How to Travel From Paris to Monaco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Monaco is the small, independent principality on the French Riviera that has for decades attracted the mega-rich with its world-famous casino Monte Carlo, which sits at the heart of the city-state. The quarter of Monte Carlo, the most populous in Monaco, is also known for its annual car races. This coastal gem is easily accessible from Paris with nearly hundreds of direct flights to Monaco's nearest airport, in Nice, departing the French capital each week. If you don't want to fly, though, you can also travel by car, train, or bus. Monaco is 593 miles (954 kilometers) by road from Paris.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Paris to Monaco? 

The cheapest way to get from Paris to Monaco is by train and its one of the faster options for ground transportation. According to Rail Europe, the average time it takes to travel between the two by train is around 6 hours and 15 minutes (though some routes take close to 8 hours), but the quickest route takes just under 6 hours. On Rail Europe, there are five trains leaving Paris each day the there will be at least one transfer no matter which train you chose. Train tickets start at $24 and get more expensive the closer to your departure date where it can cost over $100 for a one-way ticket.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Paris to Monaco? 

If you're on a time crunch, you might rather fly. Monaco doesn't have a major airport of its own, but Nice's—which sees nearly 14 million passengers per year—is only 30 minutes away from Monaco by car. Hundreds of flights travel between Paris and Nice each week with Air France being the most popular service provider. EasyJet offers frequent departure times for competitive fares, too. Flights depart from Paris' Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports and arrive at the Nice Airport in just an hour and a half. From there, travelers can take a taxi, hire a car, or take public transportation to Monaco. Plane tickets start around $65.

How Long Does It Take to Drive? 

The drive from Paris to Monaco is 593 miles (954 kilometers), which takes about nine or 10 hours depending on the route and traffic. The most direct route follows the A6 and A7 through Lyon, skirting Marseille, and entering Monaco from the west, via Cannes. ViaMichelin estimates this trip would cost roughly 90 euros in tolls, not including fuel consumption.

Is There a Bus That Goes From Paris to Monaco? 

Taking a bus to Monaco is not ideal, seeing as it takes the longest and is one of the more expensive options, but it's a good backup for when the train is booked up or happens to be expensive. The fastest route is to take a Eurolines bus from Paris-Gallieni bus station to the Nice Airport (a 13-hour trip that costs around $50), then hop aboard the Lignes D'azur 110 Express, which connects to Monaco Place d'Armes in 40 minutes and costs around $24 for a one-way ticket.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Monaco? 

If you're considering a trip to Monaco, try to avoid visiting during the Monte Carlo Rally (January) and the Grand Prix (May) unless your traveling specifically to attend those events. Otherwise avoid those times as the place becomes overwhelmed with tourists, mostly of the wealthy variety. April and October are good times to get deals on transportation and lodging, and the weather is still balmy without being as hot as July.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Monaco? 

Like France, Monaco is included in the Schengen Area agreement, a zone in Europe with mutual borders (though not officially a member). U.S. passport holders may travel in this region for up to 90 days without a visa.

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport? 

The Lignes D'azur 110 Express connects the Nice Airport to Monaco in about 30 minutes and costs $24 for a one-way ticket. Otherwise, you can take a 40-minute taxi for $100.

What Is There to Do in Monaco? 

The coastal location of Monaco is conducive to lounging seaside with a cocktail or a glass of bubbly in hand. With Monte Carlo being its most populous quarter, this is where many of the notable attractions are. The Monte Carlo Casino, for one, is a vast and elaborate entertainment complex where you can play slots or see the opera. When you're not enjoying Larvotto Beach, you can marvel at the Prince's Palace or Princess Grace's Rose Garden. The royal family means everything to Monaco and its regal attractions reflect that sentiment.