Tram 2 has replaced airport express buses 98 and 99 to provide fast and cheap transportation from Nice-Côte d’Azur Aéroport to downtown. Bus 12 remains an option for traveling along Promenade des Anglais.
Tram 2 is the best and cheapest way to travel from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to downtown (Jean Médecin, Garibaldi, and Port Lympia). The only municipal bus stopping near the airport that could be of interest to most tourists is bus 12+, which runs along Promenade des Anglais to the old town. Buses remain a good option for traveling to nearby towns such as Cannes, the Antibes, and Monaco.
→ 🚖 Check private transfer prices for late arrivals, heavy luggage, or groups of 3-4 people.
Public Municipal Buses from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to Town
Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is very conveniently located right on the seafront in the south of Nice city. Tram 2 has replaced public buses (Lignes d’Azur) as the best public transportation for traveling between the airport and downtown. The two expensive airport express buses, 98 and 99, have been discontinued.
Bus 12+ in Nice
The only regular municipal bus of interest to tourists traveling via Nice-Côte d’Azur airport is bus 12+. It runs mostly five times per hour between Promenade des Arts (Nice city center) and Centre Commercial Cap 3000 to the west of the airport. En route, bus 12 runs along the Promenade des Anglais seafront and stops at Aeroport/Promenade on the main road in front of the airport. The Aeroport/Promenade stop is a short walk from Terminal 1. Use the tram (free) for travel between terminal 1 and terminal 2 — walking is not an option.
Bus 12+ is a regular commuter bus without space for luggage. In most cases, tram 2 will be a better choice for traveling to the airport, but of course, without the sea views. The price for either is the standard €1.70 ticket (although on the bus, €5 may be charged for larger suitcases).
In 2026, travel on trams and buses in Nice requires a rechargeable “La Carte”, which is NOT sold at the airport. At the Airport tram stops, only a “L’Aéro” card is sold, which is €10 for a return trip. However, anyone already in possession of a “La Carte” pays only €1.70 for the same journey.
This makes bus 12 interesting for travelers without luggage. Buy a “La Carte” on the bus for €4 (cash), and it already includes the first ride. It may be recharged later like any other “La Carte” card.
→ See also: Cheap Public Transportation Tram 2 to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) for more details on the “La Carte” and “L’Aéro” card, and how to avoid the airport surcharge.
Former Airport Express Buses 98 and 99 (Now Discontinued)
The well-known airport express buses 98 and 99 no longer operate. They were replaced by Tram Line 2, which is now faster, cheaper, and more convenient.
- Bus 99 previously connected the airport with Nice Ville train station
- Bus 98 served the Promenade des Anglais and old town
→ Today, simply take Tram Line 2 for all these routes.