Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is France's second busiest international airport. It sits about 7 km west of Nice city centre, right on the seafront. The distance is short, but depending on the time of day, traffic on the Promenade des Anglais can turn that short hop into a real ordeal. Here is an honest comparison of every option, from the cheapest to the most comfortable.

The Lignes d'Azur bus (lines 98 and 99)

Urban bus lines serve both terminals. Line 98 reaches Nice city centre (Place Masséna) in 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, for around €1.70 per ticket. Line 99 goes to Nice-Ville SNCF station.

  • Approximate fare: around €1.70 per person
  • Approximate journey time: 20 to 40 min depending on traffic
  • Timetable: early morning through to evening, but not overnight
  • Drawback: multiple stops, not suited to heavy luggage

The ideal solution if you're travelling light, outside peak hours and know your way around. With suitcases and a hotel to find, it quickly becomes tiring.

Tram line 2

Since the opening of line 2, the tram connects the airport (Aéroport Promenade or Aéroport Terminal 2 stops) to Place Masséna in around twenty minutes. It is one of Nice's transport highlights: clean, regular, air-conditioned and at the same fare as the bus.

  • Approximate fare: around €1.70 per person
  • Approximate journey time: 20 to 25 min to Place Masséna
  • Frequency: every 6 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day
  • Drawback: bulky luggage is hard to manage, and stops can be very crowded in high season

The tram is undeniably the best collective option for budget travellers and those without heavy bags. With two or more people and suitcases, the calculation changes.

The taxi

Taxis queue outside both terminals. A ride to the city centre typically costs between €35 and €60, depending on the time, the day of the week and your exact destination — not counting any night or luggage surcharges. It is convenient and direct, but the final fare is only known on arrival (meter), and the Promenade des Anglais at peak hours can push the price up significantly.

The private chauffeur transfer

With a private transfer service such as NeoShuttle from Nice Airport, you book in advance, and the price is fixed and confirmed at the time of booking. Your driver tracks your flight in real time: a delay, an early arrival — he adjusts. On landing, he waits for you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and takes care of your luggage all the way to the vehicle.

  • Fixed price set at booking, with no surprises even in heavy traffic
  • Flight tracking: the driver knows your actual landing time
  • Personalised welcome with a name sign in the arrivals hall
  • Luggage assistance included
  • Sedan for up to 3 passengers, private van for up to 8
  • Available 24/7, including late-night flights and early-morning departures

For a couple with luggage, the price of a private transfer becomes comparable to two taxi fares — with added comfort and the peace of mind of knowing someone is waiting for you, whatever the hour.

Quick comparison

  • Bus / tram: €1.70/person — economical, ideal without luggage, not available overnight
  • Taxi: €35 to €60 (approximate) — quick, but the metered fare is unknown in advance
  • Private chauffeur transfer: fixed price on booking — door-to-door, personalised welcome, available 24/7

Special cases: late flights, groups and business travel

For a flight landing after 9 pm, the tram and bus are no longer running or operate on a reduced schedule. A taxi is an option, but the queue can be long after a long-haul arrival. A private transfer booked in advance eliminates that uncertainty: your driver is there, even if the plane is two hours late.

For groups — large families, sales teams, delegations — a private van for up to 8 passengers makes far more sense and is often more economical than several taxis. Everyone travels together, with all the luggage, in a single run.

For business travellers, a private transfer offers an additional benefit: the quiet and comfort to work or unwind between the airport and your hotel or meeting. No app to launch at the last minute, no uncertainty about availability.

What about long-distance connections from Nice?

Nice Airport is also a hub for reaching Monaco, Cannes, Antibes or even Marseille by private chauffeur. Rather than hiring a car at the airport or piecing together multiple modes of transport, a door-to-door transfer covers the entire journey in one go. Browse our routes from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport for all available destinations.

You now have a clear picture of every option for getting from the airport to Nice city centre. If you are travelling in a group, with luggage, at an odd hour or on a business trip, a private transfer remains the most stress-free solution. Book your driver in 2 minutes: the price appears instantly, with no commitment.