Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the third-busiest airport in France and the main gateway to the French Riviera. Thousands of travellers arrive here every week ready to explore the sun-drenched coastline — and renting a car is by far the most convenient way to do it. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Which Terminal?
NCE has two terminals: Terminal 1 handles long-haul and many European flights; Terminal 2 is used primarily by Air France and easyJet. Before you land, check your boarding pass to confirm your arrival terminal — it matters because the car rental counters are in different buildings.
Car rental desks for major companies are located in dedicated car-hire halls accessible via a short walk or shuttle from each terminal. Follow the blue Location de voitures signs as you exit baggage claim.
Skip the Counter: Delivery to Your Hotel
One of the biggest time-savers travellers overlook is opting for a car delivery service instead of queuing at the airport. With 12GO, we bring your car directly to your hotel, villa, or any address on the Côte d'Azur — so you step off the plane, take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation, and your rental car is waiting for you.
This approach eliminates the notorious queue at rental desks during peak summer season, when waits can stretch to 45 minutes or more. It also means you don't need to navigate an unfamiliar car from the airport in heavy traffic.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid driving licence — EU licences are accepted. Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence.
- Passport or national ID card
- Credit card for the deposit — debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit hold. The amount varies by vehicle class (€500–€2,000 typically).
Insurance: What's Really Covered?
Airport rental companies often upsell expensive supplemental insurance at the counter. Before you travel, check your credit card benefits — many premium cards include collision damage waiver (CDW) automatically. Alternatively, 12GO includes full comprehensive insurance with zero excess in every rental price, giving you total peace of mind.
Parking & Traffic Tips for Leaving the Airport
If you do pick up at the airport, be prepared for heavy traffic during July and August, especially on the A8 motorway towards Cannes and Monaco. The best strategy is to pick up early morning (before 9 am) or in the early evening. Avoid midday arrivals in peak season if possible.
For parking in Nice city centre, the Parking Massena and Parking Saleya are central options, though both fill quickly in summer. Use the city's Nice Parking app to locate available spaces in real time.
How Far Is Nice Airport from Key Destinations?
- Nice city centre: ~7 km (15–20 minutes)
- Cannes: ~35 km (30–45 minutes via A8)
- Monaco: ~20 km (25–40 minutes)
- Antibes: ~22 km (20–30 minutes)
- Saint-Tropez: ~130 km (1 h 30 min–2 h depending on traffic)
Ready to Book?
Whether you want car delivery straight to your Nice hotel or a premium vehicle for a week exploring the Riviera, 12GO has you covered. We offer modern, well-maintained vehicles with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Book in minutes and we'll handle the rest.
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