Nice Airport to Monaco & Cannes: Transfer Options Compared

Nice Côte d'Azur is the main gateway to the French Riviera. Monaco is about 20 km to the east and Cannes about 30 km to the west. Both are short journeys on paper, and both can be slow on busy days.

Private chauffeur

A pre-booked driver meets you in arrivals, handles your bags and takes you door to door. It is the most predictable option, because the vehicle is waiting and the price is agreed in advance. It is also the easiest way to move a group or a lot of luggage. See our Riviera service.

Taxi

Taxis are available at the rank outside arrivals. They are straightforward when you are travelling light and your schedule is flexible. In busy weeks the queue can be long, and fares for longer journeys such as Monaco or Cannes should be checked before you set off.

Helicopter

Helicopter transfers link Nice with Monaco in a matter of minutes, and they are popular during race weekend. They are the fastest option and depend on weather, availability and weight limits. You will still need ground transport at both ends.

Tram and train

The tram connects Nice airport with the city, and regional trains run along the coast to Monaco and Cannes from Nice-Ville. It is inexpensive and not affected by road traffic, but it involves changes and carrying your own bags.

Terminals and meeting points

Nice has two terminals, so tell your driver which one your flight uses. If you are arriving by private jet, let us know, because business aviation is handled separately from the main terminals and the driver needs to be sent to the right place.

Other destinations along the coast

• Antibes and Juan-les-Pins: a short drive west, usually 20 to 30 minutes.
• Èze, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat: a short drive east, usually under 30 minutes.
• Saint-Tropez: around 100 km away and a long drive in summer traffic. Guests often choose a helicopter, or a chauffeur on a quiet day.

When the roads are at their worst

Summer Saturdays are notoriously slow on the coastal motorway, and so are the days of big events. If your timing is fixed, leave early, avoid peak hours and book the return transfer before you arrive.

Which to choose

• Group or heavy luggage: private chauffeur.
• Fastest to Monaco: helicopter, with a chauffeur on either side.
• Travelling light and flexible: taxi or public transport.
• Event week: book a chauffeur early, and build in more time than usual.

Event weeks

During the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival, the coastal roads are slower and some streets are closed. We recommend booking ahead and agreeing the exact drop-off point. See our guides to the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival.