How to get to the French Riviera

The most convenient route to the French Riviera is by air to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), located 7km (4mi) southwest of Nice city centre.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the gateway to the French Riviera, with daily flights to and from Paris as well as numerous direct flights from major cities in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Alternatively, high-speed TGV rail services provide access from all major French cities; taking 5 hours 47 minutes from Paris.

Known as the Côte d’Azur in France, the French Riviera stretches for around 160km (99mi) along the southern Mediterranean coast of France, from trendy St Tropez to the exclusive enclave of St Jean-Cap Ferrat, along the way encompassing the elegant resorts of Cannes, Cap d'Antibes, Juan les Pins and Nice.

Next stop is Monte Carlo, Menton and the Italian Riviera.


Flight times to Nice

The following are the most convenient and quickest routes to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Within France: Air France offers the most convenient daily flights to Nice.

Paris to Nice is 1 hr 25 min, direct flight


From United Kingdom: British Airways and easyJet offer the most convenient flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

London to Nice is 2 hrs, direct flight
Manchester to Nice is 2 hrs 20 min, direct flight


From Ireland: Aer Lingus and Ryanair offer the most convenient flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Dublin to Nice is 2 hrs 35 min, direct flight


From Germany: EasyJet, Lufthansa, and Eurowings offer the most convenient flights to Nice.

Berlin to Nice is 2 hrs 15 min, direct flight
Dusseldorf to Nice is 1 hrs 50 min, direct flight
Frankfurt to Nice is 1 hrs 25 min, direct flight
Hamburg to Nice is 2 hrs 5 min, direct flight
Munich to Nice is 1 hrs 25 min, direct flight


From United Arab Emirates: Emirates offers the most convenient flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Dubai to Nice is 6 hrs 55 min, direct flight


From United States: Air France, Lufthansa, American Airlines, British Airways and Delta Air Lines offer the most convenient daily flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

New York to Nice is 8 hrs 10 min, direct flight

Atlanta to Nice is 11 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Boston to Nice is 9 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to Nice is 10 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to Nice is 12 hrs, connecting flightˆ
Miami to Nice is 11 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
Los Angeles to Nice is 13 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to Nice is 13 hrs 10 min, connecting flightˆ


From Canada: Air Canada, Air Transat, Air France and easyJet offer the most convenient daily flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Montreal to Nice is 7 hrs 25 min, direct flight

Toronto to Nice is 9 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to Nice is 12 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ


From Australia: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Air France offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Adelaide to Nice is 22 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to Nice is 22 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Sydney to Nice is 24 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to Nice is 23 45 min, connecting flightˆ


From New Zealand: Emirates offers the most convenient scheduled flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Auckland to Nice is 27 hrs 10 min, connecting flightˆ


From Singapore: Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Singapore to Nice is 15 hrs, connecting flightˆ

(ˆincludes transfer time.)


Flying in

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is located 7km (4mi) southwest of Nice city centre. The airport is located on the western end of the Promenade des Anglais, and is the principal port of arrival for visitors to the Côte d'Azur.

Bus and train services are frequent between the airport and the Gare de Nice-Ville railway station (route 99) and Nice-Riquier railway station (route 98). The train station Nice-Saint-Augustin is near the airport (15 minutes by foot). Taxis are also available.


Entry requirements

A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay, a return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.


Getting around

Everything you could wish to see in Nice is just a 10-minute walk from the seafront promenade. You could also rent a bike on the Promenade des Angles or jump on a local bus, with routes throughout the city.

Hiring a car is usually the best way to get around the French Riviera. Alternatively, local buses and trains connect all the major cities and towns in the region.


Places to explore on the French Riviera…




Latest update: How to get to the French Riviera: 15 May, 2022



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