Water Taxi and Sea Shuttle Services in Monaco

Getting Around Monaco by Water

Monaco's compact coastline and busy port make water transport a practical and scenic alternative to road travel. The public Bateau Bus crosses Port Hercules in about 10 minutes, while private water taxis offer direct sea transfers along the Riviera.

Bateau Bus — Public Water Shuttle

The Bateau Bus is Monaco's solar-electric public water shuttle, operated by Monaco Riviera Navigation on behalf of CAM (Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco). The vessel "Camille" crosses Port Hercules, connecting two key points on either side of the harbour.

Route

• Departure point A: Quai Antoine 1er (below Monaco-Ville / The Rock)
• Departure point B: Quai des États-Unis (near the Auditorium Rainier III, with elevator access up to the Monte-Carlo district)

The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes and offers harbour views along the way.

Schedule and Fares

• Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, daily, year-round
• Frequency: Departures approximately every 20 minutes from each side
• Fare: 2 EUR (cash, paid to the sailor) or 1.50 EUR (contactless card or Monapass app)
• Children: Under 5 years free
• Bus pass holders: Daily, weekly, and monthly CAM bus passes are valid on the Bateau Bus
• Free transfer: A 30-minute transfer window allows free connection with the city bus network

Why Use It

The Bateau Bus is especially useful for avoiding the walk or drive around Port Hercules, saving time when moving between Monaco-Ville and the Monte-Carlo / Larvotto side. It is also a pleasant ride for visitors who want a harbour-level view of the superyachts.

Website: monaco-navigation.com/en/bateau-bus

Private Water Taxi Services

For direct point-to-point sea transfers, several operators provide private water taxi services in Monegasque and French Riviera waters.

Monaco Riviera Navigation (Official)

The same company operating the Bateau Bus also offers private water taxi services:

• Service area: Monegasque waters, ports, hotel pontoons, beaches, and anchored yachts. Transfers between ports and beaches from Menton to Nice.
• Pricing: From 300 EUR per hour (incl. tax), based on estimated service time. Departure and return from the operator's berth in Monaco.
• Website: monaco-navigation.com/en/taxi-boat

Other Operators

• Taxi Boat French Riviera — Premium fleet for sea transfers across the Côte d'Azur: taxiboatfrenchriviera.com
• Arthaud Yachting — Nautical transfers and taxi boat services along the French Riviera: arthaudyachting.com

Private water taxis are particularly popular during the Monaco Grand Prix and major events when road traffic is at its heaviest.

Practical Tips

• Bateau Bus tickets are best paid by contactless card or Monapass for the reduced 1.50 EUR fare.
• No booking needed for the Bateau Bus — simply turn up at either quay.
• Private water taxis should be booked in advance, especially during events such as the Grand Prix, Monaco Yacht Show, or the summer season.
• Weather dependent: Private services may be affected by sea conditions. The Bateau Bus operates within the sheltered harbour and runs in most weather.