Practical Guide — Renting a Car in Nice in 2026

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has a centralised car rental organisation, the Car Rental Center, which groups all hire companies in a single space to simplify collection and return. Here is everything you need to know for a stress-free rental.

Where Agencies Are Located

Until 10pm, welcome counters are available at both terminal arrivals: Terminal 1: Gates A1/A2, Terminal 2: Arrivals zone. Staff direct to the Car Rental Center. After 10pm and for actual vehicle collection, all hire companies are grouped at the Car Rental Center, located behind Terminal 2's P5 car park. A free shuttle connects T1 to T2. Area: 60,000 m².

Required Documents

Valid driving licence (in Roman alphabet, held for over 1 year). Identity card or passport. Credit card in the main driver's name (Visa or Mastercard recommended, Amex refused by some operators). For non-Europeans: International driving licence recommended as supplement.

Traps to Avoid

Abusive excess, always check the excess amount before signing. Take full coverage insurance (zero excess) via DiscoverCars or Auto Europe rather than at the counter. Damaged licence, some operators (Goldcar in particular) refuse licences with even slight wear. Renew your licence if necessary. Condition report, photograph and film the entire vehicle before leaving, report all existing damage in writing. Fuel, prefer 'full to full' offers to avoid surcharge fuel prices at return. Debit card, verify your hire company accepts it (Hertz, Budget, Enterprise and Alamo: yes. Sixt, Goldcar: no).

Periods and Rates

Cheapest, book 4-8 weeks ahead. Avoid July-August (prices x2 to x3). Most expensive, last-minute booking (under 1 week) +40-70%. Cheapest possible rental in Nice: Goldcar via DiscoverCars with external insurance, or a budget operator on a weekday out of season.

Côte d'Azur Road Trip from Nice

Nice is the ideal starting point to explore the Côte d'Azur by car: Monaco (20 km - 30 min), Cannes (33 km - 40 min), Antibes (22 km - 30 min), Saint-Paul-de-Vence (20 km - 30 min), Gorges du Verdon (120 km - 1h30), Saint-Tropez (100 km - 1h30). Unlimited mileage essential for these excursions.