Departing opposite the Oceanographic Museum, a guided circuit in 12 languages for 14 EUR per adult: the Monaco tourist train is the easiest way to discover the Principality. Follow the guide.
You cannot miss it as it winds along Port Hercule: the Monaco tourist train is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to discover the Principality. In 30 minutes, this guided circuit links the Rock to Casino Square via the Grand Prix track, with commentary available in 12 languages. Route, prices, departure point, insider tips: here is everything you need to know to enjoy the little train during your stay, prepared by the team at Port Palace, your hotel facing the harbour.
The Monaco tourist train at a glance
Operated by Monaco Tours, the little train runs through the Principality every day from mid-February to mid-November. Its red and white carriages, fitted with panoramic roofs, seat around 60 passengers, all facing forward so you never miss the view.
The circuit lasts 30 to 40 minutes and covers the essentials of Monaco: the old town, the harbour, the Formula 1 circuit and Monte-Carlo. An audio commentary tells 700 years of the Principality's history, with simultaneous translation in 12 languages (French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Polish).
It is a favourite with families: children love it, and the short format keeps their attention from start to finish. To plan the rest of your stay with them, see our guide to Monaco with the family.
What is the route of the tourist train?
The circuit forms a complete loop through Monaco's most emblematic districts. From Monaco-Ville, the train heads down towards Place d'Armes and the Condamine district, runs along Port Hercule and its yachts, then follows part of the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.
It then climbs towards Monte-Carlo to pass Casino Square and its grand hotels, crosses the town centre, and returns to the old town on the Rock: the Prince's Palace, Monaco Cathedral and the Ministry of State glide past before you arrive back at the starting point.
In half an hour, you get a complete overview of the Principality, ideal for spotting the places you will want to return to on foot. Our guide to the Rock and Monaco-Ville will help you explore the historic heart in depth.
Where do you catch the little train in Monaco?
Departure and arrival are at the same spot: opposite the Oceanographic Museum, on the heights of Monaco-Ville. The official Monaco Tours ticket office is right there, and tickets are bought on the day, in cash or by card.
From Port Palace, allow around 15 minutes of pleasant walking along the harbour and up the Rock. You can also combine the little train with a visit to the Oceanographic Museum, located just opposite the stop: it is the favourite combination of families staying with us.
If you arrive by car, the Parking des Pêcheurs is the closest car park to the departure point.
💡 Concierge's tip
« Take the first departure of the morning, then continue with the Oceanographic Museum just opposite: you will enjoy both before the groups arrive on the Rock around 11am. Our guests who follow this order easily gain an hour of peace and quiet. »
Prices, times and practical information
The Monaco tourist train remains one of the most affordable activities in the Principality. An adult ticket costs 14 EUR and a child ticket (ages 2 to 10) 7 EUR. Departures follow one another throughout the day, according to demand.
☉ Good to know
The service may be suspended or modified in bad weather and during the Principality's major events, in particular around the Monaco Grand Prix in late May, when part of the route follows the racing circuit. If in doubt, check on the day at the ticket office or on the official website monacotours.mc.
Why choose the little train to visit Monaco?
Monaco is a wonderful city to explore on foot, but its terrain can surprise you: the Principality is built on a hillside, and the climb up to the Rock or Monte-Carlo can put off less sporty visitors, especially in summer. The little train spares you those slopes while offering a guided panorama.
Its main strengths:
- A short, efficient format: 30 minutes are enough to take in the essentials of Monaco, perfect at the start of a stay to get your bearings.
- A family experience: children often remember it as the highlight of their visit to the Principality.
- Multilingual commentary: 12 languages available, a real plus for international visitors.
- No booking required: buy your ticket on site and board the next departure.
For a first day in the Principality, the combination of the little train in the morning and exploring on foot in the afternoon works beautifully. Our one-day Monaco itinerary details this approach step by step.
Little train or open-top bus: which to choose?
Our guests often ask: should you visit Monaco by little train or by open-top sightseeing bus? The two options complement each other more than they compete, but their logic differs.
The little train offers a single loop circuit, with no stops along the way. You board, you listen, you enjoy: it is the simplest and cheapest option, perfect for a first overview or with young children.
The open-top bus works on a hop-on hop-off basis: the ticket, valid all day, lets you get off at each stop and catch the next bus. It costs more, but it also doubles as transport between districts.
Our recommendation: if you are staying in Monaco with two or three days ahead of you, the little train is more than enough. The Principality is compact, and everything is within reach on foot or via the free public lifts connecting the different levels of the city. The bus makes sense for a one-day excursion where every minute counts.
To reach the Principality before boarding, by train, bus or helicopter, our guide on how to get to Monaco compares every means of transport.
Our tips to make the most of the tour
When should you board?
Choose early morning, from the first departures: the light over the harbour is superb, the streets are still quiet and the wait at the ticket office is minimal. At the height of summer, avoid the 11am-3pm slot, the busiest and hottest, even though the panoramic roofs provide shade.
Where should you sit?
Sit on the sea side (on the right in the direction of travel) for the finest views over Port Hercule and the Mediterranean during the descent towards the Condamine. The front rows offer the best photo angle.
What should you bring?
Very little: tickets are bought on site, the tour is short and the train leaves from opposite the Oceanographic Museum. A hat and some water in summer, your camera, and that is all. Translation headsets are provided on board.
Extending the discovery after the little train
The circuit will have given you an overview of the must-sees. Continue on foot: the changing of the guard at the Prince's Palace takes place every day at 11.55am, a few steps from the train's departure point.
Then head back down to the harbour for lunch, or treat yourself to a break on one of the Condamine's terraces. In the evening, the Port Palace rooftop and its Mediterranean cuisine by the restaurant La Môme offer an unbeatable view over the very harbour you have just skirted by train.
The Port Palace experience: sleeping opposite Port Hercule
Staying at Port Palace means sleeping right on the little train's route: our 50 rooms and suites with harbour views overlook Port Hercule and the Grand Prix track, 15 minutes on foot from the tour's departure point and 5 minutes from Monaco railway station.
When you stay with us, your concierge can arrange every detail of your sightseeing day: little train times, tickets for the Oceanographic Museum, a lunch table or a private transfer from Nice airport. Our guests enjoy Monaco without any logistics to manage.
Port Palace Monaco
Discover Monaco from a hotel facing Port Hercule
Just 15 minutes' walk from the little train's departure point, our 50 rooms and suites overlook the harbour and the Grand Prix track. Your concierge takes care of every detail of your visits.
Book your stayFAQ: your questions about the Monaco tourist train
How much does the Monaco tourist train cost?
Tickets cost 14 EUR for adults and 7 EUR for children aged 2 to 10. Payment is made on site, in cash or by bank card. A group rate is available from 20 people, on request from Monaco Tours.
Where does the little train depart from?
The little train departs from Monaco-Ville, opposite the Oceanographic Museum, and returns to the same spot. The official ticket office is located right at the departure point. The nearest car park is the Parking des Pêcheurs.
How long does the little train tour last?
The full circuit lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, with no intermediate stops. It passes Place d'Armes, Port Hercule, the Grand Prix circuit, Casino Square, the town centre and the old town.
Does the Monaco tourist train run all year round?
The little train runs every day from mid-February to mid-November, weather permitting and subject to the Principality's major events, which can modify or suspend the route, notably during the Monaco Grand Prix.
Do you need to book the little train in advance?
No, no booking is needed for individual visitors: tickets are bought on the day at the ticket office, opposite the Oceanographic Museum. Only groups of 20 or more and private hires need to book in advance.
Final word
Simple, affordable and surprisingly complete, the Monaco tourist train condenses the Principality into half an hour of guided discovery. It is the ideal introduction to a stay in Monaco, to be completed on foot at your own pace. Find the official programme on the Monaco Tours website and, to plan the rest of your stay, let our selection of Monaco's must-sees guide you.
