Getting around Monte Carlo
Due to its size, Monte Carlo is easy to get around. With a decent map, energetic walkers could see all the main attractions by foot in one day, although that would be a laborious exercise as the city is a hilly place. For the less energetic, Monte Carlo’s public transport is fairly cheap and easy to use.
There is no metro or tram in Monte Carlo but the state bus company, Compagnie des Autobus Monaco (tel: +377 9770 2222; www.cam.mc), operates the city's six routes. You can buy tickets at many newspaper kiosks or on board. As well as single tickets, carnets of six or 12 tickets are available, along with passes for one, two, three, four or seven days.
Bus stops offer GPS information on the location of the bus and the time left before its arrives. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city.
You can hail taxis on the streets, and there are two main taxi stands open around the clock at the avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station.
Taxi Monaco Prestige is a reputable company (tel: +377 9315 0101). Ensure the meter is either switched on or agree a price in advance for all journeys. Taxis are a fairly expensive way to get from A to B however.
Monte Carlo’s heavy traffic can be infuriating and intimidating. Driving around the city has its obvious advantages for Formula One aficionados however, who can follow in the tyre marks of their heroes. Slow-moving traffic and expensive parking aside, the city’s roads are well signposted and smooth.
There is little need to hire a car in Monte Carlo as the city is quite compact, parking can be an expensive pain and it is often quicker to walk when making journeys around town.
International car hire companies do have offices at the airport in Nice and also in Monte Carlo. These include Avis (tel: +377 9330 1753; www.avis.com), Europcar (tel: +377 9350 7495; www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: +377 9350 7960; www.hertz.com).
Monte Carlo’s inclines make cycling around the city fairly hard work. If you’re feeling fit, cycling around Monte Carlo can be a rewarding experience though, and there are plenty of lycra-clad cyclists peddling around the city, so you’ll be in good company. Some of the more devoted have been known to time themselves doing laps of the famous Grand Prix circuit.
You can hire bikes from Bike Trip, Palais de la Scala, 1 avenue Henri Dunand (tel: +33 4 9210 9998, in France, with walk-in office in Monte Carlo; www.rent-bike.fr).
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