Cheap Transportation from Monaco to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)

Published on

by Henk Bekker

in Côte d'Azur Riviera, France, N24

Helicopters are the fastest transportation to Monaco from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport but trains and buses are cheaper ways to reach Monte Carlo and Menton.

Helicopters, trains, buses, and airport shuttle vans provide fast transportation from Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Menton to Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).

monaco azur airport Helicopters, trains, buses, and airport shuttle vans provide fast transportation from Monaco to Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) - Monaco Port viewed from the Rock

Getting to Aéroport Nice-Côte d’Azur (NCE) from Monaco is fastest by helicopter, most comfortable by airport express bus, and cheapest by train or bus. Taxis and pre-booked airport shuttle van services are convenient for groups and families. Travel times from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to Monaco without any waiting are: 7 minutes by helicopter, 45 minutes by Express Bus 80 (previously 110) or car, 50 minutes by train and bus, and up to two hours on regular buses.

Taxis from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to Monaco are by the meter but pre-booked shuttles should be around €100, making it a good alternative to the bus for small groups, families, or when traveling at odd hours. Welcome gives online quotations for private airport transfers without first requiring personal details or flight numbers.

Helicopter Transfers from Monaco to Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)

Helicopter landing at Monaco Heliport MCM from Côte d'Azur Airport

Around 70 daily scheduled (and more private) helicopter transfers speed travelers between Monaco and Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). The seven-minute flight is definitely the fastest and most glamorous way to arrive in Monaco from Nice Airport.

Helicopter flights from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to Monaco Heliport (MCM) cost around €160 per person on a scheduled flight with discounts for children, over-65s, and return flights. The helicopters arrived at the heliport in Fontvieille at the far western side of Monaco but usually include the road transfer to the final destination in Monaco.

Private flights, with up to five passengers, are just shy of €1000 for the transfer between Monaco and Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).

Travelers on a budget should note that the Monaco to Nice flights are generally €10 cheaper than the other direction. During the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend all prices go up.

GetYourGuide

Airport Express Bus 80 from Monaco to Nice-Côte d’Azur Aeroport (NCE)

Bus was replaced by 607 for slow travel from Monaco to Nice with tram connections to Côte d'Azur Airport

Solo travelers may find Zou! Airport Xpress Bus 80 (previously 110) the most comfortable option when traveling between Monaco and Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). The bus uses the highway with limited stops to reach Monaco in around an hour with a few buses continuing all the way to Menton.

The one-way fare is around €20. Children under 12 receive 50% off, while groups of 3 to 8 also receive significant discounts. Luggage carries a surcharge of up to €5 for large suitcases

Express bus 80 departs every 45 minutes from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) Terminal 2 (use the tram from terminal 1, walking is not an option) from 8:15 to 21:00.

Tickets may be bought from Safebag Aéroport shop (Terminal 1: Gate A0 and Terminal 2: between gates A1 and A2) or directly from the driver (with a small surcharge), or online (single tickets only). The ticket is valid for a particular day and does not guarantee a place on a specific bus.

For travel outside these hours, use bus 607 from Nice-Le Port (dead slow but cheap at €2.50) or far more sensibly the train.

Travel from Monte Carlo to Nice (NCE) by Public Bus

The cheapest way to travel between Monaco and Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is by regular bus. From Monaco use bus 607 (similar routing to the former line 100) to Nice (€2.50) which runs around four times per hour. Traveling time is around an hour but could be significantly longer in heavy traffic. In Nice, transfer to tram 2 at Port Lympia.

Total travel time could be well over two hours and luggage is not very popular on these municipal buses. On bus 607, €1 is charged for a second piece of hand luggage and €5 for a suitcase — the train is cheaper and much faster.

By Train from Monaco to Nice-Côte d’Azur Aéroport (NCE)

TER Train from Monaco to Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)

Trains provide a fast and cheap alternative to the convenient Express Bus 80 when traveling between Monaco and Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).

Since the opening of tram 2 in Nice, traveling to the airport by train via Nice-St Augustin station has become significantly simpler. From the station, it is a short walk to the Grand Arénas tram stop. Traveling on the tram from Grand Arénas to airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is free for all.

Traveling time is just over half an hour and costs around €5 in second class.

More on Travel to Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport:

GetYourGuide
Henk Bekker in armor

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com, he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices. Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.