Madrid (MAD) to Nice (NCE) at a glance

Travelers can choose from a variety of airlines providing routes from Madrid (MAD) to Nice (NCE) on this international short-haul flight. Evaluate options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that best aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations as you prepare to explore the renowned attractions and neighborhoods of Nice. Here are the essential details for flights departing from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

• Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$375, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE)

According to the latest traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Madrid to Nice are favored for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover points include Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), with a layover of about 2 hours and 15 minutes; Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), which has a shorter layover of roughly 55 minutes; and Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC), offering a 1-hour and 45-minute layover. These options allow you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for an optimal itinerary.

• Iberia: As a comprehensive airline, Iberia provides non-stop flights, dominating this route with about 84% of departures. One-way ticket prices usually range from $50 to $555, and the entire journey takes around 2 hours.
• easyJet: This budget-friendly airline offers non-stop services, making up roughly 9% of flights on this route. One-way fares typically fall between $50 and $340, with a total travel time of 2 hours.
• TAP Portugal: A full-service option featuring one-stop flights, TAP Portugal accounts for about 3% of departures on this route. One-way prices generally range from $85 to $500. Expect an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with an overall travel time of around 6 hours, including the layover.
• ITA Airways: This full-service carrier also offers one-stop flights and represents about 2% of the departures. One-way fares usually range from $155 to $915. With an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, total travel time, including layover, is roughly 6 hours.
• Lufthansa: Another full-service airline providing one-stop services, Lufthansa contributes approximately 1% of flights on this route. One-way fares typically cost between $175 and $320, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of about 6 hours, including the layover.

Travelers flying from Madrid to Nice can opt for an upgrade, as Iberia provides business class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Madrid (MAD) to Nice (NCE)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Madrid to Nice are April, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Nice reach up to 74.1°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 46.4°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $103). Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $103, roughly 43% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: January typically offers an average one-way fare of around $106.
• Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Madrid to Nice, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Average	9	$106
February	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Low	7	$103
March	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Average	10	$149
April	55.2°F (12.9°C)	High	11	$198
May	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Average	13	$259
June	69.1°F (20.6°C)	High	12	$276
July	74.1°F (23.4°C)	High	11	$254
August	74.3°F (23.5°C)	Average	11	$204
September	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Average	10	$160
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Average	11	$135
November	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Low	10	$181
December	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Low	7	$149

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Madrid (MAD) to Nice (NCE)

• Madrid to Cannes (MAD-CEQ): Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) is located approximately 15 miles from Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE).
• Madrid to Saint-Tropez (MAD-LTT): La Mole Airport (LTT) lies roughly 49 miles away from Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE).

How to find the best prices for flights from Madrid (MAD) to Nice (NCE)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Madrid to Nice is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often have lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally offers cheaper rates, though Thursday is the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Cote d'Azur Airport from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

Nice welcomes travelers from Madrid with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Nice efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Nice, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Cote d'Azur Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cote d'Azur Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Cote d'Azur Airport, both Grand Arenas South Tram Stop (a metro station) and Nice-St-Augustin Station (a train station) are conveniently located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Nice Seaport (a seaport) is approximately 4 miles from the airport and typically reached by car.