If you’ve got a layover in Nice, don’t let it go to waste sitting at NCE. The city, in France, is within easy reach — roughly 50 minutes by Tramway Line 2. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave NCE:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for France. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Nice takes about 50 minutes by Tramway Line 2. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From NCE, the Tramway Line 2 gets you to Nice in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Tramway Line 2 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Nice layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$11 |
| Meal | ~$22 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$43 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Nice.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Nice, we’d suggest Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice (Old Town). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside NCE, you can spend time at Infinity Lounge (Terminal 1) or try Duty-Free Shopping (Terminal 1 & 2). Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
In Nice
If you make it into town, Chez Pipo is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Fenocchio Glacier.
Inside NCE
If you’re staying in the terminal, La Tarte Tropézienne (Terminal 1) is your main option. Prêt à Manger (Terminal 2) works too if you want something quick.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage is available at Not officially available directly at the airport; consider third-party luggage storage services in the city.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Nice.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and NCE is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Nice and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at NCE include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in France also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Nice doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 50 minutes from NCE, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.