Nice Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (IATA: NCE – ICAO: LFMN) is the third-busiest airport in France and the primary international gateway to the French Riviera. Located approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) southwest of Nice city center, it is a key hub for travelers visiting Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and other Mediterranean destinations.

The airport handles over 14 million passengers annually and offers extensive connections across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and seasonal transatlantic routes. It is a city focused on Air France and a significant base for easyJet.

Nice Airport offers many services, shops, and restaurants, making layovers and waiting times more comfortable. The airport also features easy connections to Nice city center and other regional destinations, so travelers can easily move around. For more information on flights, services, and amenities, visit the official Nice Côte d’Azur Airport website.

Its convenient location close to the Mediterranean coastline gives visitors beautiful views as they arrive or depart. Whether flying for business or leisure, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport aims to provide a smooth and pleasant travel experience.

General Information

Location: Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Country: France
Airport Type: Public, International
IATA Code: NCE
ICAO Code: LFMN
Elevation: 12 feet (4 metres)
Coordinates: 43°39′52″N 007°12′54″E
Timezone: UTC+1 (CET) / UTC+2 (CEST during Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Nice
Website: www.nice.aeroport.fr
Operator: Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur (ACA)
Services: International and domestic flights, cargo, general aviation, and helicopter transfers

Parking Information

Short-Term Parking

Rate: Approx. €4/hour
Distance: Closest to Terminals 1 and 2
Ideal For: Drop-offs, pick-ups, short stays

Long-Term Parking

Rate: From €12–€18/day
Distance: Shuttle or pedestrian access, depending on a lot
Ideal For: Extended holidays or business trips

Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards, mobile apps, online booking
Security: Gated entry, CCTV surveillance, staffed patrols

Contact Information

Airport Info Line: +33 820 423 333
Email: service.clients@cote-azur.aeroport.fr
FBO Services: Signature Flight Support and Sky Valet serve private and corporate aviation clients

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: Schengen visa for non-EU citizens; passport or EU ID card for European travelers
Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration
Transport Options: Tram (Line 2), taxis, private shuttles, car rentals, direct helicopter transfers to Monaco
Nearby Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Le Méridien Nice, Radisson Blu Hotel Nice
Currency: Euro (EUR); credit cards widely accepted

Key Facts and Location

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is located about 7 kilometers west of Nice’s city centre, close to the famous Promenade des Anglais. Its strategic position makes it the primary port of arrival for visitors heading to the Côte d’Azur region. The airport serves the city of Nice, the Alpes-Maritimes department, and the wider French Riviera.

It ranked as the third busiest airport in France in 2024, with over 14.7 million passengers using its services (see here). The location provides easy access to popular destinations along the Mediterranean coast. Travelers appreciate its short travel time to downtown hotels and tourist sites.

Airport Codes and Facilities

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is identified by the IATA code NCE and the ICAO code LFMN. The airport manages both domestic and international flights with two main terminals.

Facilities include various dining options, duty-free shopping, business lounges, and car rental services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. Passengers have access to fast-track security, parking options, and meet-and-greet services (see details). Transportation links include taxis, buses, and a tram, making convenient transfers to Nice and nearby cities.

Role in the French Riviera

The airport is known as the main gateway to the French Riviera and Côte d’Azur, serving millions of tourists every year. It is especially important for international visitors arriving for holidays, festivals, or business events. The location supports travel to major Riviera towns, such as Monaco and Cannes, in under an hour.

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport acts as a hub for airlines like Air France and is a base for easyJet, increasing its connections with major European cities (find out more). The airport helps drive tourism and boosts the local economy by providing efficient access to the region’s popular Mediterranean coastlines.

Terminals and Passenger Services

Nice Airport has two main terminals that each serve millions of travelers every year. The airport provides a range of services such as comfortable waiting areas, business lounges, car rentals, shops, and transport options that make visiting or transiting through Nice convenient.

Terminal 1 Features

Terminal 1 handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. It has a passenger capacity of over four million people annually and caters to several major airlines. Airlines at Terminal 1 are listed on the official Nice Airport website.

Inside Terminal 1, passengers can find valuable services, including fast-track security, baggage wrapping, and information desks. Shops and cafés offer food, drinks, and essentials for travelers. A VIP lounge is available for a fee for those needing space to work or relax. Car rental desks are close to the arrivals area, making reserving a vehicle upon arrival easy.

Terminal 2 Highlights

Terminal 2 is larger and more modern than Terminal 1. It primarily handles international flights and some regional routes. The terminal is well known for its bright, spacious design, which helps move many passengers quickly and safely.

Terminal 2 includes many restaurants, coffee bars, and shops, providing options from grab-and-go snacks to sit-down meals. Travelers will find VIP Lounge access, luggage services, and business areas to help make their trip more comfortable. Like Terminal 1, Terminal 2 has car rental options close to the arrivals hall.

Hotels and Amenities

There are several hotels near Nice Airport. Some hotels are within walking distance of the terminals, while others are a short drive or shuttle ride away. Popular options include comfortable budget hotels and higher-end choices, all with easy access to the airport and the city centre.

Amenities at the airport include free Wi-Fi, luggage protection, currency exchange, and baby care facilities. Business travelers can make use of meeting rooms and working spaces. The airport also offers accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring comfort and safety for everyone.

Ground Transportation Options

Nice Airport is about 7 km from the city center, making it easy for travelers to reach their final destination. Transportation options include taxis, local buses, trams, and private shuttles, and car rental opportunities are available at both terminals.

The tram is a fast and affordable way to reach downtown and the Nice city centre, running often and stopping at both terminals. Taxis and ride-share services are available right outside arrivals, while scheduled airport shuttles connect the airport with other parts of the city and the broader region. For those who prefer to drive, several major roads link the airport to surrounding areas, making rental cars a practical choice.

Airlines, Destinations, and Operations

Nice Airport is a busy hub with flights to many European and international cities. The airport supports a wide range of airlines, direct connections, and modern facilities, making travel easier for passengers.

Major Airlines and Routes

Many well-known airlines operate at Nice Airport, including Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, and EasyJet. EasyJet and Air France use the airport as an essential base, offering frequent services to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and other major cities.

Other carriers such as Emirates, Delta Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, and Aeroflot also have regular flights, helping travelers reach the Middle East, North America, and beyond. Airlines like Ryanair, Jet2.com, and Norwegian Air Shuttle offer low-cost options to popular destinations.

Seasonal operators, such as Air Transat and Finnair, add extra routes during peak times. Passengers can find scheduled flights with Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, and more.

The airport’s airline list changes throughout the year, but it remains one of the busiest for leisure and business travel in southern France.

International and Domestic Flights

Nice Airport is a main entry point to the French Riviera with direct flights to over 120 destinations. These include major cities in France like Paris, Lyon, and Nantes, and top European spots such as London, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Vienna, and Geneva.

Travelers can fly nonstop outside Europe to cities like Dubai, New York, and Istanbul. Emirates links Nice with the Middle East, while Air Canada and Delta Air Lines connect to North America. Turkish Airlines offers service to Istanbul, which helps travelers reach destinations in Asia and Africa.

Regional airlines like Twin Jet or Heli Air Monaco provide short-haul connections to nearby areas, including Monaco by helicopter.

The mix of domestic, European, and intercontinental flights supports tourism and business in the Côte d’Azur region.

Runway and Maintenance Facilities

Nice Airport features parallel runways alongside the Mediterranean Sea. These runways can handle large aircraft, including wide-body jets used for long-haul flights. This makes the airport suitable for international travel and busy summer vacation schedules.

Modern maintenance and technical areas offer services for commercial and private planes. Airlines perform routine checks and repairs here, ensuring aircraft safety and reliability before each flight.

Special facilities are also available for helicopters, including those operated by Monacair and Heli Air Monaco, making quick transfers to Monaco possible. The airport’s setup helps support high traffic while keeping operations smooth and efficient.

Jet handling, aircraft parking, and refueling are managed at dedicated zones, while security and navigation equipment support safe landings and take-offs at all hours.

Airport Access and Local Connections

Nice Airport has convenient public transport options, is close to top destinations like the city centre and French Riviera hotspots, and sometimes offers special services for local events. Travelers can easily reach places like Promenade des Anglais and get help during busy event seasons.

Transport Links to Nice and Beyond

Nice Airport provides many ways for passengers to travel to the city centre or the wider Côte d’Azur region. Tram Line 2 directly connects both airport terminals to central Nice, running frequently throughout the day. The tram is an affordable, quick option for most visitors and stops near the Promenade des Anglais.

For those heading beyond Nice, several bus lines offer direct connections. Express bus number 82, which takes about 35 minutes, links the airport with Antibes and Golfe Juan. Regular city buses also serve local neighborhoods and towns.

Taxis and ride-shares are available at clearly marked stands outside each terminal. Pre-booking private car services is another option, especially for trips to other French Riviera cities or resorts. The airport also has free shuttles that link parking areas to the terminals and a tram that connects the two terminals.

Proximity to Key Destinations

The airport is only about seven kilometers from the city centre of Nice. Tram rides between the airport and downtown usually take fewer than 25 minutes, making it easy for travelers to quickly reach hotels or attractions like the seaside Promenade des Anglais.

A short taxi ride also connects the airport with the famous Promenade and city beaches in under 15 minutes on most days. Road and rail connections are nearby and simple to reach from the terminals for those traveling further to locations on the French Riviera, such as Cannes, Monaco, or the hill villages.

Nice Airport’s location is helpful for visitors who want to explore both Nice and other gems of the Côte d’Azur. Signs in English and French guide newcomers to local buses, taxis, and shuttles.

Events and Special Services

During major events like international festivals or conventions in Nice, the airport offers extra help for travelers. Staff add more signs, set up information desks, and sometimes run special transport services to meet higher passenger demand.

Shuttle buses often run between the airport and event sites for big events at the Promenade des Anglais or city stadiums. Tournament and exhibition seasons may also feature extra tram and bus departures. Information about these changes is posted online or inside the terminals.

The airport also welcomes group arrivals with tailored services. Booths for event registration, badge pickup, and local tours can appear during peak conferences or sports tournaments. Travelers can always access free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals to check event schedules or easily arrange onward travel.

Local Attractions

Promenade des Anglais

Seaside Boulevard is ideal for walking, cycling, and people-watching along the Mediterranean coast.

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Colorful markets, narrow lanes, and local cafés in the city’s historic heart.

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Panoramic viewpoint offering stunning vistas of Nice and the Baie des Anges.

Musée Matisse

An art museum dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse, housed in a 17th-century villa.

Monaco (Day Trip)

Monaco is accessible in under 30 minutes via helicopter or train and offers luxury, casinos, and Formula 1 sights.

Travel Tips

Helicopter transfers offer the fastest route to Monaco (7 minutes, departing from T1).

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a free shuttle bus and the Nice tramway.

Summer months are peak season—book flights, parking, and transfers in advance.

The airport is compact and efficient, with fast security and multilingual signage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nice Airport serves as a significant gateway to the French Riviera. The airport has useful transport links, several passenger services, and two main terminals which host both domestic and international flights.

What are the transportation options from Nice Airport to the city center?

Travelers can reach central Nice by public bus, taxi, or tram. Tram line 2 connects the airport with the city center in about 25 minutes. Taxis are available at both terminals. Some travelers take private shuttles or rental cars for convenience. The airport’s guide provides more information.

How can I find the status of arrivals and departures at Nice Airport?

Flight information displays are located throughout both terminals. Travelers can also check the airport’s official website for real-time updates on arrivals and departures.

Where is Terminal 1 located within Nice Airport?

Terminal 1 is one of two main terminals at Nice Airport. It is easily reachable from the main entrance by following airport signs. Shuttle buses also connect Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for easy transfers.

Is there a difference between Nice Airport and Côte d’Azur Airport?

There is no difference between Nice Airport and Côte d’Azur Airport. Both names refer to the same airport, which has its official name as Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

What amenities and services are available at Nice Airport terminals?

Both terminals offer restaurants, shops, lounges, car rental agencies, and free Wi-Fi. There are also baggage services, currency exchange desks, and information counters. The airport’s guide provides full details on available services.

How early should I arrive at Nice Airport for international flights?

For international flights, passengers must arrive at least two hours before departure. As highlighted in the airport’s check-in advice, this allows enough time for check-in, security, and passport control.