Monaco Transport

Being such a tiny principality, the best way to get around is by the efficient bus system. Monaco also has the unique public transportation option of taking a lift. That’s right; Monaco has seven public elevators which whisk visitors up and down the steep inclines of the area. Taxis are another easy way to get around. A rental car is a good thing to have for exploring the areas around Monaco, but sometimes parking within the principality can be a hassle.      

By train

Monaco has an interesting tourist train, called the Azur Express, which takes passengers on a route around Monaco. Painted in traditional Monegasque colours, the train passes by Monaco Port, the famous casino, gardens and palaces of Monte Carlo, the Old Town area and finally the Prince’s Palace. Although not really a source of public transportation, it offers a pleasant way to get a view of the whole area. The daily trips provide commentary on the sites in English, Italian, German and French.

By bus

Perhaps the best way to get around Monaco is to use the excellent bus system. Bus stops are established every few blocks along the town’s main streets including the boulevard Albert-1er, avenue St Martin and boulevard des Moulins. The five permanent routes of Monaco’s buses are: Monaco-Ville, Monte Carlo, Saint Romand and return; Monaco-Ville, Monte Carlo, Exotic Garden and return; Railway Station, Monte Carlo, Larvotto Beach and return; Railway Station, Fontvieille, Hospital and return; and Larvotto Beach, Fontvieille and return. You can access virtually every part of the principality and certainly all of the major attractions, hotels and sights. The destination of each bus is signed on the front, which makes it easy to see where they are heading. You can buy bus cards directly on the bus for as many rides as you want.

Taxis

Taxis are the easiest way to get around Monaco. Two main taxi stands operate around the clock at the avenue de Monte Carlo near the Casino and at the railway station; call: +977 93 50 56 28 for information or a pick up. Other taxi stands can be found at the Place des Moulins in Monte Carlo, the Port of Monaco on avenue President JF Kennedy and on avenue Henry-Dunant in front of the Poste de Monte Carlo, but taxis here run shorter hours, especially late at night.

Public Elevators

One of the most fascinating public transport methods in the world are the lifts which run people up and down the steep inclines of Monaco. Only in a place like this would you find such an amazing thing. The seven lifts operate at the following locations: between the Place des Moulins and the beaches; between the Princess Grace Hospital Centre and the Exotic Garden; between the harbour and avenue de la Costa; between the Place St D’ote and the area of Mon’hetti; between the Terraces of the Casino and the boulevard Louis II; between the avenue des Citronniers and the avenue Grande-Bretagne; and between the highway and Larvotto Boulevard.

Tourist services

The only tourist type of transportation is the quaint little train which takes passengers on a guided tour of the principality. Painted in traditional Monegasque colours, the Azur Express passes by Monaco Port, the famous casino, gardens and palaces of Monte Carlo, the Old Town area and finally the Prince’s Palace. Although not really a source of public transportation, it offers a pleasant way to get a view of the whole area. The daily trips have commentary on the sites in English, Italian, German and French.

From the airport

The efficient SNCF regional train service (tel: +33 08 9235 3535) stops at the Gare Nice St Augustin, which is just 500 metres from Terminal 1. This route continues on to Monaco and leaves several times throughout the day. There is also a direct bus which runs from the airport to Monaco, stopping at most of the major hotels. The trip takes about 45 minutes and departs from outside Arrivals.

Taxis are waiting at stands outside the Arrivals area of both terminals 24 hours. If you hire a car, it is easy to navigate your way to Monaco by taking the Promenade des Anglais, which links Nice to the principality.

By far the most exotic way to travel from the airport to Monaco is by helicopter. Heli-Air Monaco will fly you there in just seven minutes. Several other companies offer helicopter services, which leave from both terminals. Detailed information can be found at the airport’s information desk.