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Compare car rentals from major companies in Nice with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and passenger vans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), Nice-Ville train station or in the city center/Port, and compare car rental options including automatic, manual, convertibles and passenger vans. Prices rise in summer and around the Monaco Grand Prix, so book early and choose free cancellation to watch for drops.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) | • All major rental companies present • Often 24/7 service • Immediate access to A8 autoroute • No need to navigate city traffic |
• Extremely busy in summer (1-2 hour waits possible) • Airport surcharge on rates • Higher base prices usually • Potential language barriers with staff during peak times |
| Nice Train Station | • Convenient for train arrivals • No airport surcharge • Major companies represented • Central location |
• More limited inventory • Shorter operating hours • City traffic to navigate when departing • Parking challenges when returning |
| Nice City Center/Port | • Shorter wait times • Often better customer service • More relaxed pickup experience • Good for starting after city stay |
• Limited operating hours • Some agencies close for lunch • May close early evenings and Sundays • Need to navigate city streets initially |
On average, car rentals in Nice cost around €52 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €27 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup. City and Port-area branches in Nice often have lower base rates and shorter lines than NCE. Check location opening hours before you commit.
Time your booking to the season. For July–August and May events, book 2–3+ months ahead. In shoulder season, 3–4 weeks is fine. Winter is flexible. Use free cancellation and re-check prices to rebook if they drop.
Choose a compact manual. Smaller cars are cheaper and easier to park in villages. Automatics, convertibles and passenger vans jump in price in summer and during festivals.
Start the rental after your city stay. Nice has solid trams and buses. Pick up the car only when you’re leaving town to avoid paying for unused days and hotel parking.
Plan around branch hours. Many city offices close for lunch, evenings and Sundays. Return during opening hours to avoid an extra day.
Watch extra fees you can control. Compare one-way and Italy cross-border fees across suppliers. Return the car full and use supermarket gas stations to cut costs.
| Parking Type | Cost Range (Approximate) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Street Parking (Blue Zone) | Free using parking disc (time-limited) | Rare in central areas; strict time enforcement |
| Street Parking (Paid) | Paid; rates vary | Limited to 2 hours in most central zones |
| Underground Parking Garages | Paid; rates vary by location | Numerous options: Palais de Justice, Promenade des Arts, Corvésy (Old Town) |
| Park & Ride | Daily rates are available, often including tram tickets | Located on outskirts; good budget option (e.g., Parc Azur lots) |
| Hotel Parking | Usually paid, if available | Limited and often requires advance reservation |
Car Parking Tips:
Never park in spots marked by a yellow line or disabled designation.
Nice has implemented a Low Emission Zone (ZFE); rental cars should comply, but confirm your vehicle has the required Crit'Air sticker.
Book a rental so you can drive to:
Monaco and Menton
Cannes
Saint-Tropez
Grasse, Gourdon, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Verdon Gorge
Mercantour National Park
Is driving in Nice difficult for tourists? In the city center, you'll find narrow one-way streets and not much parking, which can make driving tricky. However, signs clearly mark the main roads and surrounding highways. We suggest you use parking garages in the city and walk or use public transport for central areas.
Can I drive to Monaco from Nice? Yes, Monaco is only 21 km (13 miles) from Nice and you can take one of three roads to get there (the three Corniches). You'll find parking in Monaco is limited and expensive, but you can use large public parking garages. Be aware that organizers might restrict access during major events.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Nice? If your license is not in French or from an EU country, we recommend getting an International Driving Permit. The law might require you to have one. Visitors from the U.S., Canada, Australia and other non-EU countries should get one before traveling.
What documents do I need when driving in the Nice area? Make sure you have your driver's license, International Driving Permit (if you need one), vehicle registration documents, insurance certificate and passport with you. When you rent a car, you'll find its registration and insurance papers in the glove box.
Can I take a rental car from Nice to Italy? Yes, most rental companies will let you drive to Italy, but you should tell them when you book the car. Border guards don't usually run routine checks, but they might do temporary ones, so carry your passports. Italy has different driving rules. Some companies might charge you a cross-border fee.
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