Jazmin Li
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the primary airport serving Nice, France. Located 7 km west of the city centre, it is the third busiest airport in France, serving as a gateway to the French Riviera and the Principality of Monaco. With two runways, two passenger terminals, and a variety of dining and lounge options, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport offers convenient ground transportation options and efficient travel for a wide range of travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) |
| Location | 3.2 NM (5.9 km; 3.7 mi) southwest of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France |
| Ranking | Third busiest airport in France |
| Passenger Count | 14,189,965 in 2023 |
| Distance from City Centre | 7 km (4 mi) west of Nice's city centre |
| Area Covered | Over 3.70 km2 (1.43 sq mi) |
| Terminals | Two (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) |
| Accessibility | Options for travellers with reduced mobility or special needs |
| Transport Facilities | Trains, buses, shuttles, taxis, motorbikes, and helicopter transfers |
| Proximity to Monaco | 20 km (12 mi) away to the northeast |
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What You'll Learn
Location and transport links
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is located 3.2 nautical miles (5.9 km or 3.7 miles) southwest of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. The airport is situated 7 km (4 mi) west of the city centre, on the western end of the Promenade des Anglais. It is the third busiest airport in France, serving as a focus city for Air France and an operating base for EasyJet, among other airlines.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is easily accessible by various means of transport. If you're travelling by car, the airport offers several parking options, including short-term, long-term, and premium services. The airport comprises two primary passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with Terminal 1 accommodating domestic and international flights and Terminal 2 providing access to the Infinity VIP Lounge with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Both terminals offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and Terminal 2 has a diverse range of dining options.
For those arriving or departing by public transport, the Nice tramway line 2 connects the airport to the Port of Nice (Lympia Port) and the Grand Arénas interchange, where you can find the Nice Saint Augustin train station just 400 meters away. Trams run every 8 minutes during the day, and a separate tram line serves the western suburbs. Bus route 12 also connects the airport with Promenade des Artes via the old town.
In addition to these options, the airport has previously offered experimental ferry and hovercraft services to nearby destinations such as Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and San Remo. Helicopter transfers are also available for those travelling to Monaco, further enhancing the airport's role as a gateway to the French Riviera and the Mediterranean.
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Passenger numbers and flight destinations
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is located 3.2 nautical miles (5.9 km) southwest of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It is the third busiest airport in France, serving as a hub for Air France and easyJet. In 2024, the airport handled 14,770,626 passengers. The airport is positioned 7 km west of the city centre and is the primary gateway to the Côte d'Azur. Due to its proximity to Monaco, which is 20 km away, it also serves as that city-state's airport. Some airlines even market Monaco as a destination via Nice Airport, and a helicopter service links the principality and the airport. The airport covers an area of over 3.70 km2, with 2.70 km2 used by its two parallel runways and three passenger terminals.
In 2019, before the pandemic, the airport saw 14.5 million passengers. However, in 2021, due to the pandemic, passenger numbers dropped to 6.5 million. The airport is easily accessible from the city centre, and its convenience is one of the attractions of Nice for travellers, especially for short breaks. The Nice tramway line 2 connects the airport to the Port of Nice (Lympia Port) via the Grand Arénas interchange. The Nice Saint Augustin train station is also located at this interchange, just 400 metres from the airport. Trams run every 8 minutes during the day, and a separate tram line serves the western suburbs. Additionally, bus route 12 connects the airport with Promenade des Artes via the old town.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport offers flights to a range of destinations worldwide, including Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Some specific destinations include London, Paris, Barcelona, Istanbul, New York, and Marrakech. The airport has two terminals, and most passengers arrive on intra-Schengen flights, which means they do not need to pass through passport control. However, passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Zone, such as the UK, Ireland, or North America, will need to go through border control and may experience longer wait times.
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Terminal facilities and amenities
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is located 7 km (4 mi) west of Nice's city centre. It is France's third-busiest airport, serving as a vital gateway to the French Riviera and processing 14,770,626 passengers in 2024. The airport consists of two primary passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and a freight terminal. Terminal 1 has 25 gates within a 52,000 square meter area, while Terminal 2 has 29 gates. Both terminals offer complimentary Wi-Fi to keep travellers connected.
Terminal 1 caters to flights heading to domestic locations, as well as Schengen and non-Schengen international destinations. It has an annual passenger capacity of 4.5 million. Terminal 2 features the Infinity VIP Lounge, which offers splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea and airport runways. The lounge provides complimentary Wi-Fi, a buffet with light refreshments, and an open bar. It is accessible to passengers departing on Schengen flights (excluding Belgium, Greece, and the Netherlands), business and first-class passengers of selected airlines, and Priority Pass members.
The airport offers a diverse range of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. These include quick bites for those in a hurry, as well as more leisurely dining experiences. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport also boasts a variety of parking options to meet varying traveller needs, including short-term, long-term, and premium services.
In terms of ground transportation, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is conveniently connected to the city centre and surrounding areas by train, bus, shuttle, taxi, and tram services. The Nice tramway line 2 connects the airport to the Port of Nice (Lympia Port) via the Grand Arénas interchange. The Nice Saint Augustin train station is also located nearby, just 400 meters from the airport. Additionally, bus route 12 connects the airport with Promenade des Artes through the old town. For those seeking a more luxurious arrival or departure, helicopter transfers are available, providing a direct link between the airport and Monaco.
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Border control and security
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is located 3.2 NM (5.9 km; 3.7 mi) southwest of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It is the third busiest airport in France, serving as a hub for Air France and easyJet. In 2024, it handled 14,770,626 passengers. The airport is positioned 7 km (4 mi) west of the city centre and is the main gateway to the Côte d'Azur. It also serves as the airport for Monaco, which is located 20 km (12 mi) away, with a helicopter service connecting the principality and the airport. The airport covers an area of over 3.70 km2 (1.43 sq mi), with two runways and two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
To ensure a smooth border control experience, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, especially for international flights. The minimum suggested check-in time for Europe-USA flights is two hours in advance. Additionally, having all the necessary documentation, such as passports and visas, readily available can expedite the process.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is designed with a focus on accessibility. Terminal 1, with 25 gates, caters to domestic and international flights within and outside the Schengen area. Terminal 2 has 29 gates and provides access to a variety of dining options and lounges, including the Infinity VIP Lounge in the Schengen Area, offering views of the Mediterranean Sea. Both terminals offer complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring travellers can stay connected during their journey.
To enhance security and streamline the passenger experience, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport implements various measures. These include efficient ground transportation options, such as trains, buses, shuttles, taxis, and even helicopter transfers. The airport also offers a range of parking options to meet different travellers' needs, from short-term convenience to long-term affordability. Overall, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport aims to provide a secure and accessible gateway to the French Riviera and the Côte d'Azur region.
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Historical accidents and incidents
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is located in Nice, France, and has been operational since 1929. While it is a major airport serving millions of passengers each year, it has also experienced several accidents and incidents over the years. Here is a overview of some of the historical accidents and incidents that have occurred at or near the airport:
On September 11, 1946, a Potez 62 aircraft operated by Air France crashed into the Mediterranean Sea during a scheduled flight from Nice to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. The aircraft encountered a severe thunderstorm and lost control, resulting in a crash that killed all 23 passengers and crew on board. This accident marked one of the first major aviation disasters in French history.
Another notable incident occurred on February 11, 1963, when a Vickers Viscount 701 aircraft of Air Transport Charter crashed into the sea during a go-around at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. The aircraft was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from Luton Airport, England, to Nice. Unfortunately, all 83 passengers and 4 crew members perished in the crash, making it one of the worst aviation accidents in French territory at that time.
In more recent years, on August 16, 2001, a private Cessna 501 aircraft crashed into the sea while approaching Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. The aircraft was en route from London Stansted Airport, UK, to Nice, carrying the owner of the aircraft and three passengers. Unfortunately, all four people on board were killed in the crash. The investigation revealed that the pilot had encountered difficulties controlling the aircraft due to strong winds and turbulence.
Additionally, on July 24, 2010, a small, single-engine Beechcraft A36 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers and was destined for Calvi, Corsica. Unfortunately, all four occupants lost their lives in the accident. The investigation determined that the pilot had encountered engine problems shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of control and subsequent crash into the sea.
While these incidents and accidents are a part of the airport's history, they have contributed to advancements in aviation safety and emergency response procedures. Each event has provided valuable lessons and insights that have helped improve airport operations and safety measures, ensuring the continued safety of passengers and staff at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Nice, France is called Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).
The airport is located 7 km (4 mi) west of Nice's city centre.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the third busiest airport in France, serving 14,770,626 passengers in 2024.
To get from the airport to the city centre, you can take a train, bus, shuttle, taxi, or motorbike. There is also a tram that runs every 8 minutes during the day and a helicopter service connecting the airport to Monaco.
