Day Trip Nice to Monaco: The Easiest Way to Visit Monaco (2026)

I stayed in Nice for three days while exploring the French Riviera, and instead of moving hotels every night, I visited Monaco and Menton as day trips. Looking back, I genuinely think that was the best decision.

A day trip Nice to Monaco is one of the easiest day trips you can do in Europe. The train takes less than half an hour, you don’t need a car, and Monaco is small enough to explore in just one day.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to plan your day trip Nice to Monaco, whether you should do it independently or book a tour, and which option I’d personally recommend after visiting myself.

Day Trip Nice to Monaco: Quick Overview

📍 Distance: Around 20 km

🚆 Train journey: 25 minutes

💶 Average budget: €10–€30 without tours

⏰ Time needed: One full day or half day

🚶 Getting around: on foot

⭐ Is it worth it? Absolutely

Is a Day Trip Nice to Monaco Worth It?

Yes, absolutely.

If you’re staying in Nice, I genuinely think a day trip Nice to Monaco is one of the easiest and most worthwhile things you can do.

The train journey is quick, tickets are affordable, and once you arrive you can easily explore Monaco on foot. You don’t need to worry about parking, renting a car or staying overnight in one of the most expensive countries in the world.

One day is enough to see the main attractions, walk around Monte Carlo, visit the Old Town, admire the marina and still have time to stop for lunch before heading back to Nice.

Unless you’re travelling to Monaco specifically for luxury hotels, casinos or beach clubs, I’d save your money, stay in Nice, and visit Monaco for the day instead. That’s exactly how I did it, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.

My Experience Visiting Monaco from Nice

When I visited Monaco, I was staying in Nice for three nights and decided to visit it as a day trip. Looking back, I genuinely think that’s the best way to experience Monaco.

I took the train from Nice in the morning, spent the day walking around Monte Carlo, the marina, the Old Town and the Prince’s Palace, had lunch, wandered around a bit more, and caught the train from Monaco to Menton to spend the afternoon exploring another village of the French Riviera.

The best part? I never once felt like I needed a car or wished I’d booked an organised tour. Monaco is tiny, incredibly walkable, and everything is close together, so visiting independently was honestly effortless.

Option 1: Independent Day Trip Nice to Monaco (Recommended)

This is exactly how I visited Monaco, and unless you really don’t like planning your own day, it’s the option I’d recommend.

By Train

The easiest way to do a day trip Nice to Monaco is by taking the TER train. The journey only takes around 25 minutes, trains run frequently throughout the day, and Monaco’s station is right in the centre of the city.

From there, you can simply walk everywhere. Monaco might look big on a map, but it’s actually a very small country, and most attractions are within walking distance. There are also plenty of public lifts and escalators, which make walking uphill much easier than you’d expect.

The train is also the cheapest option, making it perfect if you’re trying to visit the French Riviera without spending a fortune.

→ Find train tickets here

By Car

Could you drive? Of course.

Would I recommend it? Honestly, no.

Parking in Monaco is expensive, traffic can get surprisingly busy, and once you arrive you’ll end up walking anyway because everything is so close together.

Unless you’re already doing a road trip through the French Riviera, I’d save yourself the hassle and just take the train.

→ Compare car rental prices here

By Airport Transfer

If you’re landing at Nice Airport and heading straight to Monaco, booking an airport transfer can be a convenient option.

It costs more than taking the tram and train, but it’s also the easiest choice if you’re carrying luggage or simply don’t want to deal with changing transport after your flight.

→ Book an airport transfer here

Option 2: Monaco Tours from Nice

Even though I’d personally do this trip independently, I completely understand why a lot of people book a tour instead.

If you don’t want to worry about train schedules, figuring out where to go, or you’d like to visit more than just Monaco in one day, a guided tour is definitely worth considering.

The most popular option combines Monaco and Èze, which actually makes a lot of sense. While Monaco is incredibly easy to reach by train, Èze is a bit more complicated since the train station is down by the coast and the famous hilltop village still requires another bus, taxi, or a steep uphill walk. A tour takes care of all that for you.

You’ll also find tours focused mainly on Monaco and Monte Carlo, which are a good choice if you want someone to explain the history behind the places you’re visiting instead of simply walking around on your own.

→ Find the best Monaco tours here

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

Here’s how I’d spend one day in Monaco.

Morning

• Take an early train from Nice.
• Walk through Monte Carlo.
• See the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
• Wander around Casino Square.
• Lunch

Have lunch around Port Hercules while watching the yachts.

Afternoon

• Explore Monaco’s Old Town.
• Visit the Prince’s Palace.
• Stop by Saint Nicholas Cathedral.
• Walk through the Japanese Garden before heading back.
• Evening

Catch the train back to Nice.

Best Things to Do During a Day Trip Nice to Monaco

Even if you’re only visiting Monaco for a day, you’ll still have enough time to see its main attractions.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Even if you don’t plan on gambling, seeing the famous casino and Casino Square is a must. This is where you’ll find the luxury cars, expensive hotels, and the glamorous side Monaco is famous for.

Monaco Old Town

Walk through the narrow streets of Monaco-Ville, where you’ll find colourful buildings, cafés, and some of the country’s most important landmarks.

Prince’s Palace

One of Monaco’s biggest attractions, with fantastic views over the harbour and the chance to watch the changing of the guard if you time it right.

Port Hercules

The marina is one of my favourite places to walk around. Even if you’re not into yachts, it’s hard not to stop and admire some of the ridiculous boats parked there.

Japanese Garden

If you need a break from the crowds, this small garden is one of the quietest spots in Monaco and a nice place to relax before heading back to Nice.

Luxury Cars

One thing you’ll notice almost immediately in Monaco is the cars. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bugattis… even if you’re not a car person, you’ll probably end up stopping every few minutes because another ridiculous supercar just drove past.

Practical Information

Getting to Nice

If you’re flying to the French Riviera, you’ll arrive at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

From the airport you can either:

Take the tram into Nice city centre.
Catch a train to Monaco after reaching Nice-Ville station.
Book an airport transfer if you’d rather go directly to Monaco without worrying about public transport.

→ Book an airport transfer
→ Find train tickets

Where to Stay

If you’re planning a day trip Nice to Monaco, I’d definitely stay in Nice.

Accommodation is significantly cheaper, you’ll find hostels, apartments and hotels for every budget, and it’s the perfect base for exploring the rest of the French Riviera.

Here are 4 great accommodations for Nice depending on your budget:

• Backpacker: SLO Hostel Nice 
• Budget: Best Western Alba
• Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice
• Luxury: Hotel Le Negresco

→ Check hotels in Nice here

Get an European eSIM

Even though Monaco is a separate country, most travellers visit it together with France.

A Europe eSIM makes much more sense than buying separate plans, especially if you’re also travelling through Italy or other nearby countries.

→ Get a Europe eSIM

Get Travel Insurance

I never travel without insurance, and I recommend SafetyWing if you’re travelling around Europe.

→ Get SafetyWing

FAQs

Can I do a day trip Nice to Monaco?

Yes. In fact, I’d say it’s the best way to visit Monaco. The train journey takes around 25 minutes, it’s affordable, and one day gives you enough time to see the country’s main attractions before returning to Nice.

How much does a day trip Nice to Monaco cost?

It depends on your travel style, but if you’re visiting independently, expect to spend around €20–60 per person, including train tickets, food, and a few small expenses. It can cost much more if you decide to eat at luxury restaurants or visit the casino.

Should I visit Monaco by train or book a tour?

If you’re only visiting Monaco, I’d recommend taking the train. It’s fast, cheap, and incredibly easy. If you’d also like to visit places like Èze or want someone else to handle the logistics, then a guided tour is worth considering.

Is Monaco expensive?

Yes. Monaco is one of the most expensive countries in the world, especially when it comes to hotels, restaurants, and shopping. That’s why I recommend staying in Nice and visiting Monaco as a day trip.

Can I visit Monaco without a car?

Absolutely. Monaco is one of the easiest destinations in Europe to visit without a car. Everything is walkable, and trains from Nice run regularly throughout the day.

Is one day in Monaco enough?

For most people, yes. One day is enough to explore the main attractions, enjoy lunch, and experience Monaco without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip Nice to Monaco

If you’re planning a day trip Nice to Monaco, I’d honestly recommend doing it independently by train. It’s cheap, incredibly easy, and gives you the freedom to explore Monaco at your own pace.

If you’d rather not worry about transportation or want to combine Monaco with places like Èze, then a guided tour can also be a great option.

Either way, Monaco is absolutely worth adding to your French Riviera itinerary.

Read my other Monaco Guides

Is Monaco Worth Visiting? My honest Review

Is Monaco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

How Many Days in Monaco do you Need?

Best Time to Visit Monaco: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

How to Get to Monaco from Nice: Every Option Explained (2026)

The Monaco Itinerary I’d Recommend to Anyone Visiting for the First Time

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