Nice - Monaco Ferry: Round-Trip Cruise Along French Riviera

Summary

Ferry ride from Nice to Monaco with free time to wander harbors, palaces, and cliffside museums

You’ll step onto a ferry in Nice for a breezy trip along the Riviera coast, landing right in Monaco’s yacht-filled harbor with hours to explore palaces, museums, or cafés however you want. Enjoy total freedom—no guide or set schedule—and finish your day cruising back as evening colors hit the sea. It’s simple but kind of magic.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the ferry at Nice just as the morning felt like it was stretching awake — a couple of locals chatted quietly near us, their voices mixing with the slap of water against the hull. I’d never seen the Mediterranean this blue; it almost looked fake. The ride itself was about 45 minutes, but honestly, I lost track after we passed Villefranche-sur-Mer. There’s something about that coastline — villas stacked above rocky coves, the air smelling faintly salty and sweet. Some folks took photos non-stop; I just leaned on the rail and let the wind mess up my hair.

Arriving in Monaco is a bit surreal. You pull into this harbor packed with yachts (like, actual floating mansions), and there’s this weird mix of old stone walls and glassy new towers. No guide telling you where to go — which I liked, actually. We wandered up toward the Prince’s Palace first (lots of steps; bring water), then ducked into a café for coffee because my legs needed a break. The barista smiled when I tried out my rusty French — she replied in perfect English anyway. Later we found ourselves gawking at jellyfish in the Oceanographic Museum’s tanks and then just sitting on its rooftop terrace for ages. The view back over Monaco is wild — you see all these tiny people moving around below like pieces on a board.

I didn’t expect to enjoy just walking around as much as I did. There’s a little brewery down by the port (Brasserie de Monaco) where we grabbed cold beers and shared some olives while watching locals argue over cards. The afternoon sun made everything feel a bit hazy; people drifted between boutiques and shaded benches like they had nowhere urgent to be. We nearly missed the ferry back because we lost track of time in one of those cactus gardens — can’t say I’ve ever seen so many weird-shaped plants in one place.

The ride back to Nice was quieter somehow; maybe everyone was tired or just full from wandering all day. I watched the coastline slide by again, thinking about how easy it was to slip between two worlds in less than an hour — city noise fading into sea breeze and back again. Still think about that first glimpse of Monaco rising above the water, actually.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ferry trip and Monaco sightseeing

• Board ferry at Nice Harbor
• Cruise from Nice to Monaco
• Arrive in Monaco
• Explore Monaco harbor and city center
• Visit Prince's Palace
• Visit Casino of Monte Carlo
• Visit Oceanographic Museum
• Visit Exotic Garden and caves
• Enjoy craft ales at Brasserie de Monaco
• Board ferry back to Nice
• Arrive in Nice

Top questions

How long is the ferry ride from Nice to Monaco?

The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes each way between Nice and Monaco.

What time does the ferry leave from Nice?

The ferry departs from Nice at 9:30am; you should arrive 30 minutes early to exchange your voucher for tickets.

Is there a guide included on this day trip?

No guide is included; you’re free to explore Monaco at your own pace once you arrive.

What attractions can I visit during my day in Monaco?

You can visit places like the Prince's Palace, Casino of Monte Carlo, Oceanographic Museum, Exotic Garden, and Brasserie de Monaco.

When does the return ferry leave Monaco?

The return ferry departs from Monaco at 5pm and arrives back in Nice around 6pm.

Are infants or strollers allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on this ferry trip.

Is public transportation available near departure points?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby both in Nice and Monaco ports.

Do I need to book entry tickets for attractions separately?

Yes, entry fees for attractions like museums or gardens are not included—you’ll need to pay those separately if you choose to visit them.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry service between Nice and Monaco with flexible timing—just show up at Quai Lunel in Nice before departure to exchange your voucher for tickets. No guide or set itinerary means you’re free to explore sights like palaces or museums at your own pace before cruising back along the coast in the evening.