Tram line 2 is the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to travel between Nice city center and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). Trams run frequently, connect directly to the airport terminals, and cost as little as €1.70 per trip.
How to Take the Tram to Nice Airport (Quick Guide)
- Follow signs to Tram Line 2 (blue) at the airport or in the city
- Take Tram 2 toward Port Lympia (city center) or Aéroport Terminal 2 (airport)
- Travel time: 25–30 minutes
- Trams run every 5–8 minutes
- FREE between Terminal 2 – Terminal 1 – Grand Arénas for everyone.
Best ticket: Buy the €10 “L’Aéro” return at the airport (easiest).
Cheapest: €1.70 using “La Carte” (extra step at Grand Arénas).
Typical cost: Tram €1.70–€10 vs private transfer €30–€60+
→ 🚖 Check private transfer prices for late arrivals, heavy luggage, or groups of 3-4 people.
For most visitors, the tram is the best option.
If you want more details on routes, tickets, and connections, the full guide below explains everything step by step.
Tram Line 2 to Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (Detailed Guide)
Tram Line 2 (blue) connects Nice Airport directly with the city center and port. It runs from Aéroport Terminal 2 via Terminal 1 to Grand Arénas and continues parallel to the Mediterranean coast and the Promenade des Anglais to the old town and city center of Nice Ville with its final stop at Port Lympia.
Route and Basics for Tram 2
Tram line 2 (Ligne 2 de Tram) from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport:
- Direction: Port Lympia (city center)
- Travel time: 25–30 minutes
- Frequency: every 5–8 minutes
- Free travel: between terminals and Grand Arénas
Two tram lines depart from Aéroport Terminal 2 and stop at Aéroport Terminal 1 before reaching Grand Arénas:
- Line 2 (blue): to Port Lympia (use this one)
- Line B (yellow): to CADAM (only useful to Grand Arénas)
Travel between Aéroport Terminal 2, Aéroport Terminal 1, and Grand Arénas is free and without a ticket for everyone.
The tram lines split at Grand Arénas near Saint Augustin SNCF train station. If on the wrong tram, change here and note that the trams to Nice center, Saint-Isidore, the airport, and CADAM may use different stopping points.
Buying Tickets for Nice Airport Tram in 2026
The Nice public transportation network no longer sells single-use paper tickets. All travelers need a rechargeable, contactless travel pass. The basic options are “L’Aéro”, “La Carte”, or the Lignes d’Azur mobile app (Android only) — no bank charge card option.
NOTE: Validate all tickets when boarding buses and trams in Nice (including for day passes and after transfers). Spot fines are €60 payable immediately, or add €40 to pay later.
Buy “L’Aéro” Tram Ticket at Nice Airport
“L’Aero” is the only travel ticket sold at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport tram stop vending machines. It costs €10 and is valid for a return journey to and from the airport with 74 minutes of travel in each direction. It permits any number of transfers to city buses and trams (but no backtracking).
“L’Aéro” may be loaded with further airport returns (@ €10) but not with other types of tickets. €10 return is fairly cheap for European airport transfers, but travelers feeling overcharged compared to the locals are not wrong.
Using “La Carte” Tram and Bus Tickets in Nice
“La Carte” is the basic reusable travel card for public transportation in Nice. Buy your “La Carte” for €2 and then load it with tickets at vending machines or via most mobile phones. Popular ticket options include a single ride (€1.70), a 24-hour pass (€7), or a 7-day pass (€20).
A single trip to or from Nice airport is only €1.70 if loaded onto “La Carte” and included in any day pass.
It is easiest to buy “La Carte” from tram station vending machines, but it is NOT sold at the airport. The vending machines at the airport tram stops only sell the €10 return “L’Aéro”.
How to Avoid “L’Aéro” Surcharges:
- Android phones can use the Lignes d’Azur app as “La Carte”. (iPhone users need a physical card too.)
- Take the tram for free from the airport to Grand Arenas. Buy a “La Carte” from the vending machines here for €2, load it with a €1.70 single ticket, and continue the journey on the next tram. Many travelers prefer the simpler option and buy the “L’Aero” for €10 return at the airport.
→ For small groups traveling with luggage, a private transfer may be easier.
Transfer Connections in Nice on Tram 2
En route to Port Lympia on the east of Nice’s town center, tram 2 from the airport runs mostly along Avenue de la Californie, which is parallel to the more famous Promenade des Anglais (and the Mediterranean Sea). It continues in a tunnel under the city center with stops at the important transportation hubs of Garibaldi and St Jean.
Tram Line 2 has several convenient connections (correspondence) with other public transportation methods — remember to revalidate tickets with every change.
Handy stops on Tram 2 (and 3) include:
- Grand Arénas -– easy walk to Nice-Saint Augustin SNCF station, where most regional trains stop, and the Gare routière for intercity buses, eg, to Vence, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and Isola 2000.
- Parc Phoenix — first stop after Grand Arénas — terminus for buses 620 (Cannes), but most other buses now depart from Grand Arénas.
- Jean Médecin – with Tram Line 1 and one stop to Gare Thiers (Nice Ville main train station) or to Masséna with many bus lines.
- Garibaldi / Le Château – with Tram Line 1 and many bus lines.
- Port Lympia – bus 600 (previously 100) on the scenic route to Monaco — use stop Arson / Fodéré near Port Lympia when traveling to Monaco or Merton. (The best way to get to Monaco from the airport is by train or express bus.)
From Port Lympia: tram 2 (blue) and tram 3 (green to Saint-Isidore) follow the same tracks up to Grand Arénas — if necessary, change here to tram 2 or B to reach the airport.
Buses to Nice Airport
As a direct consequence of tram 2, the former pricey airport express buses 98 and 99 have been canceled (but some of that lost revenue is being recouped with the L’Aèro card!), and very few Nice City buses stop at the airport.
Bus 12+ still runs past the airport (Aeroport Promenade stop, a short walk from Terminal 1) and along the full length of Promenade des Anglais — a lovely ride but in regular buses without space for luggage.