Lois Larson
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a tram. The airport offers a fast-track security service, accessible parking, baggage drop-off, and lounges with free Wi-Fi and snacks. However, some travellers have complained about long wait times at border control, especially for flights from outside the EU and Schengen area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Terminal 1 | Serves over 50 destinations in 29 countries |
| Terminal 2 | Serves domestic and international destinations |
| Amenities | Over 90 shops and restaurants, children's play areas, baby changing rooms, baggage drop-off, mail and printing facilities, and rental services for child equipment |
| Lounges | 3 (2 in Terminal 1 and 1 in Terminal 2) |
| Lounge Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, complimentary snacks and drinks, free videos, games, music, and international newspapers |
| Parking | Number plate recognition for entry, approximately 3000 spaces with varying prices based on proximity to terminals and indoor/outdoor parking |
| Accessibility | Infrastructure and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including lifts, wheelchair-accessible vans, adapted toilets, buggy service, pedometer strips, and dedicated parking spaces |
| Border Control | Reports of lengthy wait times, especially for flights from outside the EU and Schengen area |
| Transportation | Tram and bus connections to the city centre and airport |
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What You'll Learn
Long border control wait times
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Both terminals are connected via a tram and to the car parks by shuttle. The two terminals serve domestic and international departures and arrivals and offer various amenities, including over 90 shops and restaurants, ATMs, children's play areas, and baby changing rooms.
Nice Airport has been described as "horrendous" by some travellers due to long wait times at border control, reportedly lasting two hours or more for flights arriving at midday from outside the EU and Schengen Area. However, other travellers dispute this, stating that it has "never taken more than 30 minutes from landing to be out of the airport" when flying into Nice from London.
To expedite the security check process, Nice Airport offers a paid fast-track service called 'Nice Service' for all passengers, regardless of airline or destination. This service must be booked in advance through the airport's website.
For passengers requiring assistance, Nice Airport provides several facilities and processes to ensure comfortable access to its terminals. These include lifts, wheelchair-accessible vans for short transfers, adapted toilets, a buggy service, pedometer strips, and dedicated parking spaces. Passengers requiring assistance should inform their airline or travel agent during booking and notify airport staff upon arrival.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is located around 8 km from the city centre. The airport offers several transport options for passengers to get to and from the airport.
Taxi
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area of Terminals 1 and 2, in front of the A3 entrance. They are a convenient option for those travelling in groups or with children as they are quick, comfortable, and reliable. A taxi from the airport to Antibes costs a fixed rate of €60 for up to 4 people (including luggage) and takes about 30 minutes. It is appropriate to tip the driver €2-3, although this is not expected. It is best to carry cash as many taxis do not accept card payments.
Private Car Services
Private car services offer a direct and door-to-door transport option, allowing you to reach your hotel quickly and seamlessly in under 15 minutes. These services cater specifically to tourists and include benefits such as 24/7 customer support, guaranteed fixed-fare prices, flight monitoring, and a trained English-speaking driver.
Tram
The Line 2 tramway from the airport runs approximately every 10 minutes, parallel to the seaside, and gets you to the Nice Port in just over 30 minutes. The tram costs €1.70 one-way or €10 for a round trip. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines in the tram stations, with coins or credit cards accepted. The tram is also wheelchair accessible.
Bus
The cheapest and quickest public transport option is the bus. Bus Line 12 travels regularly between the airport and the main plaza in Nice in around 15 minutes. The bus towards Palais des Expositions takes a scenic route along the waterfront with stops at Cathedrale – Vielle Ville (Old Town) and Albert 1er/Phocéens for Place Masséna. The Monaco Express Bus #80 leaves from Terminal 2 every 30 minutes and costs €19 one-way or €38 round trip. The Antibes/Golf Juan Express Bus #82 leaves from Terminal 2 every 45 minutes, costs €9 one-way or €18 round trip, and gets you to Antibes in about 35 minutes. Local Bus #620 can also be taken for just €2.10. Tickets for these buses can be purchased from the driver.
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Amenities and facilities available
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Both terminals are well-equipped with a range of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers.
Terminal 1, the older of the two, features two levels. The ground floor accommodates check-in and arrivals, while Level 1 offers boarding gates, a lounge, and various shops. Terminal 2, designed by architect Paul Andreu, serves both domestic and international departures and arrivals. It provides easy access to essential services, including a service centre that offers baggage drop-off, mail and printing facilities, and the option to rent child equipment.
Passengers can access a range of facilities and services at Nice Airport to enhance their travel experience. The airport boasts three lounges, two in Terminal 1 (Salon Canopy and Salon Library) and one in Terminal 2 (Salon Infinity). These lounges provide a tranquil environment to relax or work, complete with free Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, complimentary snacks and drinks, entertainment options, and international newspapers. Additionally, passengers requiring assistance due to reduced mobility can utilise infrastructures such as lifts, wheelchair-accessible vans, adapted toilets, a buggy service, pedometer strips, and dedicated parking spaces.
For travellers seeking convenience, Nice Airport offers a fast-track security service called 'Nice Service', available to all passengers for €10 per person. The airport also provides luggage storage services in Terminal 2, allowing passengers to securely store their belongings for up to 60 days. Safe Bag, a baggage wrapping service, offers insurance for damage or loss, providing added peace of mind.
Nice Airport caters to a diverse range of traveller needs with over 90 shopping and dining options across both terminals. ATM machines, children's play areas, and baby changing rooms are conveniently located throughout the airport. Additionally, Terminal 2 houses a service centre that provides essential services such as baggage drop-off and mail facilities, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers.
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Lounge access and benefits
Nice Airport in the Cote D'Azur can get rather busy, being a major airport for Air France and easyJet. The airport has a few lounges that offer an escape from the bustling terminal.
The Canopy Lounge (Terminal 1): This lounge is accessible to business-class passengers on most airlines operating in Terminal 1, as well as holders of the Priority Pass. It can be accessed by paying 30 euros per person, and children under three years old can enter for free. The lounge features a bright and pleasant atmosphere, with spaces to isolate oneself and observe the boarding area. It offers a variety of snacks and drinks, including a buffet with options suitable for children.
The Library Lounge (Salon VIP Lounge Zone A, Terminal 1): This lounge serves Schengen travellers at Terminal 1 and is located to the left of the main departure lounge. It offers luxury and comfort, with internet access, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), and flight monitors. The advanced air conditioning system provides relief from the heat of the Riviera.
The Infinity VIP Lounge: This lounge offers a peaceful environment to unwind or work before your flight. It is equipped with free Wi-Fi, adapted workspaces, and a self-service entertainment platform called "MOMENT" that provides video content, games, podcasts, and access to press titles. A buffet of snacks and drinks is available throughout the day. Access to this lounge is typically authorised 2-3 hours before flight time, depending on the flight schedule.
The Priority Pass provides access to over 1700 airport lounges worldwide, including lounges in Las Vegas, JFK, San Francisco, Atlanta, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, and Sydney. It allows members to enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as charging points and free Wi-Fi in most lounges.
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Parking availability and pricing
Nice Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a variety of parking options available for passengers. The two terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus service that runs between the terminals and the car parks. The shuttle buses are accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Parking Lot P5, located at Terminal 2, offers 2,333 parking spaces, including 52 spaces for disabled motorists. The rate for parking here is EUR 16.80 for 24 hours. Parking Lot P6, also at Terminal 2, provides 1,220 parking spaces for long and short-term parking, with 26 spaces designated for disabled drivers. Long-term parking fees at P6 start at EUR 79.00 for 5 to 8 days, with a EUR 30.00 charge for each subsequent week. For 9 to 15 days of parking, the rate is EUR 109.00, while 16 to 22 days will cost EUR 139.00, and 23 to 29 days will be charged at EUR 169.00.
For those seeking short-term parking, the P2 multi-storey car park near Terminal 1 is recommended for weekends or brief trips. P6 is also an option for those departing from Terminal 2. Blue Valet offers short-term parking with a valet service, with a 3-day parking average cost of €69.
Long-term parking rates at Blue Valet start at €11 per day for up to 15 days. A week's parking is approximately €109, and promotional discounts of up to 10% are sometimes available.
Parking rates at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport start from €3.14 per day, and ParkVia offers a best-price guarantee, ensuring customers never pay more than booking directly with the car park. ParkVia also offers a 3-day weekend rate of €36 and a low-cost parking option from €6.
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Frequently asked questions
Some travellers have complained about long wait times at Nice Airport, particularly when arriving from outside the EU and Schengen zones. However, others have said that they have experienced no such issues and that there are far worse airports.
Wait times at Nice Airport can vary depending on several factors, including the time of day and the number of large planes arriving. Some travellers have reported wait times of 2 hours or more, while others have experienced times of 30 minutes or less.
Nice Airport has two terminals, offering various amenities, including shops, restaurants, ATMs, children's play areas, and baby changing rooms. There are also lounges in both terminals, providing a comfortable place to relax or work, with free Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks. The airport also offers a fast-track security service called 'Nice Service' for €10 per person.
