Cheap Flights to Nice (NCE)
Flights from $399 round-trip. Nice is the jewel of the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) — a sun-drenched Mediterranean city where Belle Époque architecture meets turquoise waters, vibrant markets, and world-class art museums. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is France's second-busiest and the gateway to Monaco, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and the hilltop villages of Provence. With nonstop service from several US cities and competitive consolidator fares through Camli, the Riviera is more accessible than its glamorous reputation suggests.
Quick Facts: Nice
- Timezone
- CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) summer
- Currency
- Euro (€) — cards widely accepted; some markets are cash-only
- Language
- French (English spoken in tourist areas but less than northern Europe — basic French appreciated)
- Visa
- ETIAS required (€20, valid 3 years)
- Plug Type
- Type C/E (European two-pin — bring adapter from US)
- Water Temp
- 60–77°F (May–Oct swimmable; Aug warmest at 77°F)
- Peak Season
- July–August (hot, crowded, expensive — Riviera high season)
- Shoulder Season
- May–June & September–October (warm 68–77°F, fewer crowds, better prices)
Flights to Nice from the US
Compare nonstop routes, airlines, and fares from 5 major US cities to NCE.
Indicative fares shown. Prices may vary at time of booking.
| Origin | Flight Time | Lowest Fare | Nonstop Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 9h nonstop | From $399 | Delta, La Compagnie |
| Newark (EWR) | 9h 15m nonstop | From $419 | United |
| Chicago (ORD) | 10h 30m (1 stop) | From $449 | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 12h (1 stop) | From $479 | |
| Miami (MIA) | 11h (1 stop) | From $459 |
Airlines Flying to Nice: Comparison Guide
| Airline | Routes | Baggage | Seat Pitch | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | JFK nonstop (seasonal/year-round) | 1 checked bag included (Main Cabin) | 31–32" pitch | Nonstop from NYC; SkyMiles; Delta One available |
| La Compagnie | EWR nonstop (seasonal) | 2 checked bags included | All business class (lie-flat) | Affordable business class ($1,500–2,500 RT) |
| United | EWR nonstop (seasonal) | 1 checked bag included | 31–32" pitch | MileagePlus earnings; Polaris option |
| Air France | JFK/ATL/LAX/MIA via Paris CDG | 1 checked bag included | 31–32" pitch | Most connection options; SkyTeam; year-round |
Best Time to Fly to Nice: Month-by-Month Guide
Airfare to Nice fluctuates significantly by season. Here's what to expect each month.
Weather Insight: Nice enjoys a Mediterranean climate with 300+ days of sunshine per year — one of Europe's sunniest cities. Summer (June–September) averages 73–86°F with very little rain and warm seas (72–77°F). Spring (April–May) and fall (October–November) are mild (55–72°F) with occasional rain but plenty of sunshine. Winter (December–February) is mild by European standards (45–55°F) with cool nights but sunny days — you can often sit outdoors for lunch in January. The Mistral wind occasionally brings cold, clear weather from the north. Rain, when it comes, tends to be brief but intense (especially October–November).
| Month | Avg. Fare | Demand | Weather | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | $410 | Low | 45–55°F, mild and sunny | Low season; good deals; too cold to swim |
| February | $420 | Low | 46–56°F, Carnival season | Nice Carnival draws crowds; book early |
| March | $440 | Medium | 50–60°F, spring arriving | Warming up; flowers blooming |
| April | $470 | Medium | 55–65°F, pleasant | Good shoulder season; Easter crowds |
| May | $510 | High | 62–72°F, warm | Cannes Film Festival; fares rise |
| June | $540 | High | 68–79°F, hot and sunny | Summer begins; excellent weather |
| July | $620 | Peak | 73–84°F, very hot | Peak Riviera season; book 3+ months ahead |
| August | $640 | Peak | 74–86°F, hottest | European holidays; highest prices |
| September | $510 | High | 68–79°F, warm seas | Best value for warm weather; sea still warm |
| October | $440 | Medium | 59–68°F, mild | Shoulder season; good deals |
| November | $400 | Low | 50–59°F, cooler | Low season begins; bargains |
| December | $450 | Medium | 46–54°F, mild winter | Christmas markets; holiday premium |
Booking Strategy: Nice fares follow Riviera seasonality closely. Best value: book May or September–October 8–10 weeks ahead for $399–510 RT — warm weather, swimmable seas, and manageable crowds. July–August peaks at $620–640 — book 3+ months ahead. Consider La Compagnie for all-business-class service at $1,500–2,500 RT (vs. $4,000+ on Delta One) — exceptional value for premium travel. The Cannes Film Festival (mid-May) inflates all Riviera prices. Tuesday/Wednesday departures save $30–50. Open-jaw tickets (into Paris, out of Nice) are often the same price as round-trips and let you experience both.
Entry Requirements for Nice
US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, France is part of the Schengen Area, and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization is required. ETIAS costs €20 (free for travelers under 18 or over 70), is valid for 3 years, and must be obtained online before departure at etias.ec.europa.eu. The system is expected to launch Q4 2026 with a 6-month grace period. Processing is usually instant but can take up to 72 hours. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. No vaccinations required.
Things to Do in Nice
Promenade des Anglais & Beaches
The iconic 4-mile seafront promenade stretches along the Baie des Anges — perfect for walking, cycling, or people-watching. Nice's beaches are pebbly (not sand) but the water is crystal-clear and swimmable May–October. Free public beaches alternate with private beach clubs (€15–25 for a lounger). Best swimming: Plage de la Reserve (east end, calmer water) or Villefranche-sur-Mer (sandy, 15 min by train).
Old Town (Vieux Nice)
A maze of narrow streets filled with Baroque churches, gelato shops, and the daily Cours Saleya flower and food market (Tuesday–Sunday, 6 AM–1:30 PM). Must-try: socca (chickpea flatbread, €3), pissaladière (onion tart), and pan bagnat (Niçois sandwich). Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views of the coastline and city — free, 20-minute walk or €1.50 elevator from the seafront.
Art Museums
Nice has an extraordinary concentration of art: Musée Matisse (free, dedicated to Henri Matisse who lived here 37 years), Musée Marc Chagall (€10, largest collection of his biblical works), MAMAC (modern/contemporary art, free), and Musée des Beaux-Arts (free). The Fondation Maeght in nearby Saint-Paul-de-Vence (30 min by bus) houses Miró, Giacometti, and Calder in a stunning hilltop setting (€18).
Day Trips: Monaco, Cannes & Provence
Nice is perfectly positioned for Riviera exploration. Monaco: 25 min by train (€4.10), visit the Casino, Prince's Palace, and Oceanographic Museum. Cannes: 35 min by train (€7.50), walk La Croisette and explore the old port. Èze: medieval hilltop village with Fragonard perfume factory (20 min by bus). Saint-Paul-de-Vence: artist village (30 min by bus). Antibes: Picasso Museum and Cap d'Antibes coastal walk (25 min by train).
Which are the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Nice?
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Baroque churches, narrow alleys, Cours Saleya market, and the best restaurants — the atmospheric heart of Nice between Castle Hill and Place Masséna
Best for: Food, culture, nightlife, authentic atmosphere. Price range: €100–300/night
Promenade des Anglais
The iconic seafront boulevard with Belle Époque hotels (Negresco, Westminster), beach access, and the city's grandest architecture
Best for: Beach access, luxury hotels, iconic views. Price range: €150–500/night
Cimiez
Hilltop residential quarter with the Matisse Museum, Roman ruins, Franciscan monastery gardens, and Belle Époque villas — quieter and more elegant than the center
Best for: Art museums, gardens, peaceful atmosphere. Price range: €80–200/night
Port & Mont Boron
The working port area with excellent seafood restaurants, antique shops, and Mont Boron park offering the best panoramic views of Nice and the coastline
Best for: Seafood dining, local atmosphere, hiking. Price range: €90–250/night
Nice by Traveler Type
Nice on a Budget
The Riviera has a luxury reputation but Nice itself is surprisingly affordable — free beaches, cheap trams, and excellent market food keep costs low.
- Free museums: Matisse, MAMAC, Beaux-Arts (all permanently free)
- Tram day pass (€5) covers airport transfer + all city transport
- Eat socca and market food for lunch (€3–8) instead of restaurants
- Free public beaches — bring your own towel and water
- Train to Monaco (€4.10) for free casino-watching and palace views
Luxury Riviera
The French Riviera invented modern luxury tourism — from Belle Époque grand hotels to Michelin-starred cuisine and private yacht charters.
- Stay at Hôtel Negresco (Nice landmark since 1913) or Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes
- Private yacht charter from Nice port (from €2,000/day) to explore the coast
- Michelin dining: Le Chantecler (Negresco), Flaveur, JAN
- Private beach club at Paloma Beach (Cap Ferrat) — celebrity favorite
- Helicopter transfer Nice → Monaco (7 min, €140 one-way) for the grand entrance
Nice with Kids
Nice is family-friendly with beaches, parks, and easy day trips — the mild climate and compact size make it manageable with children of all ages.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer sandy beach (15 min by train) is better for kids than Nice's pebbles
- Parc Phoenix: botanical garden with tropical greenhouse and animals (€5 adults, free under 12)
- Marineland in Antibes: aquarium and marine park (€39 adults, €29 kids)
- Castle Hill playground and waterfall — free, with great views
- Ice cream on Cours Saleya: Fenocchio has 100+ flavors including lavender and olive
Best US Airports for Flights to Nice
- JFK (New York)
- Nonstop on Delta and La Compagnie; shortest flight time (9h); lowest fares ($399+)
- EWR (Newark)
- United nonstop seasonally; good connections year-round
- ORD (Chicago)
- Competitive one-stop fares via Paris or London
Airport & Arrival Guide: NCE
NCE vs. Paris CDG for the Riviera
Always fly into Nice (NCE) if your primary destination is the Côte d'Azur. NCE is 4 miles from Nice center and 25 minutes from Monaco by train. Paris CDG requires a 1h 30m connecting flight or 5h 30m TGV train to reach Nice. The only exception: if you're spending significant time in Paris AND the Riviera, fly into Paris and take the TGV south (scenic, comfortable, city-center to city-center). Open-jaw tickets (into Paris, out of Nice) are often priced similarly to round-trips.
Getting from the Airport: Nice Airport (NCE) is just 4 miles west of the city center along the coast. Tram Line 2: €1.70, every 6 minutes, reaches Jean Médecin (city center) in 25 minutes and Port in 30 minutes — best option. Taxi: fixed fare €32 to right bank / €36 to left bank (Old Town) — no negotiation needed. Uber: available, similar pricing to taxis. Airport Express bus 98: €6, reaches the bus station in 30 minutes. For Monaco: take Tram Line 2 to Nice-Riquier then train (25 min, €4.10), or taxi directly (€90, 30 min). For Cannes: train from Nice-Ville station (35 min, €7.50).
Considering Alternatives to Nice?
Nice vs. Paris
France's capital offers world-class museums and cuisine but no beach — 5h 30m by TGV or 1h 30m flight
Nice vs. Milan
Italian fashion capital just 4h by train; different Mediterranean culture across the border
Nice vs. Naples
Southern Italian coast with Amalfi and Pompeii — similar Mediterranean vibe, more affordable
Travel Tips
Tram is king
Nice's tram system (2 lines) is the best way to get around: €1.70 per ride (€5 day pass), runs every 6 minutes, connects the airport, train station, Old Town, and port. Line 2 runs along the coast from the airport to the port. Buy tickets at machines (coins or card) — validate on board. Google Maps has real-time tram schedules.
Train for day trips
The TER coastal train is the best way to explore the Riviera: Nice → Monaco (25 min, €4.10), Nice → Cannes (35 min, €7.50), Nice → Antibes (25 min, €5.20), Nice → Villefranche (7 min, €2.10). Trains run every 15–30 minutes. Buy tickets at machines in the station or on the SNCF Connect app. The coastal views between Nice and Monaco are spectacular — sit on the left side heading east.
Market culture
Cours Saleya market in Old Town runs Tuesday–Sunday (flowers, produce, prepared food). Monday is antiques day. Arrive before 9 AM for the best selection and photos. Try: socca from Chez Thérésa (€3, chickpea flatbread cooked in a wood-fired oven), fresh figs and olives, and local rosé. The market closes by 1:30 PM. Liberation market (near the train station) is where locals shop — less touristy, same quality.
Beach etiquette
Public beaches are free but have no facilities (bring your own towel/mat). Private beaches (plages privées) charge €15–25 for a lounger + umbrella and include restaurant service, showers, and changing rooms. Topless sunbathing is common and accepted on all beaches. The water is clean and clear — no need for water shoes in the sea, only on the pebbles getting in and out.
Ready to Book Your Nice Trip?
Search for the best fares or speak with our flight experts for personalized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do US citizens need a visa to visit Nice/France?
- No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, France is part of the Schengen Area, and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization is required. ETIAS costs €20 (free for travelers under 18 or over 70), is valid for 3 years, and must be obtained online before departure at etias.ec.europa.eu. The system is expected to launch Q4 2026 with a 6-month grace period. Processing is usually instant but can take up to 72 hours. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years.
- What is the best time to visit Nice?
- May–June and September–October offer the best combination: warm weather (68–77°F), swimmable seas, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. July–August is peak Riviera season — hot (80–88°F), very crowded, and expensive (hotel prices double). Nice enjoys 300+ days of sunshine per year, so even winter (December–February, 45–55°F) is pleasant for sightseeing, though too cold for swimming. The Nice Carnival (February) is one of the world's largest.
- Are Nice's beaches sandy?
- No — Nice's city beaches are pebbly (galets). The stones are smooth but uncomfortable without a towel or beach mat. Private beach clubs (€15–25/day) provide cushioned loungers. For sandy beaches: Villefranche-sur-Mer (15 min by train, small sandy cove), Antibes (25 min by train, sandy stretches), or Cannes (35 min by train, sandy public beaches). Water shoes help on Nice's pebble beaches.
- How do I get from Nice Airport to the city center?
- Nice Airport (NCE) is just 4 miles from the center along the coast. Tram Line 2: €1.70, runs every 6 minutes, reaches the city center (Jean Médecin) in 25 minutes and the port in 30 minutes — best value. Taxi: fixed fare €32 to city center (right bank) or €36 (left bank/Old Town). Uber: similar to taxi pricing. Airport Express bus 98: €6, reaches the bus station in 30 minutes. The tram is the clear winner for solo travelers.
- Is Nice safe?
- Nice is generally very safe for tourists. The main tourist areas (Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, port) are well-policed and busy. Standard precautions: watch for pickpockets in crowded markets and on trams, don't leave bags unattended on the beach, and be aware of your surroundings at night in quieter areas. The city has significantly increased security presence along the Promenade since 2016. Overall, Nice feels safe and welcoming.
- Should I fly into Nice or Paris for the Riviera?
- Nice — always, unless you're combining Paris and the Riviera in one trip. Nice Airport is 4 miles from the city and 25 minutes from Monaco by train. From Paris, the TGV to Nice takes 5h 30m (or 1h 30m flight + transfers). If you're visiting both, consider flying into Paris and out of Nice (or vice versa) as an open-jaw itinerary — often priced similarly to a round-trip.
Explore More Destinations
Discover other popular destinations with affordable flights from the US.
- Flights to Cancun, Mexico — from $149 round-trip, 10 US departure cities
- Flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — from $179 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico — from $89 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Aruba, Aruba — from $219 round-trip, 6 US departure cities
- Flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica — from $179 round-trip, 6 US departure cities
- Flights to London, United Kingdom — from $251 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to Amsterdam, Netherlands — from $489 round-trip, 1 US departure cities
- Flights to Rome, Italy — from $498 round-trip, 1 US departure cities
- Flights to Athens, Greece — from $520 round-trip, 1 US departure cities
- Flights to Dublin, Ireland — from $420 round-trip, 1 US departure cities
- Flights to Berlin, Germany — from $480 round-trip, 1 US departure cities
- Flights to Miami, United States — from $69 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Las Vegas, United States — from $49 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Orlando, United States — from $59 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Paris, France — from $389 round-trip, 10 US departure cities
- Flights to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands — from $249 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Honolulu, Hawaii — from $298 round-trip, 10 US departure cities
- Flights to Maui, Hawaii — from $308 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — from $198 round-trip, 10 US departure cities
- Flights to Kauai, Hawaii — from $298 round-trip, 9 US departure cities
- Flights to Reykjavik, Iceland — from $279 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Edinburgh, United Kingdom — from $389 round-trip, 7 US departure cities
- Flights to Milan, Italy — from $399 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to Copenhagen, Denmark — from $379 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to Prague, Czech Republic — from $419 round-trip, 3 US departure cities
- Flights to Tel Aviv, Israel — from $549 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to San José, Costa Rica — from $269 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos — from $299 round-trip, 7 US departure cities
- Flights to Munich, Germany — from $389 round-trip, 6 US departure cities
- Flights to Venice, Italy — from $419 round-trip, 4 US departure cities
- Flights to Zurich, Switzerland — from $429 round-trip, 7 US departure cities
- Flights to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands — from $289 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Kona, United States — from $279 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Naples, Italy — from $389 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to Stockholm, Sweden — from $349 round-trip, 6 US departure cities
- Flights to Geneva, Switzerland — from $379 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to Brussels, Belgium — from $339 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to Belize City, Belize — from $289 round-trip, 8 US departure cities
- Flights to Lagos, Nigeria — from $599 round-trip, 5 US departure cities
- Flights to Los Cabos, Mexico — from $199 round-trip, 10 US departure cities