Nice Côte d’Azur Layover Guide (NCE)

What are you looking for in NCE?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Nice Airport (NCE) is an international airport located in Nice, France. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Nice. The airport officially opened in 1946. Nice is the fifth-largest city in France and a major hub on the French Riviera. It is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, stunning coastline, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a top destination for both leisure travelers and international visitors.

Can you leave Nice Airport (NCE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may leave Nice Airport (NCE) during a layover if you possess a valid Schengen visa or qualify for visa-free entry (EU/EEA/Swiss). Nationals requiring airport transit visas can transit airside only; to enter France you need a short-stay Schengen visa. Check official requirements by nationality before booking. Always apply online. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Promenade des Anglais Enjoy iconic coastal stroll along azure Mediterranean, admiring palm trees, sculptures and lively atmosphere. Perfect for photos, people-watching and brief relaxation under sunny skies. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Tram 2 from Airport Terminal 1 to Jean Médecin stop (20 min) or taxi (15 min))
• Vieux Nice (Old Town) Wander narrow colourful alleys, uncover baroque churches, hidden courtyards and vibrant markets like Cours Saleya. Sample socca and local pastries at cafés buzzing with Provençal charm. Don’t miss flower stalls. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Tram 2 to Masséna stop then 5-min walk, or taxi (15 min))
• Colline du Château (Castle Hill) Ascend Colline du Château via elevator or stairs, explore ancient ruins, waterfall, shaded park. Enjoy panoramic views over Nice and the Bay of Angels. Ideal for quick photos, fresh air. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Tram 2 to Opéra Vieille Ville stop then 10-min walk, or taxi (15 min))
• Cours Saleya Market Bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, flowers, regional specialties and artisanal crafts. Sip coffee at vibrant stalls, sample olives and socca while soaking up Provençal colors. Arrive early to avoid crowds. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Tram 2 to Masséna stop then 5-min walk, or taxi (15 min))
• Musée Matisse Housed in elegant 17th-century villa, showcasing world’s largest collection of Matisse works. Experience vibrant paintings, sculptures and drawings amidst serene gardens overlooking Nice’s olive groves. Marvel at iconic bold colors. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 15 from airport to Villa Masséna stop then 5-min walk, or taxi (20 min))
• Russian Orthodox Cathedral Discover richly decorated interior with ornate icons, golden domes and colorful frescoes at Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas. Learn about Russian émigré history in this stunning architectural gem. Listen to guided audio commentary. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Tram 2 to Masséna stop then 10-min walk, or taxi (15 min))
• Beach Time on Promenade Relax on pebbled public beaches or reserve a sunbed at private clubs along Promenade des Anglais, enjoy swim in sparkling waters, and soak up Mediterranean sun while sampling local snacks. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Tram 2 to any Promenade stop, or taxi (15 min))
• Village of Èze Visit medieval hilltop village of Èze, wander narrow stone streets, ascent to exotic Jardin botanique, tour perfumery, and sip tea at café, with sweeping Côte d’Azur panoramas and cultural charm. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 112 from airport to Èze Village (45 min) or taxi (40 min))

Things to Do in Nice Airport (NCE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport offers three VIP lounges—the Canopy Lounge in Terminal 1, the Infinity Lounge in the Schengen zone, and the Levity Lounge in the Non-Schengen area. Each lounge provides comfortable seating, unlimited Wi-Fi, workspaces, complimentary snacks and drinks, digital press access, and a serene, soothing, stress-free ambiance for relaxation. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Nice Airport suit early-morning or late-night flights. Sheraton Nice Airport adjoins Terminal 1. Park Inn by Radisson and Okko Hotel lie within walking distance, while Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express connect via free shuttle. Comfortable, spacious rooms, on-site dining, fitness facilities, Wi-Fi and 24/7 reception ensure restful stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Nice Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods or rest cabins but features numerous seating areas and quiet corners near boarding gates. Terminal 1 and 2 offer rows of recliners and benches ideal for improvised napping. The Service Centre stores luggage securely. Passengers seeking proper rest should consider nearby affordable hotels.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout Nice Airport’s terminals. Passengers connect to the “Aeroport Nice Free” network via a simple login or social media authentication, with no time limit. Up to 5,000 simultaneous connections ensure high-speed browsing. Service is free, unlimited, and easily accessible from landside departures, arrivals, and lounges.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM and eSIM cards can be purchased at kiosks of local telecom operators in both terminals. Orange and SFR vending machines offer prepaid SIM plans with data packages. Alternatively, visit Relay or Tabac shops post-security for eSIM QR codes. Activation via operator app takes minutes; support counters are fully available onsite. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Nice Airport (NCE) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi ranks are located at Terminal 1 and 2, exit A3. Pre-book via the airport website or by calling Central Taxi Riviera Nice (+33 4 93 13 78 78). Fixed-fare options to the city centre start from €32. Disabled access vehicles available on request. Payment by cash or credit card. Drivers provide assistance with luggage.

Train: Nice Saint-Augustin station links to the airport via a 7-minute covered walkway from Terminal 1 (door A0). Free tramway lines 2 and B shuttle between Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Grand Arénas. TER regional trains depart hourly to Nice centre, Cannes, and Marseille. Schedules are available online in multiple languages for travelers. more info

Bus: Nice Airport’s public bus network links terminals and the city, including Route B (CADAM) which runs every 10 minutes on weekdays, connecting Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Grand Arénas free of charge. Service runs daily, including weekends. Regional bus lines board at Terminal 1 door A0, offering services to downtown Nice and surrounding towns. more info

Shuttle: A free fully electric shuttle links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with remote car parks P4, P6, P8 and P9 every 15 minutes from 4:30 AM until the last flight (about 1:30 AM). Real-time tracking is available via the Aéroport Nice App. This service helps passengers access parking areas efficiently.

Car rentals: Multiple car rental agencies operate at Nice Airport with desks in arrivals halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget. Reservations can be made online for pick-up upon arrival. International driving licence, credit card, and minimum age requirements apply. Fuel-policy options include full-to-full or pre-purchase. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Seven short- and long-term car parks (P0–P9) serve Terminals 1 and 2, offering outdoor, covered and valet parking. Rates vary by duration. Disabled-driver spaces are available. A free electric shuttle connects remote lots. Pre-booking secures your spot and can reduce costs. Kiss & Fly drop-off areas lie close to terminal entrances.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Located in Service Centres at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (open daily 7 AM–9 PM), baggage storage accommodates luggage, bulky items and prohibited objects from €5 per item. Safe Bag offers professional packing and shipping. The Service Centre also manages lost and found, baggage weighing, and shipping services. Book in person at the desk. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Nice Airport (NCE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks