Monte Carlo cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Figures are from the cruise terminal at Quai Antoine Ier to Quai des États-Unis, beside the lift towards Monte Carlo.

• Public transport: CAM boat-bus across Port Hercule, €2 one way, about 4 minutes.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: CAM passenger information, Visit Monaco boat-bus leaflet.

Orientation, not a walking route

SEPM, Monaco's port operator, provides a cruise terminal and berthing at Port Hercule. Its port regulations also allow cruise calls at anchor, with tender passengers using designated quays in Port Hercule or Fontvieille. A tender landing is therefore not necessarily the cruise terminal.

SEPM does not publish which arrangement is normal, so this guide retains mixed access; use the berth or tender instructions in the ship's daily programme.

Follow the ship's instructions for the assigned berth or landing and the return boarding point. The regulations leave tender operations with the ship and require safety assessments when weather deteriorates. Rough seas are not a reason to assume a tender service will run, and a diversion to another port is not guaranteed.

If you need step-free access, obtain the actual route from your berth or landing to your transport, including any tender transfer.

About this port

An itinerary labelled Monte Carlo brings you to Monaco, where Monte Carlo is a district rather than a separate country. For a short call, choose between Monaco-Ville and the Prince's Palace on the Rock, or the casino area in Monte Carlo. This gives the visit a focus before adding journeys between districts.

The cruise port is Port Hercule, below Monaco-Ville. Arriving alongside and arriving by tender can put you in different starting locations, so check the landing place before planning a walking route.

Getting Around

CAM operates Monaco's local buses. Its published network includes routes 1 and 2 to Monaco-Ville, useful options when planning a palace visit. Choose the boarding stop for your actual arrival point; these are public services, not a promised shuttle from the gangway.

CAM also lists a boat-bus between Quai Antoine Ier and Quai des États-Unis across Port Hercule. The crossing takes about four minutes and costs €2 one way (checked 2026-09-08). It can shorten a harbour crossing, but it does not carry you up to the palace or casino. For a short call, keeping to one district reduces the number of connections you need to manage.

Things to Do

• Prince's Palace and its square: make Monaco-Ville the focus for views over the ports and, if available on your date, a visit to the State Apartments. Their frescoes and ceremonial rooms make this a substantial interior visit; access is seasonal and separate from simply visiting the square.
• Oceanographic Museum: the museum and its aquariums offer another indoor focus. Choose this or the palace first if your time ashore is limited, then add more only once you know your return arrangements.
• Casino de Monte-Carlo: the operator distinguishes heritage visits from access to the gaming rooms. Gaming requires adult eligibility, an original passport or accepted EU national identity card, and suitable dress; photographs or copies of identification are not accepted. Consult the conditions for the experience you intend to book. A heritage ticket should not be assumed to include gaming credit.

Getting back to your ship

Follow the ship's instructions for the assigned berth or landing and the return boarding point. The regulations leave tender operations with the ship and require safety assessments when weather deteriorates. Rough seas are not a reason to assume a tender service will run, and a diversion to another port is not guaranteed.

Practical Information

• Currency: euro.
• Language: French is the official language.
• Emergency help: Monaco's tourism authority lists 112 from a mobile, 18 for fire and ambulance, and 17 for police.
• Carry the identification required for your chosen visit as well as the documents required to reboard your ship. Casino entry conditions are more specific than a general instruction to carry photo identification.

Frequently asked

How long is the boat-bus across Port Hercule in Monaco? About four minutes between Quai Antoine Ier at the cruise terminal and Quai des États-Unis.

How much is Monaco's harbour boat-bus? About €2 one way, with tickets sold on board.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Monaco? Both arrangements are possible. SEPM provides an alongside cruise terminal at Port Hercule, while its regulations also provide for anchored calls with tender landings at Port Hercule or Fontvieille.

Where does Monaco's boat-bus leave from at the cruise terminal? From Quai Antoine Ier; it crosses to Quai des États-Unis beside the lift towards Monte Carlo.