Getting to Nice by plane: airlines, terminals and tips
Find the best flight options to Nice and compare transfer solutions from Nice Airport, located about 7 km from the city center by the sea.
Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) is France's second airport and one of the best connected in Europe, with many direct destinations and no need to change in Paris. Here is what matters when you arrive.
Which airlines fly to Nice?
Airlines are split between the two terminals:
- Terminal 1: Ryanair, Vueling, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, Qatar Airways, United;
- Terminal 2: Air France, easyJet, KLM, Delta, Emirates, Transavia, Wizz Air, with an extension opened in April 2026.
A free shuttle links the two terminals; the tram (lines 2 and B) covers the distance in 3 minutes. Check your terminal on your booking confirmation: getting it wrong easily costs 30 minutes.
Direct flight or connection?
Nice has direct flights from most European cities. For long-haul trips the question matters: a direct flight is more comfortable, a connection through Paris or Amsterdam can be cheaper. Compare both, including connection time and baggage fees.
When to book?
In high season, June to September, and during the February Carnival, prices rise quickly: book several months ahead. The quietest months (November, January, early March) offer the best fares.
How long before departure?
- 2 hours before departure for short and medium-haul, 3 hours for long-haul;
- self-service check-in opens 5 hours before departure;
- boarding closes 30 minutes before take-off;
- in summer, allow extra time at peak hours (7-10 am).
From the airport to Nice city centre
All the ground options, tram, bus, fixed-fare taxi, private shuttle and car rental, are detailed in our dedicated guide: Nice Airport Transfer: tram, taxi and private shuttle to the city centre.
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