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Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport
Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport
France's third-busiest airport on the glamorous Riviera.
- ›The airport is built partly on reclaimed land along the Mediterranean shoreline.
- ›It is the third-busiest airport in France, after Charles de Gaulle and Orly.
- ›Nice-Côte d'Azur serves as a key gateway to Monaco, which has no commercial airport of its own.
- ›A helicopter shuttle service operated by Héli Air Monaco links the airport directly to Monaco in approximately seven minutes.
- ›The airport handled a record approximately 14.5 million passengers in 2019.
Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport is France's third-busiest airport, perched along the Mediterranean coastline between the sea and the Alps. Opened in 1945 and significantly expanded over subsequent decades, it serves as the primary gateway to the French Riviera, handling over 14 million passengers annually. Its dual-terminal layout and stunning coastal setting make it one of Europe's most scenically positioned international airports.
- Terminal 1 — Handles non-Schengen international flights and select carriers, featuring classic Riviera-inspired architecture and a full range of retail and dining.
- Terminal 2 — The larger, modernised terminal serving most European and domestic French routes, connected to the tramway and offering extensive lounges and shopping.
- Tram Line 2 connects both terminals to Nice city centre and the main railway station
- Airport Express Bus 98 links the airport to Nice-Saint-Augustin and central stops
- Regional buses serve Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, and other Riviera towns
- Taxis available at designated ranks outside each terminal arrival hall
- Car rental desks from major providers located in both terminals
- Helicopter transfers to Monaco Héliport (approx. 7 minutes) via Héli Air Monaco
- Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
- NH Nice
- Novotel Nice Aéroport Cap 3000
- Ibis Nice Aéroport
- Radisson Blu Hotel Nice
Inside the terminals, travellers will find a solid mix of French brasserie-style eateries, patisseries, and international fast-food chains, with Côte d'Azur specialities like socca occasionally featured at select counters. Terminal 2 offers the broader selection, including wine bars reflecting the region's Provençal character. Just outside the airport, the Cap 3000 shopping centre in nearby Saint-Laurent-du-Var provides additional restaurant variety within a short taxi or tram ride.
- Tram Line 2 is the cheapest and most reliable way into Nice city centre — buy tickets from machines at the tram stop before boarding.
- If connecting to Monaco, the helicopter service is fast but pricey; the airport bus to Monaco is far cheaper and takes about 45 minutes.
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are not directly connected airside — confirm your terminal before arrival to avoid missing your flight.
- Peak summer months (July–August) see heavy traffic; arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure and expect crowded security queues.
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Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is an international airport located 3.2 NM southwest of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It is the third busiest airport in France and serves as a focus city for Air France and an operating base for easyJet. In 2025, it handled 15.23 million passengers. The airport is positioned 7 km (4 mi) west of the city centre, and is the principal port of arrival for passengers to the Côte d'Azur.
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