Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: gateway to the Riviera
Located on the seafront west of Nice, about twenty kilometers from Antibes, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (IATA code NCE) is France’s third-largest airport after Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly. In 2025 it welcomed a record 15.2 million passengers, making it by far the main air gateway to the Côte d’Azur. It is run by Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, which also operates Cannes-Mandelieu and Saint-Tropez airports, and connects the region with major European capitals as well as many long-haul destinations.
For visitors staying in Antibes, it is almost always the most convenient arrival point: flights are plentiful all year round, connections to Antibes are varied and the journey is short, whether you choose the bus, the train, a taxi or a private driver.
Terminals, airlines and destinations
The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, linked by a free tram (lines 2 and B). Terminal 2 is home to easyJet, which has a base there, as well as Air France, KLM, Emirates and Etihad, so always check your terminal on your ticket or the airport website before setting off. The summer 2026 schedule features around 130 destinations in 47 countries, including about fifteen long-haul routes to the United States, Canada and the Middle East.
Terminal 2 has also been expanded: opened in April 2026, its 23,000 m² extension raises the airport’s annual capacity to 18 million passengers and adds contact gates, reducing bus transfers on the apron.
Distance and travel time between Antibes and the airport
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is about 20 kilometers from Antibes. By car, the journey usually takes 20 to 30 minutes via the A8 motorway (exit 44, Antibes), a little longer along the seafront road, which is more scenic but often busy. In summer and at rush hour, especially on Friday evenings, it can take more than 45 minutes, so leave a comfortable margin before a flight.
By public transport, allow 30 to 50 minutes on the ZOU! 82 express bus, which runs directly from the terminals to the Antibes Pôle d’échanges hub, and 35 to 45 minutes combining the tram and a TER train from Nice Saint-Augustin station, a few minutes’ walk from Terminal 1.
Getting to Antibes from the airport
Several options will get you to Antibes depending on your budget and arrival time. The ZOU! 82 bus leaves roughly every 35 to 60 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 9:55 p.m., for €11 per trip. The TER train from Nice Saint-Augustin is the cheapest option, with frequent services until late evening. Taxis wait outside exit A3 at both terminals, with an indicative fare of about €72 to Antibes, while ride-hailing apps have a dedicated pick-up point.
For a hassle-free arrival, especially with family or in a group, a private chauffeur in Antibes booked in advance will meet you in the arrivals hall. Ranks, fares and useful numbers are listed on our page about taxis in Antibes. We compare all these options in detail, with journey times and prices, in our article Nice Airport to Antibes: Every Transfer Option Compared.
Services at the airport
The airport offers all the services you would expect from an international hub. Wi-Fi is free and unlimited, left-luggage facilities are available before security in both terminals from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and several car parks, including budget options and online booking deals, cater for travelers arriving by car. The car rental center, next to Terminal 2, brings together the main rental companies. Before booking, our guide to renting a car in Antibes helps you decide whether you really need one.
Passengers with reduced mobility receive free assistance, to be requested from the airline at least 48 hours before the flight, and the airport takes part in the Sunflower lanyard scheme for hidden disabilities. For the rest of your journey, our article on accessibility in Antibes covers services at the station and on local transport.
Practical tips for your departure or arrival
For a smooth departure, check your terminal the day before and plan to arrive at least two hours before a European flight, more for long-haul or in peak summer. If you are leaving Antibes by public transport, check the bus 82 or train times and allow extra time for the unexpected. If you are driving, book your parking online, which is often cheaper than paying on the day.
On arrival, buy your ZOU! bus ticket at the Terminal 2 shop or by text message to save time, and be wary of unofficial drivers offering rides in the arrivals hall. Finally, if you are flying privately or on business aviation, Cannes-Mandelieu Airport can be a more discreet alternative.