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London, UK and Paris to Monaco and Monte Carlo by train, car, flight

Monaco is the small independent principality on the French Riviera that has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. For decades it has attracted the mega-rich with its famous Casino which is located in the heart of the capital of Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo is also known for the annual Monte Carlo Rally that takes to the streets of the capital and of course the famous Formula One race that seems so unlikely in a small town with fearsome curves along the way. If you are considering a trip to Monaco, if possible, avoid the Monte Carlo Rally and the Formula One race.

If the royal family died out, Monaco would become part of France. At the moment that seems extremely unlikely as there are numerous heirs.

See more about Monaco and Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo has a border with Provence and the French Riviera.

Getting to Monaco and Monte Carlo by train

TGV trains to Monaco Monte Carlo depart regularly from Paris Gare de Lyon (20 boulevard Diderot, Paris 12) throughout the day.

Metro lines to and from Gare de Lyon

  • Line 1 – La Defense to Chateau de Vincennes
  • Line 14 – Saint Lazare to Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand

For buses, see the Paris bus map.

All TGV trains to Monaco Monte Carlo train station involve a change in Nice on the TER train. Train times vary, but there is a regular service. The whole trip lasts 6 h 10 min.

Night trains Trains
Night tours to Monaco Monte Carlo depart from the Gare d’Austerlitz in Paris (85 quai Austerlitz, Paris 13th district) around 9.30 pm and last around 8 hours. Switch to TER service for the 20-minute train ride to Monaco Monte Carlo. Train times are friendly – you arrive for a late breakfast.

Transport links to the Gare d’Austerlitz

  • Subway
    Line 10: Austerlitz to Boulogne Pont de St-Cloud
    Line 5: Bobigny Pablo Picasso to Place d’Italie

For buses, see the Paris bus map.

From the TGV Charles de Gaulle 2 train station to Monaco Monte Carlo,
TGV trains go to Nice and take around 6 hours and 30 minutes. Train times vary, but there is a frequent service. Switch to TER service for the 20-minute trip to Monaco-Monte Carlo.

Other connections to Monte Carlo by TER
Popular direct TER connections include Nice, Cannes, Les Arcs, Menton, and Ventimille (in Italy).
Check out the main TER services on the TER website.

The modern Monaco Monte Carlo underground station is located on Pont Ste Devote, in the heart of Monte Carlo. From here it is better to take a taxi or a local bus. On first arrival, Monte Carlo is a confusing place with steep hills to negotiate, although elevators take you up and down the steep capital.

Book your train tickets

  • From the US book With Rail Europe
  • From the UK book with Voyages sncf (formerly Rail Europe UK)

Getting to Monaco Monte Carlo by plane

Monaco’s main airport is not in Monte Carlo, but in Nice-Côte d’Azur. From here take a train, taxi or rental car. But the simplest and most popular way is by helicopter . The trip lasts seven minutes. Book through Heli Air Monaco.

Getting to Monaco-Monte Carlo by car

Paris to Monaco-Monte Carlo is around 900 kms (559 miles), taking around 8 hours 30 minutes, depending on your speed. There are tolls on the highways. Monaco-Monte Carlo is easily accessible as three motorways linking Spain, Italy and Northern Europe intersect in Marseille.

Car rental

For information on how to rent a car under the return lease scheme, which is the cheapest way to rent a car if you are in France for more than 17 days, try Renault Eurodrive’s buyback lease.

Tourist office in Monaco
2nd boulevard des Moulins
Tel.: 0033 77 92 16 61 16
Website

Tourist Office in the United States
Monaco Government Convention and Tourism Office
565 Fifth Ave
23rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tel.: 00 (0) 1212 286 33 30
Website in the United States

UK Tourist Office
Monaco Tourism Authority
7 Upper Grosvenor Street
London W1K 2LX
Tel: 00 44 (0) 207 491 4264
UK website

Getting from London to Paris

  • By train (Eurostar)
    Eurostar between London, Paris and more about traveling in France
  • By bus / coach Eurolines offers a cheap service from London, Gillingham, Canterbury, Folkestone and Dover to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Gallieni. Six coaches a day; 2 all night; Travel time 7 hours. The Eurolines stop is at the Paris Gallieni bus station, 28 ave du General de Gaulle, near the Gallieni metro station, near Porte de Bagnolet (metro line 3, final stop).
    Eurolines website for French travel
  • OuiBus also operates between London and Lille and London and Paris. OuiBus also runs from Lille to Amsterdam and Brussels. Website of
    Oui Bus

Train travel in France

  • Find out more about train travel in France
  • See the TGV Route Map in France

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