One Day In Monaco from Cannes Cruise Port: DIY Train Guide
If you are thinking about visiting Monaco from the Cannes cruise port and wondering if a day trip to Monaco is possible during a Cannes cruise stop, you have come to the right place.
We recently sailed with Virgin Voyages on a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, and this itinerary included a stop in Cannes, which we used to visit Monaco.
In this post, you will learn how to spend one day in Monaco, including how to get there via train, the top things to do, and how to get back to your cruise on time.
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Why Visit Monaco Instead of Staying In Cannes?
The truth is that both Cannes and Monaco have their own charm. Deciding to stay in Cannes is another viable option, as the city is renowned for its film festival. However, we decided to visit Monaco from Cannes instead because we typically cruise using Virgin Voyages, and getting to Cannes via cruise is easier than getting to Monaco.
On this cruise stop, we were able to visit Monaco, and on our way back, we had a few hours to explore Cannes (not to the depth we would have if we hadn’t visited Monaco), and we got a small taste of the vibe when the film festival in Cannes is taking place.
Arrival At Cannes Cruise Terminal
The first thing you need to know about the Cannes cruise port is that it is a tender port, which means that your cruise will not dock directly onto land. You will have to take a small boat to get to the coast; typically, they use the emergency small boats to get you to land.
The Cannes cruise port is located in the Bay of Cannes
One thing to consider if you are really planning to explore beyond Cannes is to ensure that you make a reservation early (at least on a Virgin Voyages cruise) to get off the cruise and have time to explore the town.
Note: If you are sailing with Virgin Voyages, be sure to use the Virgin app to schedule your tender; we booked the earliest slot at 11:30 AM.
Unfortunately, when we arrived in Cannes, the water was rough, and it took longer to get off the cruise (almost 2 hours of delay), which meant that we had less time to enjoy Monaco for a day and get back to the ship.
How To Get From Cannes To Monaco?
There are a few ways to make the trip, but depending on your budget and how much time you want to spend in Monaco, one option definitely stands out as the winner.
The Train
The train is by far the BEST option for a DIY trip. It takes about an hour and drops you right in the heart of the action.
- 🎟️ Book your train tickets in advance here.
- Pro Tip: I highly recommend downloading the Rail Europe App before you arrive in Cannes. I didn’t have it ready and found myself rushing to check times. The app lets you track exact arrival times so you aren’t guessing at the station.
The Ferry
If the weather is beautiful and you want to see the French Riviera from the water, the ferry is a good choice.
- 🎟️ Check Ferry times & book your trip in advance here.
- Convenience: You can board this ferry at the same port where your cruise tender boat drops you off, making it very easy to find.
Renting A Car
You can rent a car and drive to Monaco in about an hour, but I do not recommend this option for a one-day cruise stop.
- Walkability: Monaco is incredibly walkable. Once you arrive, you won’t need a car to get around to the major sights like the Casino or the F1 track. Having a car ends up being more of a headache than a help!
Walking To The Cannes Train Station
From the Cannes cruise terminal to the Cannes train station is about a 20-minute walk.
Pro Tip: When you are walking there, make sure you head towards the entrance located on Pl. de la Gare. This is a much shorter walk! Our GPS originally sent us to the upper side of the building, which resulted in a much longer walk than necessary.
Buying Your Round-Trip Train Tickets
At the time of our visit, the tickets were roughly $40 per round-trip. If you decide to buy your tickets at the station instead of online (as mentioned above), make sure to look out for the route that goes to Ventimiglia.
Ventimiglia is a town in Italy, but you are going to get off the train before it reaches Italy at the Monaco Monte Carlo station. You don’t need to choose your seat because it is a regional train and not a high-speed train.
The Train From Monaco To Cannes
The first thing that you need to know is that you must sit on the right side of the train to have the best view of the coastline and beaches. However, if you want to see the mountain view and the houses on the cliff, sit on the left side.
The train experience was a bit different from the high-speed ride I took from Valencia to Barcelona. This regional route uses two-deck trains, which offer plenty of seating across two levels. While the layout feels a bit more compact compared to a high-speed cabin, the ride was very comfortable and perfect for the short journey.
One thing I noticed: if you need to use the restroom, they might be locked. You need to find the security inside the train to get the restroom open (look for the “WC” sign). The restrooms were not very clean, and the security guard did not speak English, so I had to use signs to explain.
Pro Tip: Make sure that you keep the receipt of your ticket. Security goes person-by-person to verify tickets. I witnessed a person who hadn’t paid being asked to pay a price substantially higher than the station price. Don’t risk that uncomfortable situation!
Top Things to Do In One Day In Monaco
Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world (after the Vatican) and is known for its wealth—basically, one in three people living in Monaco is rich! It is glamorous, super clean, and very walkable.
Here’s a map with all the places mentioned in this post, which I prepared for you to have handy for your upcoming visit to Monaco.
How to navigate this map: Click the menu icon in the top-left corner to view all pinned locations. To see a full-screen version, click the icon in the top-right corner, or select the Share button to send this map directly to your email for easy access during your trip.
1. Formula One Monaco Street Circuit
Monaco is famous for holding the Formula One Grand Prix, which usually takes place in May or early June.
If you are a fan like my husband, you will love Monaco. We visited only a couple of days before the Monaco Grand Prix was going to take place, and we were so lucky because the race track was already set up!
The F1 track takes place on the city streets, so there is no separate designated track. You can see the Fairmont Hairpin, a very popular sharp curve of the F1 race track.
You can also walk through the Tunnel Larvotto, the famous tunnel, to experience what the drivers feel.
2. Monaco Nikki Beach (Rooftop Bar & Pool)
Nikki Beach is a famous rooftop bar and pool located right in front of the Fairmont Hairpin turn. It’s a legendary spot to watch the Formula 1 action from above, but many travelers stop here even when there is no race just to enjoy the rooftop atmosphere and the pool.
Even if you aren’t visiting during the Grand Prix, you can stop by to get a much better view of that famous Fairmont Hairpin turn.
If you are planning a visit, here is the breakdown of how it works:
- General Access: On a regular day, you can usually walk in to enjoy the vibe and the view, though it gets very busy on weekends.
- Cabana & Pool Bed Rentals: If you want to lounge by the pool, there is a rental fee for the cabana or bed. In addition to the rental fee, there is a specific bottle requirement:
- For 2 people: You are required to purchase at least one bottle of alcohol.
- For more than 2 people: You are required to purchase a Magnum bottle.
- F1 Grand Prix Weekend: Access to Nikki Beach is strictly managed during the F1 weekend. You cannot walk in; a paid reservation is required. You must check the Nikki race weekend official website and book well in advance if you want to be there for the race.
3. Prince Of Monaco’s Car Collection
Monaco is world-famous for luxury, and most of the time during your visit, you are going to see expensive cars just driving down the street.
However, this museum is just as impressive as anything you will see around! We visited the Prince’s car collection, and it was a truly unique experience. It is impressive to see the range of vehicles, from vintage classics to actual F1 cars driven by professional drivers.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Tickets: Prices start at approximately $17 per person.
- Buying Tickets: We purchased our tickets directly at the main counter inside the museum. You can technically purchase them online through the official Prince’s Collection website, but sometimes the website doesn’t work properly, so buying them in person is much more reliable.
Note: The collection is closed on the weekend of the F1 Grand Prix, so make sure to check your dates if you are visiting in May.
The car collection experience is a self-guided tour, and there are touchscreens positioned around the collection explaining the history of each vehicle.
During our visit, they had an F1 simulator at the entrance for an additional fee. While we saw it priced at 15 Euros for 7 minutes, please keep in mind that these prices may vary, so check the current rate when you arrive.
4. Port Hercules Monaco
Port Hercules is the primary spot for the most expensive yachts, and the water is so deep that this marina can accommodate even the largest vessels year-round.
While it’s always impressive, the area gets especially busy during the Formula 1 Grand Prix because the harbor has a direct view of the race track. This is where you will definitely spot the most extravagant yachts parked to get a front-row seat to the action.
5. Monaco Offshore Extension (Mareterra)
Monaco is incredibly dense, and since the city is running out of square footage, they have expanded its territory directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
This impressive land reclamation project is called Mareterra. According to official news from Visit Monaco, the project was officially inaugurated on December 4, 2024.
We swung by Mareterra during our visit, and while it was not yet fully occupied, the area will eventually be a vibrant hub for new restaurants and shops.
6. Monte Carlo Casino Monaco
The Monte Carlo Casino is one of the most iconic casinos in the world, and it’s famous for being a filming location for the James Bond movie Never Say Never Again.
Even if you aren’t a gambler, the architecture and history make it a must-see during your one day in Monaco.
During your visit, you’ll need to pass through a security checkpoint in the principal entrance to visit the atrium for free. It is worth it just to see the massive marble columns and the incredible luxury details of the ceiling and interior balcony.
Note: If you need a restroom, head into the lobby and look to the right of the restaurant. There are stairs leading down to the restrooms. Be advised that you must pay (€2 at the time of my visit) in cash to use them, so make sure you have coins ready.
Here is how to plan your visit based on when you arrive at the Monte Carlo Casino:
Morning Tours (History & Architecture)
If you want to learn about the casino history and the impact it has had on Monaco, you can book a self-guided audio tour.
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Note: The last entry for the tour is at 12:15 PM).
- Price: Tours start at €20 for adults and include the audio guide (purchase your ticket in the casino’s atrium).
- Personal Note: Unfortunately, we arrived too late for the tour due to our tender delay from the cruise ship, so make sure you track your time and have the casino as your first stop, if this is a priority for you.
Afternoon Gaming (The Casino Experience)
If you want to try your luck at the tables, the vibe changes in the afternoon.
- Hours: The gaming area (poker, blackjack, and slot machines, etc.) opens at 2:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Access to the gaming area starts at €20 (purchase your ticket in the casino’s atrium).
- The Dress Code: They are very strict! Make sure you have good attire if you plan to go inside, because you cannot access the gaming area wearing flip-flops, shorts, sportswear, or beachwear.
Note: Residents of Monaco (Monégasques) are actually forbidden from gambling here. The casino is strictly for tourists, so you must show your passport to enter the gaming area.
7. Luxury Shopping In Monaco
You cannot leave Monaco without experiencing a taste of its world-famous luxury shopping at the One Monte Carlo. Even if you aren’t planning to buy anything or are short on time, it is worth a visit just for the incredible window shopping.
The One Monte-Carlo is a stunning, glamorous mall located just a short walk from the Monte Carlo Casino. The design of this area was led by the famous architect Richard Rogers, and the buildings themselves are works of art.
You will find the most prestigious designer names here, including Louis Vuitton, Celine, Prada, Bulgari, Miu Miu, and many others.
How to Get Back to Your Cruise Ship on Time?
The most important part of a DIY day trip is making sure you don’t literally get left behind. If you miss that final tender, the ship will sail without you—so you need a solid game plan for the return trip.
To stay on the safe side, you need to work backward from your “All Aboard” time and factor in these three steps:
- The Train Ride: Allow at least 1 hour for the trip from Monaco back to Cannes.
- The Walk: It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the Cannes train station back to the cruise terminal.
- The Tender Boat: You must factor in the time spent waiting in line for the tender and the actual ride back to the ship.
Our Strategy: We planned to be back in Cannes at least two hours before the last tender. This gave us a huge safety buffer and even allowed us some extra time to walk around and enjoy Cannes before heading back to the ship.
Stay Connected: Data Tips for France and Monaco
Don’t Forget Your Data! This is a mistake many travelers make: Monaco is NOT part of the European Union. Many “Europe” eSIM plans only cover EU countries, meaning you could lose your data connection the second you cross the border from France.
Having a day trip to Monaco from the Cannes cruise port is totally possible as long as you plan your itinerary. I really hope this guide helps you plan your trip!
Before You Go: If you liked this guide, check out my other cruise port guides covering Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. You can also dive deeper into my adventures sailing from Barcelona:
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