Monaco – Buses and Trams

What is the overall standard of bus services in Monaco?

CAM is Monaco’s primary public transport provider, and despite the country’s diminutive footprint, the network it operates is contemporary, well-resourced, and steadily growing. During 2024, CAM carried 7.6 million passengers — a 4.6% rise on the previous year — a striking figure for a resident population of under 40,000 people.

Services on most routes depart every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day, making it straightforward to move between Monaco’s districts without long waits. An evening service runs every 30 minutes and continues across the full extent of the Principality. When measured against urban networks elsewhere in continental Europe — where gaps of 20 to 30 minutes between buses are routine even on busy secondary corridors — Monaco’s frequency compares favourably with the trunk routes of far larger cities.

Operating at the direction of the Princely Palace and the Prince’s Government, CAM has committed to playing an active role in the ecological transition while maintaining a dependable, comfortable, and responsible public transport service. The operator’s target is a fully carbon-free fleet — either electric or hydrogen-powered — by 2030. Passenger information screens of the latest generation have been installed at stops and inside vehicles, and the entire network is supported by real-time digital infrastructure that mirrors the tools familiar to riders of systems such as Transport for London or Paris’s RATP.

What bus services are available in Monaco — local, intercity, and beyond?

Six regular routes serve Monaco’s various districts, operating daily from 7am until approximately 9pm with frequent stops along the way. Line 1, which runs between Monaco-Ville and Saint-Roman, passes the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, Place d’Armes, Port Hercule, the Mareterra district, the Japanese Garden, and the Place du Casino. The remaining lines extend coverage to Fontvieille, the Exotic Garden, the hospital, the railway station, and residential areas spread across the Principality.

From 2024 onwards, the network was expanded with four express routes. Lines X1, X2, X3, and X4 were introduced to provide faster connections between key points across Monaco. CAM also operates a night service alongside the Boat-Bus. The Bateau Bus — likewise run by CAM — is an electrically powered boat shuttle linking the Quai des Etats-Unis with the cruise terminal; the crossing takes roughly 10 minutes.

In neighbourhoods not served by fixed stops, CAM’s on-demand ClicBus fills the gap. The Plati, Fleurs, and Annonciade districts lack conventional bus stops, so CAM offers ClicBus shuttle services in these areas, bookable directly by passengers and travelling to Place d’Armes, Fontvieille Centre Commercial, Monte-Carlo Tourisme, and Place des Moulins. The vehicles used are 8-seat and 20-seat electric mini-buses, both fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Travel beyond Monaco’s borders is handled by a separate regional operator. Cross-border bus connections are provided by Ligne d’Azur in partnership with the Département des Alpes-Maritimes. Since April 2024, the former routes 607 (Nice to Monaco via Place d’Armes) and 608 (Menton to Monaco) were consolidated into a single route 600, running end-to-end from Nice (Square Normandie Niemen) to Menton (Gare Routière) through Monaco, with stops at Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Eze-sur-Mer, Cap-d’Ail, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and Menton.

Where can I find up-to-date timetables, routes, and official information?

The definitive source for Monaco’s internal bus network is the CAM website. Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or an event organiser, the site provides the essential information needed to navigate the Principality. English-language content covering routes, timetables, and fares is available at www.cam.mc/en. Current pricing is published at www.cam.mc/tarifs — it is worth checking this page regularly, as fares are revised from time to time.

Two official apps are available for journey planning on the move. The Monaco Bus app was first released by CAM in late 2010 and has been substantially updated since. It gives users access to maps and timetables for every route and stop, including the express lines introduced in 2024 (X1, X2, X3, and X4), together with live arrival data, departure times at individual stops, bus tracking, and on-board passenger counts. Live network alerts and service announcements are also pushed through the app.

The second platform, Monapass, serves as Monaco’s broader official mobility hub. It is the sole application providing unified access to transport, tourism, and cultural services across the Principality, enabling users to purchase and manage tickets and subscriptions in a single place. Beyond ticketing, Monapass displays real-time information on nearby transport options — including bus departure times and electric bike availability. Both apps can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices.

To book ClicBus specifically, passengers can call +377 92 00 17 99 or use the dedicated ClicBus application. CAM’s offices are at 22/24 rue du Gabian, MC 98000, Monaco; telephone +377 97 70 22 22; open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. General written enquiries can be directed to [email protected]. For the regional Ligne d’Azur route 600 and other cross-border services, timetables and fares are available at www.lignesdazur.com.

What types of bus tickets and passes are available in Monaco?

Monaco’s fare structure is designed to reward advance purchase and frequent use. A single ticket bought directly from the driver costs €2 and covers one trip plus free connections within 30 minutes; purchased by credit card or through the Monapass app, the same journey costs €1.50, and a day pass giving unlimited travel is €5.50 (as of 2025). The 30-minute transfer window functions similarly to models used on urban networks in cities such as Madrid or Vienna, allowing passengers to change buses without paying again.

Carnets of 10 trips, weekly passes, monthly passes, and season tickets are also available on a sliding scale; consult www.cam.mc/tarifs for the figures currently in force. Combined monthly and annual passes are additionally available that cover both travel within Monaco and journeys on the Côte d’Azur’s urban and interurban networks — Lignes d’Azur, Envibus, Palm Bus, Sillages, and Zest — at preferential rates. These combined products offer strong value for expats who make regular cross-border commutes between Monaco and nearby towns such as Nice or Menton.

Children under five travel free of charge, and discounted fares apply for school-age passengers. Senior residents and retired cardholders are eligible for a complimentary annual pass, subject to verification of supporting documents by CAM.

Those planning to explore the broader French Riviera by public transport should be aware of the Pass SudAzur, an all-network pass covering unlimited travel by train, tram, and bus across the Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco. It is sold as a 3-day (€35), one-week (€50), or two-week (€80) option, available from July through the first weekend in November. All prices quoted here are as of 2025 — always verify current fares at official sources before travelling.

How do I buy a bus ticket in Monaco?

Tickets can be obtained through several channels, each suited to a different type of traveller. The following is a step-by-step overview of the main purchase options:

1. On board from the driver (cash): Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus at the time of boarding. The on-board cash fare is €2, valid for one journey plus any connections made within 30 minutes. Exact change is required when paying the driver.
2. Contactless bank card (Open Payment): CAM’s Open Payment system automatically caps spending on the identified card according to daily, weekly, or monthly usage. The daily ceiling of €5.50 corresponds to the unlimited day pass; after midnight, your bank statement is adjusted to reflect the precise amount actually charged. Since 2025, line 600 — the regional Nice–Monaco–Menton route — has also been equipped with Open Payment. Simply tap your NFC bank card or smartphone via Apple Pay or Google Pay on the validator as you board.
3. Via the Monapass app: After downloading Monapass on your smartphone and creating an account, you can buy single trips, multi-trip carnets, group passes, and season tickets directly in the app. Purchased products appear as QR codes, which you scan at the on-board validator when boarding.
4. At the CAM agency: The CAM office at 22/24 rue du Gabian, 98000 Monaco, is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. This is the appropriate place for renewing senior passes, obtaining regional Azur-network passes, and processing any pass that requires a CAM-issued photo card.
5. Online via the CAM website: Tickets can be purchased through the “Boutique” section at www.cam.mc. This channel is available to holders of an identified CAM card bearing a photo and name.

Once on board, all passengers must validate their ticket at the validator device. Hold the QR code towards the reader — or tap a contactless card — at the bottom of the device. A green light confirms a valid ticket; orange indicates a ticket that has already been validated; red signals an expired or faulty card.

Are there trams in Monaco?

Monaco has no tram network in operation today. The Compagnie des Tramways de Monaco (CTM), established in 1897, ran several tramway lines throughout its existence until the trams made their final journey on 26 January 1931, when they were retired in favour of buses. CAM took over from the old CTM network in 1939, and trams have been absent from the Principality for nearly a century since.

However, significant developments are under way for the future. Between October 2024 and February 2025, Monaco launched a formal tender for the construction and operation of a fully automated rapid transit line connecting the city centre to the La Brasca parking area situated between Eze and La Turbie. With an estimated price tag of €1.2 billion and a target commissioning date of 2031, the project is intended to reduce the volume of private cars entering the country — and would mark the most transformative expansion of Monaco’s public transport infrastructure in generations.

For expats who need tram access right now, the nearest options are across the border in Nice. Taking the Nice tramway lines 2 or 3 into the city centre and then continuing by train to Monaco is a practical option for commuters travelling between the two cities. The Nice tramway is operated by Lignes d’Azur and integrates with the wider regional bus and rail network.

What practical tips should expats know about using buses in Monaco?

Monaco’s bus system is easy to get to grips with once you understand its particular characteristics. The following points are especially useful for those new to the Principality:

• Always validate your ticket: Every time you board — including when changing buses within your 30-minute transfer window — you must validate your ticket or card at the on-board device. Unlike certain open-payment systems elsewhere that cover an entire journey with a single tap, each boarding requires a separate validation in Monaco.
• Board at the front, alight at the back: Passengers should enter through the front door and exit via the rear doors unless directed otherwise. This is the standard practice on French-style urban networks and keeps the boarding process efficient.
• Make use of the public lifts: Monaco’s steep topography is served by a network of free public elevators and escalators that connect the Principality’s different vertical levels. For short uphill trips, these can be faster and more convenient than waiting for a bus — a resource that has no equivalent in flat cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
• Accessibility: The majority of buses in Monaco are adapted for wheelchair users. The ClicBus on-demand mini-buses are likewise accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Animals on board: As a general rule, animals are not permitted on CAM buses. Small animals are an exception and may travel free of charge provided they are carried in an approved travel bag no larger than 45 cm. Larger dogs must remain on a lead and require their own paid ticket.
• Night service: ClicBus operates at night from 9:20pm to 1:30am, with extended hours until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays, serving all regular bus stops across Monaco. This ensures genuine late-night coverage — unlike many smaller European cities where public transport shuts down well before midnight.
• Real-time stop information screens: The new-generation passenger information screens installed at stops and inside vehicles display the same live data as the Monaco Bus app, so you can check the next departure without reaching for your phone.
• Timetable variations: Services may be adjusted at certain times of year or around public holidays, so it is worth checking with operators in advance if you have a specific journey to make. Major events — such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix or state visits — can temporarily alter or suspend particular lines.

Frequently asked questions

Who operates the buses in Monaco?

The Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), established at the initiative of the Prince’s Government, is the Principality’s main public transport operator. It runs all urban bus lines within Monaco, including the ClicBus on-demand service and the Boat-Bus harbour shuttle. Full details are available at www.cam.mc/en.

How often do buses run in Monaco?

Most routes operate at intervals of 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day, seven days a week, from 7am until around 9pm. Once regular services end, the ClicBus on-demand service covers all standard stops until 1:30am, and until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

What is the cheapest way to pay for buses in Monaco?

Using a contactless bank card or the Monapass app reduces the per-journey fare to €1.50 (as of 2025), compared to €2 when paying cash to the driver on board. Frequent travellers will find even greater savings with a 10-trip carnet, weekly pass, or monthly pass. Current prices are always listed at www.cam.mc/tarifs.

Can I travel from Monaco to Nice or Menton by bus?

Yes. Since April 2024, route 600 operates between Nice (Square Normandie Niemen) and Menton (Gare Routière), passing through Monaco and stopping at Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Eze-sur-Mer, Cap-d’Ail, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and Menton. This service is run by Lignes d’Azur rather than CAM and has its own ticketing arrangements. Visit www.lignesdazur.com for timetables and fares.

Is there a transport app for Monaco?

Two official apps are available. The Monaco Bus app, produced by CAM, delivers real-time arrival information, route maps, live bus tracking, and passenger load data. Monapass is the Principality’s all-in-one official mobility platform, enabling users to purchase and store bus passes, view live transport information, and access cultural and tourism services. It is the only application offering this unified access to transportation, tourism, and cultural services in Monaco. Both apps are free to download on iOS and Android.

Are there trams in Monaco?

Not currently. The Compagnie des Tramways de Monaco (CTM), founded in 1897, ran tramway lines until 26 January 1931, when the service was discontinued in favour of buses. No tram network has existed in Monaco since. However, an ambitious automated rapid transit project — estimated to cost €1.2 billion — is in development, with commissioning targeted for 2031.

Do I need exact change to pay on the bus?

Yes, if you are paying cash to the driver on board, exact change is required. To avoid this — and to save money — use a contactless bank card or smartphone with the Open Payment system, or buy your ticket in advance through the Monapass app. Both alternatives also bring the fare down from €2 to €1.50 per journey (as of 2025).

What is ClicBus, and how do I use it?

ClicBus is an on-demand shuttle service designed for residents of the Plati, Fleurs, and Annonciade districts, which are not served by fixed bus routes. Journeys can be booked via the dedicated ClicBus app or by telephone at +377 92 00 17 99 during operating hours. Fares are the same as those on the Principality’s standard bus routes.