Monaco at a glance
Monaco is a sovereign principality on the French Riviera, squeezed between the mountains and the Mediterranean, and one of the smallest states in the world. Its districts, Monte-Carlo, Monaco-Ville on its rock, La Condamine around the port and Fontvieille, are packed with luxury hotels, residences, yachts and gardens. Monaco is famous for its casino, its royal family and its events, above all the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
For Geneva Transfer Booking, Monaco is a long-distance destination for residents travelling between Geneva and the Riviera, event visitors, families on holiday and business travellers who prefer a direct car to a flight via Nice.
A short history
Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the end of the 13th century, when, according to tradition, François Grimaldi took the fortress on the rock disguised as a monk. In the 19th century, Prince Charles III founded the casino and the district of Monte-Carlo, which bears his name, and the arrival of the railway brought European high society. In 1956, the marriage of Prince Rainier III to the American actress Grace Kelly made Monaco famous all over the world. The first Monaco Grand Prix was held in 1929.
When to come
Monaco is pleasant all year, with a mild climate. Spring brings the Monte-Carlo tennis tournament and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, usually at the end of May. Summer is the season of beaches, galas and fireworks. September brings the Monaco Yacht Show. Winter is quiet and sunny, with the International Circus Festival in January.
From Geneva to Monaco: the route
The trip covers about 540 kilometres. Google calculates about six hours without traffic. Two main routes are possible:
- Through Italy: across the Alps by the Mont Blanc or Great St Bernard tunnel, down the Aosta Valley, past Turin, then to the Ligurian coast and along the Riviera to Monaco.
- Through France: along the French Alps and Provence, then the coastal motorway via Nice.
Your chauffeur chooses the route according to traffic, weather and tunnel conditions, and plans breaks about every two hours, with a lunch stop.
Borders, tolls and formalities
Depending on the route, the trip crosses into Italy and then France, or directly into France. Monaco has an open border with France, without checks. All the countries crossed are in the Schengen area, but customs and identity checks are possible on the way: each passenger must carry a valid passport or identity card, and travellers who need a Schengen visa should check that it is valid.
Motorway and tunnel tolls apply on this route. Ask us when booking how they are included in your quote.
The Grand Prix and the big events
During the Monaco Grand Prix, the circuit runs through the streets of the principality, many roads are closed and access is strictly controlled for several days. Hotels are booked far in advance, and many visitors stay in Menton, Nice or the surrounding villages. If you are travelling for the Grand Prix, the Yacht Show or another major event, book your transfer early, tell us your accommodation and any access passes, and we plan the drop-off points with you.
What to see in Monaco
- The Prince's Palace, on the Rock, and the changing of the guard.
- The Monte-Carlo Casino and its square, with the Hôtel de Paris.
- The Oceanographic Museum, built on the cliff above the sea.
- The Port Hercule and its yachts.
- The Exotic Garden and the Japanese Garden.
- The Cathedral, where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are buried.
At the table
Monaco's restaurants range from beach clubs to some of the most renowned tables on the Riviera. Local specialities include barbagiuan, fried pastries filled with chard and ricotta, socca, a chickpea pancake shared with Nice, and Mediterranean fish and seafood.
Advice by type of traveller
Residents and second homes. We drive you between Geneva and Monaco with all your luggage, at the dates you choose.
Grand Prix visitors. Book early, and give us your accommodation and passes.
Families. A V-Class takes six or seven passengers with luggage; ask for child seats with the children's ages.
Business travellers. A Mercedes S-Class lets you work during the trip.
Vehicles
A Mercedes E-Class suits one to three passengers with luggage; the S-Class offers the most comfort for long trips; the V-Class takes up to six or seven passengers with luggage; the Sprinter is available on request for groups.
Booking
The prices on this page are calculated by our booking engine for a one-way trip from Geneva Airport to Monaco. Book online to see the exact price for your address, or call us for the Grand Prix and other events. Book the return at the same time and the booking engine applies a 10% reduction to the round trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Geneva to Monaco?
About six hours for about 540 kilometres without traffic, plus breaks.
Which route do you take?
Through Italy or through France, depending on traffic, weather and tunnel conditions.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, carry a valid passport or identity card: the route crosses into Italy or France.
Can you drive us during the Grand Prix?
Yes. Book early; roads are closed and access is controlled, so we plan the drop-off points with you.
Are tolls included?
Motorway and tunnel tolls apply. Ask us when booking how they are included in your quote.
