list of airports in Monaco

A Guide to Airports in and Around Monaco: Your Gateway to the Riviera

Monaco, the glamorous principality on the French Riviera, is a destination synonymous with luxury, casinos, and the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. While Monaco itself doesn’t have a traditional large international airport within its borders, it’s incredibly well-connected thanks to several convenient airport options nearby. This guide will detail the airports serving Monaco, helping you plan your arrival and departure with ease. We’ll cover proximity, transportation options, and what to expect when flying in for your Mediterranean adventure.

Understanding Monaco’s Airport Situation

Due to its small size and mountainous terrain, Monaco doesn’t possess the space for a major airport. Instead, it relies on its neighbors – France and Italy – to provide air travel access. The closest and most frequently used airports are located in Nice, France, and a bit further afield, Genoa and Milan in Italy. Helicopter transfers are also a popular, and incredibly stylish, option directly into Monaco.

The Primary Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)

The overwhelming majority of visitors to Monaco fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). Located approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Monaco, it’s a major international hub offering flights from numerous cities across Europe and beyond.

Why Choose Nice? Nice Airport boasts a wide range of airlines, competitive pricing, and frequent connections. It’s a modern facility with excellent amenities, including shops, restaurants, and car rental services.

Terminals: The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 (for scheduled flights), Terminal 2 (primarily for low-cost carriers and business aviation), and Terminal 3 (dedicated to private aviation).

Getting to Monaco from Nice Airport: Several transportation options are available:
- Helicopter: The fastest and most luxurious option. Helicopter transfers take around 7 minutes and land directly at the Monaco Helicopter Port. (Book in advance!)
- Train: A convenient and affordable option. Trains run frequently from the airport station (connected by a free shuttle) to Monaco-Monte Carlo station. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Bus: Line 100 (operated by Lignes d’Azur) provides a direct bus service from Nice Airport to Monaco. It’s the most economical option, but the journey can take around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi/Private Transfer: The most direct, but also the most expensive, option. Expect a journey time of around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Car Rental: Numerous car rental companies operate at Nice Airport. However, parking in Monaco can be challenging and expensive.

Alternative Airports: Italy Offers Options

While Nice is the most convenient, Genoa and Milan offer alternative routes, particularly for those connecting from North America or other long-haul destinations.

1. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA)

Located approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) from Monaco, Genoa Airport is a smaller international airport.

Pros: Can sometimes offer more competitive fares, especially from certain regions.

Cons: Significantly further from Monaco than Nice, requiring a longer transfer (around 2.5 – 3 hours by road or rail).

Transfer Options: Train (requires a change), bus (less frequent), or private transfer.

2. Milan Airports (MXP & LIN)

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN) are both considerably further from Monaco – approximately 300-350 kilometers (186-217 miles).

Pros: Major international hubs with extensive flight networks. May be a good option if combining a trip to Monaco with a visit to Milan.

Cons: Long transfer times (4-5 hours by train or road).

Transfer Options: Train (requires multiple changes), or private transfer.

Airport Summary Table

Airport Name	IATA Code	Distance from Monaco	Approximate Transfer Time	Main Airlines
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport	NCE	22 km (14 miles)	20 mins (Train) – 45 mins (Taxi)	Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport	GOA	210 km (130 miles)	2.5 – 3 hours (Road/Rail)	Volotea, easyJet, Ryanair
Milan Malpensa Airport	MXP	300-350 km (186-217 miles)	4-5 hours (Train/Road)	Alitalia, Lufthansa, Emirates, KLM
Milan Linate Airport	LIN	300-350 km (186-217 miles)	4-5 hours (Train/Road)	Alitalia, EasyJet

Monaco Helicopter Port

For a truly unforgettable arrival, consider a helicopter transfer from Nice Airport directly to the Monaco Helicopter Port. This is the fastest and most exclusive way to reach the principality, offering stunning views of the coastline. Several companies operate this service, and pre-booking is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which airport is the closest to Monaco?
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the closest airport, located approximately 22 kilometers away.

2. What’s the quickest way to get from Nice Airport to Monaco?
A helicopter transfer is the fastest, taking around 7 minutes.

3. Is it easy to get to Monaco by train from Nice Airport?
Yes, a free shuttle connects Nice Airport to the airport train station, and frequent trains run to Monaco-Monte Carlo station.

4. Do I need a visa to transit through a French or Italian airport on my way to Monaco?
This depends on your nationality and the length of your transit. Check the visa requirements for France and Italy based on your specific situation.

5. Is it worth renting a car at Nice Airport if I’m visiting Monaco?
While possible, it’s often not recommended due to limited and expensive parking in Monaco. Public transport and taxis are generally more convenient.