Nice Airport Transfer: tram, taxi and private shuttle to the city centre

Updated on 4 August 2026

First impression of a trip or last memory: Nice airport often shapes both. The good news is that the link with the city centre is now simple, fast and cheap — as long as you know where to go. Here is the practical guide, updated in 2026.

The two terminals

Nice Côte d'Azur airport has two terminals on either side of the runway:

• Terminal 1: Ryanair, Vueling, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, Qatar, United, among others;
• Terminal 2: Air France, easyJet, KLM, Delta, Emirates, Transavia, Wizz Air — with an extension opened in April 2026;

The shuttle between terminals is free: the tramway (lines 2 and B) replaces it handily in 3 minutes. Car park shuttles are also free, every 15 minutes from 4:30 am to the last flight.

The tram: the best value for time

The tram line 2 serves both terminals (stops "Aéroport Terminal 1" and "Aéroport Terminal 2") and reaches Jean Médecin, right in the centre, in under 30 minutes. A tram every 7-8 minutes on weekdays.

Fare: €1.70 per single ticket (74 min of connections), €7 for a day pass. If you plan a round trip, the "Aéro" return ticket at €10 lets you come back freely during the day. Our Nice tram and bus guide details all the options.

Taxi: official flat rates

Taxis leave from the official stands (T1 door A1, T2 door A3) with flat rates set by prefectural decree (2026):

• Nice city centre: €32
• Antibes/Juan-les-Pins: €72
• Cannes: €85
• Monaco: €95

For a late arrival or heavy luggage, the taxi remains the most comfortable. Check the displayed rate before getting in (it must match your destination).

Bus: the budget alternative

Line 12 (BHNS) stops 150 m from T1 and runs along the Promenade des Anglais to Place Masséna and the old town. The Zou express buses leave from the T2 coach station to Monaco and Menton (80), Cannes (81), Antibes (82), Digne (51) or Valberg (83/670). Buy your ticket before boarding.

Car rental and parking

Rental counters (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise...) are at T1 (doors A1/A2) and at the T2 Car Rental Center, behind car park P5.

Parking: P2/P3 (T1) and P5 (T2) are next to the terminals; P8/P9 are the most economical, with a shuttle. Rates start around €49 for a 3-day weekend on the long-stay car parks.

Arriving on time, stress-free

• 2 hours before your flight for short and medium-haul, 3 hours for long-haul (official recommendation);
• Self-service check-in kiosks open 5 hours before departure;
• Be at the boarding gate 30 minutes before take-off;
• In summer, security queues grow at peak hours (7-10 am): the 7:30 am tram is often safer than the car.

Private transfer and shuttle: when you want zero friction

Tram and taxi cover most needs. But if you arrive late, with children, bulky luggage or a connecting flight, a private transfer changes the experience: your driver waits at the baggage exit, tracks your flight in case of delay and drops you at the exact address.

• Private shuttle / ride-hailing: vehicle booked in advance, price known before you leave, name-board welcome and flight tracking;
• Shared shuttle: cheaper than a private vehicle, but several stops before yours;
• Long-distance transfer: Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, Menton or the ski resorts (Isola 2000, Auron) are easier this way than by train with luggage.

The price depends on the vehicle (sedan, van, minibus), the number of passengers and the destination. It is shown before payment: that is precisely the advantage of a private transfer over a taxi, whose fare varies with traffic.

Comparison: getting into Nice from the airport

FAQ