Between trains, planes, taxis and even helicopters, getting to Monaco couldn’t be any easier. Here’s a closer look at the options available for every budget.
The glamour, culture and allure of Monaco draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, who come to the Principality for its events, conferences, tourist attractions and even just a fun night out at the Casino or in one of the top-notch restaurants.
Whether travelling locally or from abroad, there are many fast and convenient ways to reach the Principality without having to get behind the wheel yourself.
AIR
Whilst Monaco hasn’t got its own airport, it does have one a mere 45 minutes away. The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport services cities all over Europe along with multiple direct international flights to destinations such as New York, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Montreal, Atlanta and Kuwait. Connecting flights from European airports expand the list considerably, meaning it is a snap to get to the region from just about anywhere on Earth.
In all, there are nearly 145,000 flights per year landing and departing from the airport. More than 12 million passengers flew through Nice in 2022.
Another air option that will take you right to the shores of Monaco is the short seven-minute helicopter ride direct to the Principality from Nice’s airport. These can be booked with local companies like Monacair, Blade and Helipass. You will skip all the coastal traffic and enjoy a unique perspective of the Principality as you fly in!
TRAINS
Trains are also a great way to get to Monaco, with a high-speed TGV from Paris taking around six and a half hours, and from London, via the Eurostar and TGV, taking about 10 hours. There are also regular connections to the Principality from other parts of France, Italy and Europe as a whole.
For guests staying locally, the TER trains in the French Riviera are well-priced and run 45 routes per day to and from Monaco, starting at 5.40am and ending in the late evening. A trip to Nice Ville takes about 25 minutes, a ride down to Cannes takes roughly an hour, and most of the route runs along the coast. The Italian market town of Ventimiglia is serviced as well, and it takes just under a half an hour.
BUSES
Monaco is also situated along a handy and inexpensive bus service between Nice and Menton that stops off in all the towns in-between. The route is currently split into two routes – the 607 and the 608, until April 2024 – and it takes around 45 minutes to travel from Nice’s port to Monaco along the Basse Corniche. Buses run every 15 to 30 minutes on weekdays and every 20 to 45 on weekends and holidays, starting just after 6am and running until 9pm.
If you are staying in Nice, there is also the 601 night bus, formerly called the Harry Potter-sounding Noctambus, that runs every Thursday through to Saturday, and every night in July and August. Buses leave from Place d’Armes in Monaco.
AUTO OPTIONS
Services such as Uber can be complicated and few and far between in the Principality, so it is best to use the official Monegasque taxi operator or hire a private car. Rates fluctuate significantly, from €130 in quieter periods to well into the hundreds of euros at peak times.
For the intrepid, a week in a hire car can cost as low as €325, but remember to calculate in the cost of petrol and parking, which in many places in Monaco and the French Riviera can be elevated.
With so many ways to get to and from the Principality, visitors are spoilt for choice when making a quick jaunt or a longer stay in the region. What will be your route in?
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
Sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Photo source: Why Kei, Unsplash