customer support, guaranteed fixed fare prices, flight monitoring in case your plane is delayed, and a trained English-speaking local to Nice.

Moreover, when you book with Welcome Pickups, your driver will not only give you a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, but they’ll also share some tips and tricks about Nice to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.

How much is a private transfer from Nice Airport to Nice?

Arranging a private transfer with Welcome Pickups couldn’t be easier. Not only will you receive a fully-inclusive upfront cost, but the whole process takes less than a minute when booked either via the website or through the app.

For instance, a journey downtown in a stylish sedan that seats 3 passengers will set you back €35, or if you need a more spacious vehicle, one of our minivans will do the trick, comfortably seating up to 7 passengers and their luggage for €63, with no need to worry about surcharges or extra costs for luggage.

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

13 Min.

*When booked in advance a vehicle will be ready for you upon arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Nice Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Upon disembarking your flight, make your way to the Arrivals Hall after collecting any baggage along the way. Regardless of whether you arrive at Terminal 1 or 2, your friendly driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. And don’t worry if you’re late, your driver will receive any updates on your flight’s status so they can adjust the pick-up time if needed. After introducing yourselves, you’ll be shown to your pre-selected private vehicle and be on your way!

Convenience

Private transfers provide a reliable and safe transfer option, especially for families with little ones who don’t want to stress about waiting around or having enough luggage space, or business travelers who rely on not being held up or delayed. Whatever your circumstances, as a fully customizable service, private transfers can be catered to suit your needs for an affordable and competitive price.

Editor’s Note

Set your pick-up time for 30 minutes after your plane's scheduled arrival to allow enough time to clear Immigration, Customs, and Baggage Claims.

Useful Tips

The day before you travel, you'll receive an email containing a recent of your driver and their vehicle and registration details.

Payment will be taken at the time of booking so you won't need to worry about anything on arrival, although, if you wish to leave a tip you can do so with cash or via the app.

If you require any customizations to your vehicle you can request them at the time of booking. These may include booster and baby seats, specialized vehicles for wheelchair access, or a larger car or minivan.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Nice. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€32

NIGHTTIME

€32

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Nice Airport to the city center?

There are four transportation options currently operating from Nice Airport to Nice: taxi, private transfer, tram, or public bus. A Nice Airport taxi or private transfer is the fastest way to travel (13 minutes), followed by the bus (15 minutes) and then the tram (30 minutes).

*It’s not possible to travel from Nice Airport to the city center by train.

How much is a taxi from Nice Airport to the city center?

The Nice Airport to city center taxi cost is a fixed fare rate of €32, however, this price may be affected by luggage, the number of passengers, and if you travel at night, during the weekend, or on public holidays.

For competitive prices, a fully personalized transfer service, and the peace of mind that comes with using a reliable, globally recognized company, you can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.

How much is the tram from Nice Airport to the city center?

A ‘Aero’ ticket which can be used for a return journey on Tram Line 2 from Nice Airport to Nice costs €10 per person.

Best way to get from Nice Airport to Nice?

The best way to travel to the city center from Nice Airport is by private transfer. Not only is this the fastest and most convenient option, but a private transfer is also cheaper than the tram when the cost is split among a group.

How far is the center of Nice from the airport?

The distance from Nice Airport to the city center is only 8 km. By taxi or private transfer – in light traffic – the journey should take just over 10 minutes.

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The best way to arrive in Nice

High-end transfer service at the same price as a regular taxi. Available in 42 destinations.

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Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from Nice Airport to the city center by taxi

What's the cost of a taxi from Nice Airport to the city center?

Cost

€32

Trip Duration

13 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis in Nice are available 24/7, in the city and at the airport.

Where do I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Nice Airport to Nice by tram

How much is the tram from Nice Airport to the city center?

Cost

€10

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Trams are available between 05:24 and 00:15.

Where do I get the tram from?

Convenience

Timetables

Tram Line 2 Timetable

Nice Airport – Jean- Médecin Station

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Nice Airport to the city center by bus

How much is the bus from Nice Airport to Nice?

Cost

€4

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses from the airport are available between 06:00 and 00:30.

Where do I catch the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Bus Line 12 Timetable

Nice Airport – Albert 1er/Phocéens

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Nice Airport to the city center by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Nice Airport to Nice?

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

13 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Nice Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Nice Airport to the city center?

How much is a taxi from Nice Airport to the city center?

How much is the tram from Nice Airport to the city center?

Best way to get from Nice Airport to Nice?

How far is the center of Nice from the airport?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Nice