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.