Nice is a compact, easy city to navigate. We'll tell you how to get in from the airport by bus or taxi, and we'll show you just how easy it is to get to Nice by train.
Getting Into Nice
How to Get Into Nice from the Airport
All international flights to Nice arrive at Aeroport de Nice-Côte d'Azur, 4km (or about 3 miles) west of Vieux Nice, or Old Nice.
By bus
The Ligne d'Azur airport buses (#98 and #99) run between the airport and Nice's main bus station Monday through Saturday on the half hour. A one-way journey costs €4. The airport bus runs from 5:30 a.m. until just before midnight. If you plan to take the bus later on in the day, keep your ticket stub as it's valid for 24 hours.
Bus #99: This bus runs from the airport to Nice Centre Ville and to the bus station and operates from 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. only.
Bus #98: This bus runs from the airport to Gare Routiere and the "yellow NICE" bus #98 runs from the airport to the main bus station, and additionally serves the promenade des Anglais. The buss operate from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
One other option is the "slow and steady" cheapo bus #23, which runs from terminal 1 at the airport and makes lots of local stops until it arrives at Nice's main train station. The journey can take up to 4 hours (woof!), but it costs €1.30.
By taxi
Taxis from the airport to the center of town should run about €30. Expect to pay more for nighttime travel. Be sure to get a price estimate upon entry and make sure the meter is turned on.
Pick up taxis outside terminal 1 or at Porte A-3 at terminal 2.
Note: Taxis are notorious for overcharging in Nice. Be careful. If your total comes to much more than €30-33, question the amount, and if you're still concerned, don't be afraid to ask to speak to a gendarme (police officer).
Find more information about the Nice Airport on the official airport site.
How to Get Into Nice from the Main Train Station
The primary train station is the Gare SNCF Nice-Ville at Avenue Thiers, less than a kilometer north of the beach. More than 30 trains a day travel along the French coast, stopping in Monaco, Cannes and Marseilles. Four to five daily trains travel to and from Paris and a few go to Spain.
By bus
You can pick up bus #17, which takes you to Place Massena, outside the train station. From here, you can walk to area hotels via Avenue Jean Medecin or Blvd Victor Hugo. Many hotels will be within walking distance of the main train station, though.
How to Get Into Nice from the Bus Station
If you arrive in Nice by bus, you will be very close to the promenade des Anglais. Bus schedules and tickets are available to near and far-flung hotels from here. Ask the clerk.
About the author: Tom Meyers is the Editor in Chief of EuroCheapo.com.
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