€32–€39 flat fares make taxis the low‑friction option out of NCE
Taxis at Nice–Côte d’Azur Airport run on fixed official fares: around €32–€39 for central Nice, depending on the exact address and time of day. Metered taxis line up outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and they’re the least hassle if you land late, have mobility issues, or you’re three or four people splitting the cost.
From Terminal 1, the taxi rank sits just outside the arrivals level, a 1–2 minute walk once you exit baggage claim. From Terminal 2, follow the “Taxi” signs down to the ground level exit by doors A2/A3; you’ll usually see a small queue of blue‑and‑white “Taxi” roof lights. Rides into central Nice typically take 15–25 minutes, traffic on the Promenade des Anglais being the main variable.
Fares are metered but governed by set regional tariffs, with supplements like luggage fees or late‑night surcharges printed on a card inside the cab. Expect a starting fare around €3–€4, then distance and time on top, capped by that fixed airport–Nice price band. Most drivers take Visa/Mastercard, but some are still cash‑only, so having €40 in cash isn’t a bad backup.
Taxis operate 24/7, unlike the tram line 2 which winds down around midnight, so a 23:45 landing in Terminal 2 usually means taxi or nothing. A party of four paying €35 is effectively under €9 per person, which compares well to four separate tram tickets plus the time spent walking from the tram stop to a hotel near Place Masséna or the port.
If you want to skip the rank, local dispatch companies can send a car to Terminal 1 or 2 for a small reservation fee (often €2–€5); you’ll meet the car at the same taxi area. This can shave 10–15 minutes off at busy times like Friday 18:00–20:00 when cruise traffic and weekenders hit at once.
Step-by-step from landing to taxi:
- 1. Land at Terminal 1 or 2 and clear passport control if arriving from outside Schengen.
- 2. Collect bags from the carousel; budget 15–30 minutes from gate to exit.
- 3. Follow the white “Taxi” pictograms out of arrivals; in T2 that’s toward doors A2/A3, in T1 it’s straight out of the main exit.
- 4. Join the taxi queue; typical wait is 5–10 minutes, shorter after 22:00 outside summer.
- 5. Before you get in, confirm “Nice centre, fixed price?” and ask for the approximate amount; you’re checking for the €32–€39 ballpark.
- 6. Once inside, verify the meter is on and that any supplements match the tariff card.
- 7. On arrival, pay by card or cash, then ask for a printed receipt with the taxi number and total; this helps if you forget a bag.
One tip: Screenshot your hotel address with postal code (like “06000 Nice”) before landing; handing that to the driver in writing cuts down on language confusion and keeps the route clean.