Transport to Monte Carlo Port

[Free and Easy]

We understand to get Monte Carlo to board our Cruise, the nearest City to fly to is Nice. We believe there is a train going from Nice to Monte Carlo. Correct? But how far is the Monte Carlo Train Station to the Port? Assume we'll have to take a taxi to get to the Port, and if so are there big taxis which will fit four adults with 4 large suitcases?? 

 

[marazul]

Check friend-in-france.com for a transfer from the airport to MC.  Yes, there is a train, but it is not close to the airport terminal or to the port terminal.  There are also shuttle buses from the airport to the port, but you might find that the private transfer for 4 people and luggage is a reasonable option.

[Hlitner]

Completely agree with Marazul.  With 4 adults and luggage, dealing with the train is a royal pain at both NCE and in Monte Carlo.  This is a situation where spending a little more money for a private transfer (a van would be perfect for 4 adults with luggage) is worth a few extra Euros...and once you factor in the train fares and needing a taxi (possibly 2) to get your from the Monte Carlo train station to the port..the private transfer will not be a budget buster.  Keep in mind that in Europe you will usually need to handle all your own luggage getting on and off trains and through stations.

 

But I will make another suggestion.  Nice (airport NCE) is in a wonderful part of France :).  Flying in the day of a cruise always involves risk,  given airline delays.  Do yourselves a favor and plan to fly-in at least 1 day early...and a few days would even be better.  There are many great options for where to stay and what to do, and Marazul and others (including moi) can offer you all kinds of suggestions.  And if you have the time, the budget, and what to be even more adventurous you could even fly directly to Paris, enjoy a few days, and then use the wonderful TGV train to get to the South of France and your ship.  

 

Hank

[Free and Easy]

Thank you indeed for the suggestions! In fact we do plan to arrive Nice 3-4 days prior to the Cruise and use it as a base to visit Cities/towns nearby. We don’t drive so we shall be using trains. Any suggestions as to where to go will be greatly appreciated! Cannes we have been to previously and shall not repeat :). We love Paris and have been there many times but not on our plan for this trip given the recent turmoil there:(. Once again, thank you for the advice!

[marazul]

Thanks, Hank. 😉

 

Free and Easy - The recommendation of a private transfer from Nice to MC still stands.  The train station is in central Nice away from the shore where you will probably be staying.  You still will need a taxi to get to the station and a taxi from the MC station to get to the port.  I would not recommend staying right by the Nice train station, not because so much because of safety, but the area is less than attractive and you are a distance from the main attractions.  

 

Your plans to go sightseeing by train also limit your opportunities (look at a map).  Of course, you don't need a taxi for your suitcases to get to the train station in those days, but you will not be able to visit many of the highlights of the area.  Yes, you can go to Antibes and Villefranche by train.  Further afield, you can go to Menton.  But you cannot get to St Paul de Vence, Tourrettes or Eze by train.  You would need to add transportation by bus which is inconvenient and time consuming.  Using taxis would really up the expense considerably.  Since there are 4 of you, sharing a private excursion of the area for one of your days could be a good option.  

 

Anyhow, ask whatever questions you may have.

[carlmm]

19 hours ago, Free and Easy said:

 In fact we do plan to arrive Nice 3-4 days prior to the Cruise and use it as a base to visit Cities/towns nearby.

 

Just another suggestion as you have only 3 or 4 days in Nice: There are so many beautiful museums, streets, markets and other sights in Nice itself, that you can easily spent these few days or even a week and more just in Nice (in a combination of walking and public transportation).

Eg. there are a Matisse museum, a Chagall museum, the Beaux Arts one, palais, the fort, ....

 

[marazul]

16 hours ago, carlmm said:

 

Just another suggestion as you have only 3 or 4 days in Nice: There are so many beautiful museums, streets, markets and other sights in Nice itself, that you can easily spent these few days or even a week and more just in Nice (in a combination of walking and public transportation).

Eg. there are a Matisse museum, a Chagall museum, the Beaux Arts one, palais, the fort, ....

 

You are quite right, carlmm.  The "Petit Train" takes you around the old town and up to the castle for great views.  The Ho-Ho bus takes you up to the Matisse Museum and Roman ruins.  Both stop at the Promenade des Anglais, across (more or less) from the Meridien Hotel.  Those are two easy ways of getting around and seeing a lot.  I would also add a visit to the Palais Lascaris in the Old Town while sightseeing on foot.

[Free and Easy]

Thank you, Marazul and Carlmm! With you inputs, we now decided to just do a day trip to Menton and spend the rest of our days in Nice. May be more effective use of our time - particularly we actually had visited quite a number of French towns and villages before in our previous Cruises and land tours so was just looking for any place which is somewhat unique than the others......:). 

[Fred321]

I would second the suggestion to use Friend in France if you are still looking for a transfer. We just spent almost 3 months in an apartment outside Nice and we used them for our own transfers and when we had friends come to visit. They were always good. Nice equipment and pleasant drivers. Think they may also do day tours but train or bus are not bad options. 

[Free and Easy]

Dear Fred321, thank you for the advice!

[GeorgesGal]

On 1/13/2019 at 12:00 PM, marazul said:

Check friend-in-france.com for a transfer from the airport to MC.  Yes, there is a train, but it is not close to the airport terminal or to the port terminal.  There are also shuttle buses from the airport to the port, but you might find that the private transfer for 4 people and luggage is a reasonable option.

 

We hired a private driver, Monte Carlo to Nice, a few years ago and the cost to the train station was 150 euros.