The Airport Confusion I Had
Okay, so planning this trip to Monaco for the Grand Prix was kind of confusing at first. Everyone talks about Monte Carlo, right? Naturally, I typed “Monte Carlo airport” into the search bar expecting flights. Big surprise – there isn’t actually one! Felt a bit silly. Started digging around.
Found out fast that the main gateway for places like Monaco is actually the big airport in Nice, France. It’s called Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Saw it listed everywhere. Then, poking around some more, I stumbled on mentions of Monaco Heliport. Got my hopes up for a second thinking “airport,” but nah, it’s really just for helicopters flying to Nice. No planes land there. Like, at all. Super niche and usually way pricier.
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): Massive place, lots of airlines and destinations, obvious main choice.
- Monaco Heliport (MCM): Honestly? Just a helipad. Useful maybe if you’re splurging on a chopper transfer, but zero traditional flights.
- Others (Like Cannes): Briefly saw them pop up, but honestly? Not practical. Distances and transfers just got worse. Ruled them out quickly.
Booking and Actually Flying In
Since Nice was clearly the only real option, that’s where I aimed. Checked flights from my city on a couple of apps. Found a decent deal on a budget carrier landing at Nice Terminal 1. Booked it, simple enough. Job done… or so I thought.
Lesson learned the day of travel: Got delayed taking off! Weather issues back home. Landed in Nice way later than planned, super stressed about getting to Monaco before dark. Grabbed my bag fast – Nice airport is huge but signs are okay. Followed the crowds heading out.
First stop? Border control. Wasn’t sure since Monaco is separate… but because you land in France first, it was French immigration I went through. Just stamped the passport. Smooth enough, but added time I hadn’t planned on with that delay.
The Ride to Monte Carlo
Walked out the arrivals hall (Terminal 1 is older, felt crowded). Immediately saw signs for transport options. Knew I wanted the helicopter initially, but nope – way too expensive and with my delay, timing was off. Taxis had long lines.
Headed right to the outside bus stop. Spot for the Express Bus 110 to Monaco was easy to find. Bought a ticket right there on the spot with cash. Waited about 15 minutes – not bad. Bus was modern and comfortable. Took roughly 40 minutes rolling along that amazing coast road right into Monaco.
Big win: Bus dropped me super close to my hotel in Monte Carlo. Total cost? Like 25 euros maybe? Felt like a steal after seeing the taxi prices.
What Actually Works
Forget searching “Monte Carlo airport.” That’s your first mistake. Focus entirely on Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). Book flights landing there.
- Set aside an hour after landing for bags and passport stuff. Seriously.
- The Express Bus 110 is gold. Cheap, scenic, drops you centrally. Runs pretty often.
- Taxis? Only if money’s no object or you’re desperate.
- Helicopter? Cool factor is high, wallet hit is higher. Fun for a special occasion maybe.
That whole “Monaco airport” thing? Yeah, doesn’t exist in the way you think. Fly into Nice. Get the bus. Save yourself the headache I almost had. Worked perfectly in the end!
