Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is one of France’s busiest airports. It serves more than 100 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and North America. Airlines operating from the airport include national flag carrier Air France and its partner KLM, as well as British Airways and Lufthansa. It is one of the European hubs used by low-cost airline EasyJet.

The airport mostly serves passengers travelling to destinations along the south of France’s coast and inland Alpes-Maritimes. It's also a convenient hub for visitors to Monaco. Regular public transport links connect the airport with the principality, but travellers wishing to arrive in style can take advantage of a helicopter transfer.

What are the highlights of Nice Côte d'Azur Airport?

As you’d expect from a major airport, there is a wide range of retail outlets at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. Alongside a well-stocked duty-free store, you’ll find stores from designer fashion brands such as Hermès, Versace, Max Mara, and Dolce & Gabbana. Fragonard, one of the oldest perfumeries in Grasse, is also represented. Saveurs de Provence focuses on food, selling regional produce and foodie souvenirs. Ladurée brings a dash of Parisian sophistication with its famous macarons. A click-and-collect service is available.

The airport offers a range of dining options, including Jamie’s Italian, Pret A Manger, Starbucks Coffee, and Joe & the Juice. Other offerings are unmistakably French, such as La Paillote and Chez Pipo.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has 2 eateries with a holiday vibe, great for those wishing to eke out the last few minutes of their vacation. Chez Jean has an outdoor terrace, while La Plage is the airport’s very own beach bar. Plane-spotters will adore the runway view from Bar Horizon and the Saleya café.

photo by Citizen59 (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

What are Nice Côte d'Azur Airport’s main services?

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport comprises 2 terminals. During periods of low demand, the newer Terminal 2 is used for inbound and outbound flights. Each terminal usually offers 2 VIP lounges. At Terminal 1 these are The Canopy and The Library. At Terminal 2, these are The Infinity and The Levity. All 4 VIP lounges provide buffet dining, comfortable seating and Wi-Fi.

photo by Olivier Cleynen (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Good to know about Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

Getting to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport from the centre of Nice is straightforward. Taxis take around to make the journey downtown for a flat rate fare. Fixed-rate fares for Cannes Monaco are also available. Journeys to other local destinations such as Antibes, Menton and St Tropez are metered, with prices depending on traffic conditions. Ranks can be found at both terminals. There is no need to book in advance.

A cheaper option is to travel by public transport. Express buses run to Monaco and Menton (bus 110) and Cannes (bus 210). Nice Saint-Augustin, serving local and regional destinations, is the nearest railway station to Nice Airport. You can walk there from Terminal 1 in under 15 minutes.

A tram service replaces the 98 and 99 bus routes. Line 2 links the airport to downtown Nice and Gare Nice-Ville, from where you can enjoy long-distance SNCF train services. Trams run about every 20 minutes and take about 30 minutes to reach the city centre. This is also the best option for those travelling with minimal luggage.

Car rental services are also available at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. Operators include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, and Sixt. Though it is possible to arrange vehicle hire on arrival, travellers are advised to reserve ahead at peak times.

photo by m-louis (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

Location: Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06206 Nice, France

Phone: +33 (0)820 42 33 33

Julia Hammond | Contributing Writer