Bateau Bus: Monaco's free harbour shuttle boat

The Bateau public transport

The Bateau Bus is a free, solar-powered shuttle boat that crosses Port Hercule, connecting the two sides of Monaco's main harbour. It is one of the most charming and practical ways to move between the Condamine area and the foot of the Rock.

The route

The boat runs a short route across the harbour, linking:

• Quai Antoine Ier (south side, near the Condamine and the Yacht Club)
• Quai des Etats-Unis (north side, near the Rainier III auditorium and the route up to the Casino de Monte-Carlo)

The crossing takes approximately four minutes and saves a considerable walk around the harbour perimeter, which can take 15 to 20 minutes on foot.

Schedule and frequency

The Bateau Bus operates throughout the day, typically from around 8:00 to 20:00, with departures every few minutes. No reservation or ticket is needed; simply walk onto the dock and board the next boat.

The service may be suspended during major events that reconfigure the harbour, including the Monaco Grand Prix, the Yacht Show and certain other occasions. It may also be paused during strong winds or rough sea conditions in the harbour.

A green transport option

The Bateau Bus is powered by solar-electric energy, making it one of Monaco's most environmentally friendly transport options. It reflects the Principality's broader commitment to sustainable mobility and clean energy.

Practical tips

• No ticket required: just show up and board
• Accessible: the boat accommodates wheelchairs and pushchairs
• Best for: avoiding the long walk around Port Hercule, especially in warm weather
• Check status: during major events, verify whether the service is running via the CAM website or the Monaco bus app

The Bateau Bus is operated by the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), the same company that runs the Principality's bus network.