Monaco (MC)
Monaco is the world's most expensive and glamorous sovereign micro-state — a 2.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Monaco.
Public Transport Overview
Monaco is 2.02 km² — walking is the primary mode of transport for daily life. The Principality has a free public bus network (CAM — Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco) with 6 routes connecting all districts. Monaco also has a funicular (ascenseur) system and a dense network of free public lifts and escalators built into cliff faces, connecting upper and lower Monaco. For regional travel, Monaco-Monte-Carlo railway station (SNCF) connects to Nice in 20 minutes and the wider French Riviera. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is 22 km away.
🎫 Transit Passes
All 6 CAM bus routes within Monaco. No ticket required — board and exit freely.
Monaco-Monte-Carlo station → Nice-Ville (25 min), Menton (15 min), Cannes (1h). Regional trains along the Côte d'Azur.
Nice–Monaco direct bus (Ligne 100, Promenade des Anglais route) and Menton–Monaco (Ligne 110). Slower than train but scenic along the coast.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) to Monaco Fontvieille Heliport. Flight time: 7 minutes.
Taxi & Rideshare
Monaco taxis operate on a metered tariff. Starting fare approximately €3.50 (daytime). Rate per km: €2.30 daytime / €3.10 night/Sunday. Short journeys within Monaco: €8–15. Nice Airport to Monaco: approximately €80–100 (or take the Héli for similar price). Taxi rank at Casino Square, Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, and Fontvieille. Uber is available in Monaco but less common than conventional taxis.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
BlaBlaCar for intercity travel from Nice or further afield. Uber available throughout the French Riviera and operates into Monaco. For short trips within Monaco: the free CAM buses are usually faster than waiting for a rideshare given the small distances involved.
Cycling
Monaco has limited cycling infrastructure given its steep terrain and narrow streets. Vélo Bleu (Nice bike-sharing scheme) stations exist near the Monaco border at Cap d'Ail. Monaco itself has a few dedicated cycling lanes but the topography makes it less cycle-friendly than flat cities. E-bikes are increasingly practical for Monaco's hills. Fontvieille and the harbourfront (Quai Albert) are the most cycle-friendly areas. Cyclists must respect Monaco traffic law.
Intercity Trains
Monaco-Monte-Carlo SNCF station connects directly to Nice (25 min), Cannes (55 min), Marseille (2h30), and beyond via TGV at Nice. For longer journeys, travel to Nice and connect to TGV services. Night trains from Nice serve Paris and other European cities. TGV booking: SNCF Connect app (buy in advance for best fares).
Driving
Monaco drives on the right (same as France). Speed limits: 50 km/h on main roads, 30 km/h in residential zones (Monaco-Ville, Fontvieille), 10 km/h in pedestrian zones. Parking is extremely scarce and expensive — Monaco has approximately 7 public underground car parks (Port Hercule, Casino, etc.) at €2–4/hour. Residents with Monaco-registered vehicles have priority parking access. Many residents use French roads daily — French traffic rules apply on any road outside Monaco. No toll roads within Monaco itself.
Airports
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the primary gateway — 22 km from Monaco. Access options: helicopter (7 min, €160+), taxi (€80–100, 30–45 min), bus (Ligne Express 98 or 110, €1.50 bus, 45–60 min), or train (to Nice-Ville station, then taxi/bus to airport, 40–50 min total). There is no railway line directly serving Nice airport — a dedicated tram line (T2) connects Nice-Ville station to Nice Airport. Monaco has no commercial airport of its own. The Monaco helipad (Fontvieille) handles helicopter traffic only.