Day Trip from Nice to Monaco | Scenic Tours & Transfers

Things to do in Monaco

Morning: Explore Monaco-Ville (Old Town) & Palace

Walk through Monaco-Ville, the historical district on the Rock of Monaco.
Look out for local souvenirs in the Old Town.
Visit the Prince’s Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard at 11:55am.
Explore the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III are buried.

Midday: Oceanographic Museum & Port Hercules

Head to the famous Oceanographic Museum, which features incredible marine life and exhibits.
Stroll along Port Hercules, where you'll see some of the world’s largest luxury yachts.
Option: Grab lunch at a waterfront café or enjoy Monégasque specialties like barbagiuan (a local stuffed pastry).

Afternoon: Monte Carlo & Casino Square

Walk or drive along parts of the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit.
Visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo (even if you don’t gamble, the architecture is stunning).
Luxury shopping at the Monte Carlo Pavilions.
Enjoy Café de Paris, a popular spot to relax and people-watch.

Late Afternoon: Exotic Garden or Larvotto Beach

Visit the Exotic Garden of Monaco, featuring rare cacti and unbeatable sea views.
If it’s warm, relax at Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s most famous beach.

Why take a guided day trip from Nice to Monaco?

Comfortable transportation & scenic routes: Many guided tours drive along the Moyenne Corniche, stopping at panoramic viewpoints. And you don’t need to worry about traffic, parking, or train schedules.
Expert knowledge & hidden gems: Learn Monaco’s history, royal family, and hidden spots from a knowledgeable guide. Some tours include stops in Èze, a medieval hilltop village with stunning views.
Grand Prix experience & casino access: Some tours offer guided walks along the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit. Priority entry or guided visits to the Monte Carlo Casino are also included in some day trips.
Special experiences & tastings: Some tours include a visit to a perfume factory in Èze (Fragonard), while others offer wine tastings or local food experiences.
Time efficiency & stress-free experience: A guide ensures you see the best spots without wasting time. No need to plan routes, buy tickets, or navigate transportation.

Getting to Monaco from Nice

Self-drive

Best for: Flexibility, scenic views

Route Options

A8 Highway (Fastest route): Reach Monaco in just 30 minutes, but be prepared for possible peak-hour traffic and a rather plain route without any scenery.
Moyenne Corniche (Most scenic & popular): Set forth on the most popular route to reach Monaco in 40 minutes as you enjoy breathtaking viewpoints en route. Be prepared for winding roads and crowds in the summer.
Basse Corniche (Coastal route): Drive right along the coast to reach Monaco in 45 minutes with many photo stops on the way. Pass through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Cap d’Ail on this route.

Parking in Monaco

Public parking is available and is Well-organized but expensive (€2–€4 per hour).
Best parking areas: Parking du Casino (Monte Carlo, ideal for the casino & shopping), Parking de la Condamine (near the harbor), and Parking des Pêcheurs (near the Old Town & Oceanographic Museum).
Tip: Some hotels and restaurants offer parking discounts if you dine there.

Public transport

Best for: Affordability

By train (fastest & easiest public option): Catch a train that departs from Nice-Ville Station every 30 minutes and reach Monaco in just 20 minutes, costing between €4–€7 one-way. The first train is at 5:30am, and the last train is at 11:30pm. Enjoy this fast, affordable, and comfortable mode of transport, but be prepared to miss out on the scenic route.
By bus (cheapest & most scenic public option): Take bus line 607 (formerly Bus 100) and reach Monaco in 45 minutes at the cost of only €2. Buses leave from Nice Port (Le Port) or Promenade des Arts every 15-30 minutes. If you have the time, explore the scenic bus route along the coastline. The route you will take is Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer Èze-sur-Mer, Cap d’Ail to rach Monaco.

Guided day trips

Best for: Hassle-free experience

If you want a stress-free experience with expert insights, a guided tour is a great option. Many tours include stops in Èze, a perfume factory visit, and a scenic drive along the Corniche roads.

Benefits of a guided tour:

No planning needed – everything is arranged
Expert guide shares Monaco’s history & hidden gems
Stops in Èze Village, Fragonard Perfume Factory, and the best viewpoints
Comfortable transport (no need to deal with parking, tickets, or bus schedules)

Note that on a guided day trip, flexibility is a constraint and could be more expensive than public transportation.

Things to know before booking a guided day trip

Guided tours are for a small group of 8, and the round-trip hotel transfers from Nice take place in a comfortable AC minivan or minibus.
Check if the tour is half-day (4-5 hours) or full-day (8-9 hours). Full-day tours offer a more relaxed pace and extra stops like Èze and La Turbie, while half-day tours focus mainly on Monaco.
All guided tours and vehicles accommodate wheelchair users, prams, and strollers, too.
Tour slots fill up fast, especially during peak months like May and June. To ensure availability, it's best to book your guided day trip at least a month in advance.

Plan your day trip to Monaco from Nice

Distance from Nice: 2o kilometers
Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes
Budget range: €45–€100
Trip duration: Half-day (4 - 5 hours) or full-day (10 - 11 hours)
Meeting/drop-off point: Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Sites covered: Moyenne Corniche or Basse Corniche, Èze Village, Fragonard Perfume Factory, Old Town Monaco, and the Grand Prix circuit in Monte Carlo.

By train (SNCF)

Fast & efficient

Time: 20 minutes
Cost: €4–€7 one-way
Departures: Every 30 minutes from Nice-Ville to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station
Pros: Fast, comfortable, no traffic
Cons: Monaco's train station is underground, so you miss the scenic coastal views

By bus (Line 607, formerly Bus 100)

Best for scenic views

Time: ~5 minutes
Cost: €2 one-way
Route: Follow the stunning coastal road through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Èze
Pros: Breathtaking views, very cheap
Cons: Can be crowded, longer travel time due to traffic

By car

Best for flexibility & side trips

Time: 30 minutes
Route:
Moyenne Corniche: Best panoramic views, passing through Èze
Basse Corniche: Scenic but busier; runs along the coast
A8 highway: Fastest, but not scenic
Pros: Freedom to stop at viewpoints, visit Èze
Cons: Expensive parking in Monaco; traffic can be an issue

By boat

Unique & luxurious

Time: 45 minutes
Cost: €50–€100+ per person
Pros: Stunning Riviera coastline views, relaxed experience
Cons: Limited availability, weather-dependent

The best time for a guided day trip from Nice to Monaco is during spring (March–June) and early fall (September–October) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
Summer (July–August) can be very hot and crowded, making sightseeing less enjoyable. If possible, avoid visiting during the Monaco Grand Prix in late May, as the city becomes extremely busy and prices surge.
For a smoother experience, opt for a morning departure (8am - 9am) to beat the midday crowds and heat.
Weekdays are preferable over weekends for a more relaxed visit. Winter (November–February) is a quieter and budget-friendly option, though temperatures are cooler.

Walk up to La Turbie or the Prince’s Palace for breathtaking panoramic views of Monaco’s skyline and the Mediterranean.
Head to Café de Paris for a coffee or cocktail and casually people-watch—chances are, you’ll spot a celebrity or billionaire.
Skip the fancy clubs and check out Plage du Solarium, a free sunbathing spot with a cool vibe, right by the port.
Try Barbajuan (crispy pastry filled with cheese & chard) or enjoy a fancy cocktail at the Hôtel de Paris like James Bond!

Frequently asked question about day trips from Nice to Monaco

Do I need a passport to enter Monaco?

Technically, yes—Monaco is a separate country! But there are no border checks between France & Monaco, so you won’t need to show it unless you're entering the casino or booking a luxury yacht.

Is Monaco expensive?

It can be! But there are budget-friendly options. Grab a sandwich in Old Town instead of a 5-star lunch, and take the train instead of a taxi. Visit the casino lobby for free instead of gambling away your trip fund!

Can I drive the Monaco Grand Prix track?

Yes! The streets of Monaco ARE the F1 track! You can drive or walk the circuit, including famous turns like the Fairmont Hairpin and the Tunnel Section. Just watch out for traffic!

What should I wear in Monaco?

If you're sightseeing, comfy shoes are a must—Monaco is hilly! The Monte Carlo Casino requires smart-casual attire—no shorts, flip-flops, or beachwear inside. If you want to blend in with the rich & famous, dress sharp!

Can I really see all of Monaco in a day?

Yes! Monaco is tiny (only 2 sq. km), so you can easily explore its top sights in 5-7 hours and still have time for a fancy coffee at Café de Paris.

Is there anything fun for free?

Yes! Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Prince’s Palace (11:55 AM), walk the F1 circuit, and soak in the views from La Turbie!

Can I swim in Monaco?

Yes! Head to Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s public (and free!) beach, for a quick dip.