Cannes to Monaco: Cruise Day Itinerary for Cannes & Villefranche Ports
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If your cruise docks in Cannes or Villefranche, you have the perfect chance to visit Monaco and Monte Carlo, one of the most famous stops on the French Riviera.
I’ve been there several times, both on cruises and land trips, and it’s always worth the visit. Whether it’s walking through Monaco’s old town, seeing the Prince’s Palace, or checking out the yachts and casino in Monte Carlo, there’s plenty to enjoy in just one day.
Getting there from the cruise ports is easy, and you don’t need to book a tour – you can do it all on your own.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to get from Villefranche and Cannes to Monaco and share a simple 1-day itinerary with the main highlights.
👉 For more details on the ports themselves, see my guides to Villefranche cruise port and Cannes cruise port
Getting to Monaco from Cannes Cruise Port
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Cannes, and passengers are tendered to the Old Port, right in the town center.
Cannes is located about 57 km from Monaco, which is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car or 1 hour by train. Here are the best options to get there:
🚆 By Train
The train is the easiest way to reach Monaco from Cannes.
Cannes train station (Gare de Cannes) is about a 15-minute walk from the tender pier.
Trains are operated by SNCF and run every 15–20 minutes. The ride takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Check the timetables on the SNCF official website
You’ll get off at the Monaco–Monte Carlo station. From there, it’s about a 12-minute walk (900 m) to the Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square.
I usually start there — explore Monte Carlo first — and then continue on to Monaco’s old town later in the day. It’s an easy way to structure your visit, especially if you only have a few hours ashore.
I booked my tickets on the SNCF app, which is simple and saves time, though you don’t need to book in advance. If your ship has a tight schedule, make sure to double-check the return times.
🚌 By Bus
There is a bus connection, but it’s slow, close to 2 hours, and not recommended if you only have one day.
🚖 By Taxi or Private Transfer
A taxi from Cannes to Monaco is expensive, usually between €150–200 one way. However, it can be convenient if you’re traveling in a group and splitting the cost.
Private transfers are also available and offer the comfort of being picked up directly at the tender pier.
I recommend checking services like Welcome Pickups, which allow you to pre-book and know your fare in advance. It’s the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Monaco, but definitely the priciest.
🚍 Shore Excursions
Cruise lines often offer Monaco excursions from Cannes, but prices are usually much higher than booking on your own.
If you prefer an organized tour, check platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, which often have similar itineraries at a lower cost.
🎥 Watch More
Check out my Cannes cruise port guide video for tips on tendering, getting around, and the top things to do in Cannes.
Getting to Monaco from Villefranche Cruise Port
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Villefranche, a small commune on the French Riviera that also serves as the main gateway to Nice. Passengers are tendered directly into the village.
Villefranche is located about 15 km from Monaco, which is roughly 30 minutes by car due to heavy coastal traffic, or only 15 minutes by train. Here are the main options to get there:
🚆 By Train
The Villefranche-sur-Mer train station is just a 10-minute walk from the tender pier.
As you leave the terminal, turn right and follow the Promenade des Marinières, a flat path along the sea with beautiful views of the bay.
When you reach the main sandy beach, you’ll see the SNCF sign (SNCF is the French national railway). Turn left at the sign, climb the stairway, and the station is right above, overlooking the beach.
Trains to Monaco run every 15–20 minutes, and the ride takes only 15 minutes. Check the timetables on the SNCF official website.
Get off at the Monaco–Monte Carlo station, which puts you close to the casino.
🚌 By Bus
Buses also run between Villefranche and Monaco, but they are not the best option if you have limited time.
The ride takes about 1 hour, as the bus makes many stops along the coastal road and can get crowded, especially in summer.
The service is operated by Lignes d’Azur, and timetables are available on their official website. It’s a cheap way to travel, but with the train being so quick and reliable, the bus is usually not worth the extra time.
🚖 By Taxi or Private Transfer
Prices for taxis and private transfers from Villefranche to Monaco start at around €50 one way, though they can be higher depending on traffic and availability.
It’s a good option if you’re traveling with others and can share the cost. Pre-booking with services like Welcome Pickups gives more comfort and a guaranteed fare.
🚍 Shore Excursions
Many cruise lines sell tours from Villefranche to Monaco, but they usually come with a high price tag.
If you prefer an organized option, it’s worth comparing offers on Viator or GetYourGuide, where you’ll often find the same routes or small-group tours at a more reasonable cost.
🎥 Watch More
I’ve also shared a full Villefranche cruise port video with tips on transport, what to do in town, and easy day trips to Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Antibes.
1 Day in Monaco: Cruise Itinerary
Upon arriving at the Monaco–Monte Carlo train station, the easiest way to start is with Monte Carlo, since Casino Square is less than a 15-minute walk away.
After exploring the casino area and gardens, I continued by bus to Monaco-Ville (also called Monaco City), which sits on the Rock.
This is the historic heart of the principality, and it’s where you’ll find all the main landmarks: the Oceanographic Museum, St. Martin Gardens, Monaco Cathedral, and the Prince’s Palace, all within close walking distance.
This is the exact itinerary I did on my cruise stop — a straightforward way to see Monaco’s highlights in just one day.
🕒 Monaco in a Day at a Glance
- Morning: Arrive at Monaco–Monte Carlo station → Walk to Casino Square → Visit Monte Carlo Casino (atrium) → Stroll Casino Gardens and luxury shops
- Midday: Take bus #1 or #2 from Avenue de la Costa → Arrive in Monaco-Ville → Photo stop at Oceanographic Museum → Walk through St. Martin Gardens → Monument to Prince Albert I → Views of Port of Fontvieille
- Afternoon: Visit Monaco Cathedral → Explore Old Town streets → Quick lunch/snack (e.g. croque monsieur)
- Late Afternoon: Walk to Prince’s Palace and Palace Square → Enjoy panoramic views over Port Hercules → Return to Monaco–Monte Carlo station for train back to Cannes or Villefranche
🎰 Morning in Monte Carlo
After getting off at the Monaco–Monte Carlo train station, it’s about a 900 m / 13-minute walk to Casino Square.
The square is surrounded by some of Monaco’s most famous buildings — the Monte Carlo Casino, the Café de Paris, and the luxurious Hotel de Paris.
It’s possible to enter the atrium and lobby of the casino during the day without charge, which gives you a glimpse of its grand interiors.
To actually play, you’ll need to be over 18, show a valid ID, and pay an admission fee.
Right next to the casino is the Opéra de Monte-Carlo (Salle Garnier), designed by the same architect as the Paris Opéra.
Right across the square are the Casino Gardens, one of the best spots for photos of the casino, the square, and even some of the Formula 1 route that winds right past this area.
During the Monaco Grand Prix, this square becomes one of the most iconic parts of the circuit.
Nearby, you’ll also find a luxury shopping complex with brands like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Bulgari, and Prada. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a look just for the atmosphere.
🚌 Transfer to Monaco-Ville (Monaco City)
From the gardens, walk a few minutes to Avenue de la Costa, where local buses #1 and #2 stop (look for the Monte Carlo stop).
These buses run frequently and take about 15 minutes to reach Monaco-Ville. Tickets cost around €2 and you can buy them on board.
Monaco-Ville, which translates into Monaco City, sits on the Rock of Monaco.
This is the historic heart of the principality, home to the Prince’s Palace, the Monaco Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, and the narrow streets of the old town.
🐠 Monaco-Ville & Oceanographic Museum
The bus drops you right in Monaco-Ville, within a few minutes walk from the Oceanographic Museum.
The building itself is impressive from the outside and makes a great photo stop.
Inside, you’ll find large aquariums, marine exhibits, and collections of ocean exploration gear.
A full visit takes a couple of hours, so with limited cruise time, I recommend skipping the interior.
💡 Want to Explore with a Guide?
If you’d prefer to hear the history behind Monaco instead of exploring on your own, consider joining a walking tour. A local guide can bring the old town and landmarks to life with stories and details you might otherwise miss.
👉 Check out options on GetYourGuide or Viator — both have small-group and private Monaco walking tours.
🌿 St. Martin Gardens
Next to the museum, you’ll find the St. Martin Gardens, a quiet green space filled with Mediterranean plants, sculptures, and shady walking paths.
In the middle of the gardens stands the Monument to Prince Albert I, honoring his role as a pioneer of oceanography.
The gardens sit right on the cliffside, offering gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline below.
It’s a peaceful stop and a great place for photos before heading deeper into the old town.
⛪ Monaco Cathedral
Just a few minutes from the gardens is the Monaco Cathedral (Saint Nicholas Cathedral), one of the most important landmarks in the principality.
Built in 1875 from white stone quarried near La Turbie, it stands out for its Roman-Byzantine style.
The cathedral is best known as the resting place of Monaco’s princes and princesses, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace Kelly, whose graves draw many visitors.
Inside, you’ll also find a grand altar, a 16th-century altarpiece of Saint Nicholas, and an impressive organ used for concerts and religious services.
Entry is free, and since it doesn’t take long to visit, it’s an essential stop to understand Monaco’s royal history and legacy.
👉 Explore Monaco Cathedral guided tours
🏘️ Monaco Old Town & Lunch
The Cathedral more or less marks the entrance to Monaco’s Old Town (Monaco-Ville). From here, you can wander into a maze of narrow lanes lined with pastel houses, small shops, and plenty of cafés.
I wasn’t in the mood for a full sit-down meal, so I grabbed a croque monsieur, the classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with melted béchamel. It’s quick, filling, and easy to find in the old town.
But here’s a word of warning: as I was about to enjoy it, a seagull swooped down and stole it straight from my hands, even scratching my back in the process! 😅
So if you pick up a snack here, keep an eye out… the birds can be surprisingly bold!
🏰 Prince’s Palace & Palace Square
From the cathedral, it’s only a few minutes’ walk through the old town streets to reach the Prince’s Palace and the wide square in front of it.
This is the official residence of the Grimaldi family, who have ruled Monaco for centuries.
If your timing is right, you might also catch the Changing of the Guard, which takes place daily at 11:55 am.
The palace itself can be visited inside at certain times of year, but even if you don’t go in, the square is worth a stop for the atmosphere and the panoramic views over Port Hercules and Monte Carlo.
💡 Want to See More of Monaco?
Beyond the main sights, there are plenty of ways to experience Monaco, from harbor cruises and food tours to hop-on hop-off buses and guided walks through the old town.
👉 Browse tours and activities here to find something that matches your interests.
🚆 Returning to the Train Station
After exploring the old town and palace area, you can either walk back downhill for about 25 minutes or take bus #1 or #2 to return to the Monaco–Monte Carlo train station.
Trains run frequently back to Cannes and Villefranche, so make sure to allow enough time to get to the port before your ship’s all-aboard.
🎥 Prefer to watch?
Here’s my detailed video on visiting Monaco and Monte Carlo on a cruise — what to do, what to see, and how to get there by train.
👉 Watch on YouTube
Tips for Visiting Monaco on a Cruise Stop
- Wear comfortable shoes: Monaco involves a lot of walking, with some steep streets and staircases, especially in the old town.
- Watch your timing: Trains back to Cannes or Villefranche are frequent, but always check return times carefully so you don’t cut it too close to your ship’s all-aboard.
- Casino dress code: Casual clothes are fine for the free atrium visit, but to enter the gaming rooms, you’ll need smart attire and ID (over 18 only).
- Food and drinks: Restaurants can be pricey around Casino Square. If you’re on a budget, Old Town cafés offer more affordable snacks and light meals.
- Hop-on hop-off bus: Monaco has a hop-on hop-off bus that loops through all the main sights, a good option if you’d rather not walk or deal with local buses.
- Tourist train: Another easy way to explore is the small tourist train, which departs near Casino Square and takes you past the harbor, old town, and palace area.
👉 Explore Monaco Hop on Hop off bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
FAQ: Visiting Monaco on a Cruise
❓ Do cruise ships dock in Monaco?
Large cruise ships usually anchor in Villefranche or Cannes. Smaller ships occasionally dock directly at Monaco’s port, but most passengers visit by train or transfer from another port.
❓ How far is Monaco from Cannes and Villefranche?
From Cannes, Monaco is about 57 km away (1h15 by train). From Villefranche, it’s only 15 km (15–20 minutes by train).
❓ Is one day enough to see Monaco?
Yes, you can visit the main highlights (Monte Carlo Casino, Old Town, Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum exterior, Prince’s Palace) in a single day.
❓ Do I need tickets to visit the Casino?
The atrium and lobby are free to enter during the day. To play in the gaming rooms, you must be over 18, show valid ID, follow a dress code, and pay an admission fee.
❓ Can I explore Monaco on my own from the cruise port?
Absolutely. Trains from both Cannes and Villefranche are easy to use, and most landmarks are within walking distance once you’re in Monaco. Alternatively, the hop-on hop-off bus or tourist train covers all major sights.
❓ Is Monaco expensive for food and drinks?
It can be, especially around Casino Square. For lighter meals or snacks, head to Monaco-Ville (the old town), where cafés are more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Monaco and Monte Carlo are easy to visit from Cannes or Villefranche.
The train is simple, the main sights are close together, and you can see a lot in just one day.
I’ve done this route myself and it’s a great mix of history, views, and a bit of Monaco’s famous glamour, all without feeling rushed.
More Cruise Port Guides & Resources
If your itinerary includes Monaco, chances are you’ll also be visiting other big Mediterranean ports. Here are some guides you may find useful:
- Villefranche Cruise Port Guide
- Cannes Cruise Port Guide
- Getting to Nice from Villefranche or Cannes + 1 day in Nice itinerary
Mediterranean cruises often combine Monaco with major ports such as Civitavecchia (Rome), La Spezia (Cinque Terre & Florence), Barcelona, Marseille, Naples, and Piraeus (Athens).
You’ll find all of these covered in my Mediterranean cruise port guides.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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