Monaco – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How do taxis work in Monaco, and are they safe and reliable for expats?

Monaco’s cab service is delivered by self-employed licensed drivers who belong to the official Taxis de Monaco network, which operates under the supervision of the Prince’s Government. All fares are determined and reviewed by ministerial decree, meaning the state directly controls what passengers pay. This sets Monaco apart from countries such as Australia or Germany, where meters calculate charges dynamically per kilometre — in Monaco, you pay a predetermined flat rate for each trip.

Because these are flat rates, the amount you owe is broadly predictable before you even step into the vehicle, which offers a level of pricing transparency that purely metered systems cannot always match. Bear in mind, however, that additional charges can be applied when traffic is particularly slow or when the driver has had to wait for you.

To accommodate heightened demand during summer months and major scheduled events, extra taxis join the Monegasque fleet on a temporary basis; these drivers are chosen through an open application process and hold licences valid for six-month periods. Reflecting Monaco’s ongoing commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, this supplementary fleet operates entirely on electric power. The vehicles are white and clearly marked, making a licensed taxi easy to recognise at a glance.

To guarantee adequate coverage, 11 eco-taxis are deployed during night hours (9 pm to 5 am), while at least seven vehicles remain in service around the clock, every day of the week, reachable by calling (+377) 93 15 01 01. This continuous availability makes taxis a dependable choice for airport transfers, late-night journeys home, and early-morning departures — all situations expats regularly encounter.

Which ride-hailing apps work in Monaco, and how do I use them?

Although Uber is prohibited from operating in Monaco, the TAXI MONACO app aims to deliver residents and visitors a smooth ride-booking experience on a par with what major cities offer. While platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow have expanded widely across much of continental Europe, Monaco has deliberately shielded its licensed taxi sector from that competition. No ride-hailing operator of that kind has been authorised to function within the Principality’s borders.

The essential app for any expat in Monaco is TAXI MONACO. On 8 April 2025, the Principality officially launched this mobile application, developed by Monaco Skyline — a Monegasque company nurtured by the MONACO BOOST business incubator — as part of the Prince’s Government’s broader Extended Monaco digital initiative. Available in French, English, and Italian, the app lets users book a cab immediately or plan a ride ahead of time, follow drivers on a live map, communicate via in-app chat, and complete payment securely within the platform; users can also review journey histories, store favourite addresses, and download receipts for each trip.

The app can be found on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching “Taxi Monaco”. You will need to register an account and add a payment card for in-app transactions, though settling the fare directly with the driver in cash remains a valid alternative. The app works alongside the newly launched taximonaco.mc website, which features a fare estimator and comprehensive service information.

SIXT, the global mobility provider, also offers app-based taxi booking in Monaco, linking users with local drivers for fast, cashless journeys. For cross-border travel — such as heading from Monaco into France — platforms like BlaBlaCar and Uber become accessible once you have crossed onto French territory. You would need to walk into France at Cap d’Ail or Beausoleil to pick up an Uber, and coverage can be patchy given the relatively sparse driver presence in these parts of the French Riviera.

Where can I find taxis and book rides in Monaco?

With a total area of just over two square kilometres, Monaco keeps all its key taxi infrastructure well within reach. Your main options for securing a cab are designated taxi ranks (known locally as stations), hotel concierge services, the telephone dispatch line, and the TAXI MONACO app.

A notable feature of the service is its integration with the Principality’s existing transport layout, encompassing 12 stations and 10 terminals distributed across Monaco. The two primary taxi ranks — both operational 24 hours a day — are situated at Casino Square (Avenue de Monte-Carlo) and at Monaco Monte-Carlo railway station. Four additional stands are located at Place des Moulins, Avenue de la Costa, Fontvieille, and Beach Plaza.

To reach the taxi dispatch service by telephone, dial the hotline at (+377) 93 15 01 01, which is staffed around the clock. Journeys starting from Monaco that involve crossing into neighbouring countries can also be arranged as scheduled bookings in advance. For further details, visit www.taximonaco.mc.

Given Monaco’s compact dimensions, a single expat neighbourhood effectively spans the entire state — from Fontvieille in the west to Larvotto in the east, and from the seafront up to Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher). The areas of heaviest taxi use are Monte-Carlo, with its Casino Square, luxury hotels, and dense residential population, and La Condamine, centred on the port. Most hotels can arrange a taxi or provide a courtesy vehicle for guests.

At peak times, passenger demand can outstrip the number of cabs in circulation, meaning waits at busy periods may be considerable. During the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Monaco Yacht Show, and similarly high-profile occasions, pre-booking well in advance through the TAXI MONACO app or the phone line is strongly advised rather than counting on hailing a cab on the street.

For journeys arriving into Monaco from France — especially from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport — it is worth noting that Monegasque taxis are not permitted to collect passengers on French soil. Anyone travelling from France into Monaco must use French taxis and drivers, particularly for airport transfers from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, where a flat fare of €95 applies from either terminal to the Principality.

How much does a taxi or ride-hailing trip cost in Monaco?

Monaco taxis do not operate running meters in the conventional sense. Every fare is a flat rate established by ministerial decree and published officially. The primary fare benchmarks for 2025 are set out below:

The clearly identified white vehicles handle intra-Monaco journeys at a flat fare of €18 (not including waiting time or traffic conditions) and trips to adjacent municipalities at a flat fare of €25. For travel entirely within Monaco, an on-demand booking or street pickup costs €18, while a pre-arranged booking is priced at €28. Should traffic slow to a crawl, an additional charge of €1.33 per minute applies after a three-minute threshold.

These government-mandated flat rates deliver a uniform and equitable experience for every passenger, letting people plan the cost of their travel with genuine confidence. There is no equivalent to the surge pricing that ride-hailing apps can impose during busy periods — the amount you pay is defined by the official tariff, with only the legitimate waiting-time and traffic supplement as a variable.

Always confirm current fares directly at taximonaco.mc, which provides a live fare estimator. Since fares are revised by ministerial decree and may be updated from time to time, the official website will always display the most up-to-date tariff.

Are there any common scams or safety issues with taxis in Monaco that expats should know about?

Monaco is widely considered a very secure environment, and taxi-related fraud or serious misconduct is far less prevalent here than in larger metropolitan areas. That said, there are several practical points every expat would do well to keep in mind.

Because Monaco operates flat rates rather than running meters, disputes over excessive charges are less frequent than in meter-based systems — but they cannot be ruled out entirely. The most effective safeguard is to familiarise yourself with the official fares before your journey. Taxi charges in Monaco are regulated, though they can edge higher during high-profile events such as the Grand Prix. Checking the rates in advance and forming a reasonable estimate of travel costs is always worthwhile.

To confirm you are boarding a properly licensed Monaco taxi, look for the distinctive white vehicles carrying the official TAXI MONACO livery and markings. These readily identifiable vehicles are fully electric. Licensed taxis display official driver credentials inside the cab; if you have any doubts, restrict yourself to vehicles ordered through the TAXI MONACO app or the (+377) 93 15 01 01 hotline, as all such bookings are tracked and verified.

Unlicensed individuals offering informal rides — particularly near the Casino or around major event venues — should be declined. While this is a less pronounced problem in Monaco than in many larger cities, it is sound practice to refuse unsolicited approaches. Booking through the official app adds accountability, since every trip is logged with driver details and route tracking.

One documented source of frustration among expats is inconsistency in service quality rather than deliberate dishonesty. Reliability can vary, and drivers are sometimes late when rides have been scheduled or requested through the Monaco Taxi app. Being mindful of this during busy periods or inclement weather will help you build in sufficient extra time.

How do I pay for taxis and ride-hailing services in Monaco — cash, card, or app?

Payment options for Monaco taxis have shifted considerably since the TAXI MONACO app launched in 2025. Historically, most cabs in the Principality were cash-only — a persistent irritation for residents accustomed to the card-first transport systems of other countries. That picture is now evolving.

Two-thirds of Monaco’s 95 taxis have enabled in-app payments, while the remaining vehicles continue to accept cash. This means that, depending on which cab you enter, card payment directly to the driver may or may not be available. The most reliable approach is to book through the TAXI MONACO app and pay within it, which ensures a completely cashless trip. As a precaution, it is still sensible to carry a small amount of euros in cash.

The TAXI MONACO app processes payments securely through the platform. During setup you are required to register a credit or debit card. International cards — including Visa, Mastercard, and widely used international debit cards — are accepted. If you wish to avoid foreign transaction fees, a multi-currency card such as those provided by Revolut or Wise is worth considering, as these typically eliminate the 2–3% surcharge that many standard bank cards impose on overseas transactions.

For journeys that begin in France — such as airport transfers from Nice — payment to French taxi drivers follows standard French practice: card payment is generally accepted and a receipt is routinely issued. Always request a receipt for any taxi journey, particularly if the trip needs to be logged for business expenses.

Are there alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around Monaco as an expat?

Given Monaco’s diminutive size and the comparatively high cost of taxi travel, most expats soon find that a combination of walking, buses, and the train satisfies the vast majority of everyday transport needs — and at a considerably lower cost.

Public buses (CAM): The Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), at the direction of the Princely Palace and the Government, is firmly committed to supporting the ecological transition while delivering a dependable, comfortable, and responsible public transport service. Seven routes, an express service, extended operating hours, and the on-demand ClicBus shuttle cover the entire Principality. Most lines run every 10 to 15 minutes, making it straightforward to travel across Monaco. A single bus ticket costs around €2, with a day pass available for approximately €5.50 — substantially less than any taxi fare. Visit cam.mc for current timetables and pricing.

Monabike (electric bicycles): CAM introduced a network of electric bicycle stations that proved immediately popular, and the scheme has since expanded considerably with connections to surrounding communities. Monabike e-bikes provide pedal assistance to help you tackle Monaco’s steep inclines and arrive at your destination looking presentable. Low-cost monthly subscriptions make this an attractive option for regular short trips.

Bateau Bus (boat shuttle): The Bateau Bus — also operated by CAM — is an electrically powered boat service linking the Quai des Etats-Unis with the cruise terminal, with departures running daily from 08:00 to 19:50; the crossing of Port Hercule takes approximately 10 minutes. This is both a practical and scenic alternative to walking around the harbour.

Train: Rail services are operated by SNCF, with Monaco Monte Carlo station well served by regional trains. The network is an excellent and affordable way to reach Nice, Menton, and other coastal towns — a route frequently used by expats commuting or making day trips along the Riviera.

Helicopter (Monacair): The Monaco Heliport offers a scheduled helicopter link via Monacair to and from Nice Airport; fares are approximately €160 per person depending on departure time, and a ground transfer within Monaco is included. While a premium choice, this option competes seriously on journey time for frequent business travellers, particularly given the notoriously congested road corridors into Monaco.

Public lifts and escalators: Monaco’s pronounced topography has prompted the installation of an extensive network of ascenseurs publiques — the Principality maintains 79 elevators, 35 escalators, and 8 travelators throughout the state. Learning where these are located can save a great deal of time and energy when navigating on foot.

What do expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in Monaco?

The prevailing expat view of Monaco’s taxi system is measured: the service is regarded as safe and the pricing is transparent, but it has historically failed to match the effortless experience that app-based ride-hailing has made the norm in most major cities. The arrival of the TAXI MONACO app in April 2025 represents a genuine step forward, though the platform is still in its early stages.

The most persistent complaint among residents is the absence of Uber and similar services. The prohibition on Uber is cited by many residents and visitors as their primary frustration with getting around in Monaco. Those who live close to the French border in neighbourhoods such as Beausoleil sometimes find it worth walking briefly across into France to summon an Uber for longer journeys — though this workaround has become less dependable over time. Reports suggest that coverage near the border has thinned, and drivers may now expect passengers to travel several kilometres inside France before they will accept a pickup.

For airport transfers, taxis remain the default choice for most Monaco-based expats, thanks to the convenience of door-to-door service and the predictable flat fare of €95–€100 to Nice Airport. The certainty of a fixed charge — in contrast to the variable surge pricing that can push ride-hailing costs sharply upward at busy times — is particularly appreciated for budget planning. Pre-booking the evening before a flight through the app or telephone line is the most commonly shared piece of advice among the expat community.

Language is seldom a meaningful obstacle. Monaco’s cab drivers are generally multilingual or at least conversant in French and Italian, and the TAXI MONACO app is fully available in French, English, and Italian — the three languages most widely spoken among expats living in the Principality. For very short hops within Monaco, many expats find that walking — supported by the network of public lifts and escalators — is frequently faster than waiting for a cab, especially in Monte-Carlo and La Condamine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber operate in Monaco?

No, Uber has no presence in Monaco. The Principality’s authorities have not granted permission for third-party ride-hailing platforms to operate within its borders, so residents must rely on public transport, licensed taxis, or locally authorised services. The designated alternative is the TAXI MONACO app, which launched in April 2025 and provides comparable app-based booking through the licensed Monegasque taxi fleet.

How do I get from Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport to Monaco by taxi?

Because Monegasque taxis cannot collect passengers on French territory, anyone travelling from France to Monaco must use French taxis and drivers. A flat fare of €95 applies from terminal 1 or 2 to the Principality. Authorised taxis queue at the official ranks outside each terminal. For a significantly cheaper journey, the train from Nice Saint-Augustin station (a short taxi or bus ride from the airport) to Monaco Monte-Carlo is a solid option; at the premium end, the Monacair helicopter offers the fastest transfer at around €160 per person.

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in Monaco?

Yes. Monaco consistently features among the world’s safest places, with a very low crime rate. A minimum of seven taxis operates continuously, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, with 11 dedicated eco-taxis serving the night period from 9 pm to 5 am. Using the TAXI MONACO app to make a booking provides an additional layer of security, since driver details and route data are recorded for every journey.

How do I avoid being overcharged by a taxi in Monaco?

The most effective precaution is to look up the official flat-rate fares before you travel. The taximonaco.mc website includes a fare estimator so you can establish the expected cost of any journey in advance. Always travel in a licensed Taxis de Monaco vehicle — white and clearly branded — booked through the app or the official hotline. If a driver quotes a price noticeably above the official rate for your journey, calmly raise the point and note that all fares are prescribed by ministerial decree.

What should I do if a driver refuses to honour the regulated fare?

Monaco taxis operate on fixed government-prescribed flat rates rather than running meters, so the issue of “refusing to use the meter” does not apply in the usual sense. If a driver nonetheless attempts to collect more than the official regulated fare for your journey type, record the vehicle’s registration number and the driver’s identification details — both of which are displayed inside the cab — and report the matter to the Taxis de Monaco association or the Prince’s Government through the official channels at taximonaco.mc. Booking through the app generates a digital record of the fare agreed at the time of booking, providing additional protection if a dispute arises.

Can I pay for a Monaco taxi by credit card?

Two-thirds of Monaco’s 95 taxis now accept in-app payments via the TAXI MONACO platform, while the remainder take cash only as of 2025. To guarantee a cashless, card-based transaction, book and pay through the TAXI MONACO app. If you are picking up a cab at a rank without using the app, it is prudent to have euros in cash available as a contingency, since not every vehicle supports direct card payment.

Are taxis readily available during the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix?

Demand rises sharply during the Grand Prix, so advance booking is strongly recommended to secure a confirmed ride and avoid lengthy waits. While taxi fares are regulated, they may be higher during major events of this kind. Booking several days or even a week ahead through the TAXI MONACO app or by calling (+377) 93 15 01 01 is the best course of action during any significant event on the Monegasque calendar.

What is the cheapest way to get around Monaco day-to-day?

The CAM bus network delivers a high standard of service — modern, well-maintained vehicles with air conditioning — at very low cost. A single ticket costs approximately €2 and a day pass around €5.50, granting unlimited travel across all CAM routes. Regular commuters can make further savings with monthly or annual passes. Walking is also entirely practical given Monaco’s compact footprint, particularly once you know where the Principality’s 79 public lifts, 35 escalators, and 8 travelators are located to ease the steep climbs.