Car Hire Nice Airport — Your French Riviera Road Trip Starts Here

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is France’s third-busiest airport and the primary gateway to the French Riviera. Located just 6 km from Nice city centre and 7 km from Monaco, it’s one of the most conveniently positioned airports in Europe for car rental. Within 30 minutes of picking up your keys, you can be in Monaco, Cannes, or exploring the perched villages of the interior. The A8 motorway connects directly to the airport, putting the entire Mediterranean coast within easy reach.

Two terminals (T1 and T2) handle domestic and international flights. Both have car rental counters in their arrival halls. The airport is compact compared to CDG — you’ll be on the road faster than at almost any other European hub. Low-cost carriers and full-service airlines both operate here, giving travellers flexibility.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Nice Airport

Car rental counters are in the arrival halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Major providers include Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, and French chains like Ada and GoldCar. Most counters are open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with several offering 24-hour service. Terminal 2 has more providers; Terminal 1 arrivals can walk or take the shuttle.

The pickup garage (P5) is adjacent to the terminals. Vehicle return is in the same location — follow “Restitution Voitures de Location” signs. Fuel stations are located near the airport entrance. Fill up before returning to avoid surcharges.

Documentation: valid driving licence (EU/EEA or International Driving Permit), passport or ID card, and credit card for deposit (€500-1,500). Nice Airport handles international travellers daily. Photograph your vehicle before leaving.

Where to Go from Nice Airport

Nice City Centre (15 minutes) — Head east on the Promenade des Anglais. The drive is scenic and direct. Parking in central Nice is expensive — use underground garages.

Monaco (25 minutes) — East on the A8 or Basse Corniche. The Principality offers the casino, palace, and Mediterranean views. Parking is expensive; use underground garages.

Cannes (25 minutes) — West on the A8. La Croisette, film festival venues, and beaches await. Park in underground garages near the centre.

Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence (35 minutes) — Drive the Moyenne Corniche to Èze (medieval village) then inland to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Spectacular coastal and mountain views.

Italy (35 minutes) — East on the A8 toward Ventimiglia. Italian markets, restaurants, and Mediterranean coast. No border checks (Schengen area).

Tips for Driving in France

Nice Airport connects directly to the A8 motorway, which runs east (Monaco, Italy) and west (Cannes, Marseille, Spain). The Corniches offer scenic alternatives — the Moyenne Corniche has spectacular views. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (110 km/h in rain). The Corniches have hairpin turns and lower limits — drive carefully.

French motorways are toll roads. The A8 has toll booths. Credit cards are accepted. Fuel is cheaper at supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc) than at the airport or autoroute. Fill up before returning.

Parking on the French Riviera is expensive. Underground garages in Nice, Monaco, and Cannes charge €15-25/day. Beach parking (€10-20/day) fills up early in summer. Consider staying slightly inland and driving to the coast.

Compare Nice Airport car hire prices using the search above. With immediate A8 access and proximity to Monaco, Cannes, and Italy, it’s the perfect starting point for your French Riviera adventure.