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: the airport in Nice often shapes both. The good news is that the link with the city centre is now simple, fast and affordable: 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, and an extension opened in April 2026;

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

The tram: the best value for time

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 for a single ticket (74 minutes of transfers), €7 for a day pass. If you plan to make a return trip, the "Aéro" return ticket at €10 lets you travel back freely during the day. Our tram and bus guide to Nice details all the options.

Taxi: official fixed fares

Taxis depart from the official ranks (T1 door A1, T2 door A3) with fixed fares 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 option. Check the displayed fare before getting in (it must match your destination).

Bus: the budget option

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

Car rental and parking

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

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

Arrive on time, stress-free

• 2 hours before short and medium-haul flights, 3 hours for long-haul flights (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 get longer at peak times (7am-10am): the 7:30 am tram is often safer than the car.

Private transfer and shuttle: when you want zero friction

The 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: the driver waits for you at the baggage claim, tracks your flight in case of delay and drops you off at the exact address.

• Private shuttle / ride-hailing: vehicle booked in advance, price known before you leave, meet-and-greet with a name sign 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 to reach 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 displayed before payment: that is exactly the advantage of a private transfer over a taxi, whose fare varies with traffic.

Comparison: getting to Nice from the airport

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Compare transfers from Nice Airport

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FAQ

Renting a car at the airport

Seven rental companies are based on the site (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise, Goldcar, Sixt), with pick-up at the Car Rental Center behind Terminal 2 car park P5: see Car rental in Nice. And if you are staying on site before an early departure, compare the hotels near the airport.

Staying connected on arrival: SIM or eSIM?

The airport has no carrier shop. To be connected as soon as you land, prepare an eSIM before departure: see SIM and eSIM cards in Nice. If you prefer a French number, compare the prepaid SIM cards and their prices before visiting a shop.

Saint-Augustin station, 500 m from Terminal 1

Nice-Saint-Augustin station links the airport directly to the TER network (Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Menton): see our guide to the stations of Nice for access, tram connections and journey times.