Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Monaco take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
It’s annoying that the machines aren’t 100% reliable. When I boarded near the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, the reader kept rejecting my Mastercard. The driver didn’t have change for my €10 note, and I ended up walking back toward Port Hercule. Monaco is tiny, so walking is possible, but for a city that flaunts its wealth, you’d think their bus machines would be flawless. Cards work most of the time, but don’t rely on them exclusively.
Public transport in Monaco was smoother than I expected. The buses to the Oceanographic Museum and the Exotic Gardens were frequent, clean, and easy to use with card payments. I never once had to bother buying a paper ticket or fumbling with coins. Even though the city is small enough to walk, it was a relief to hop on a bus after wandering around hilly streets. For a tourist, the system felt modern and tourist-friendly.
I stayed near Place d’Armes and used the Line 1 bus up to Casino Square every day. My Revolut card worked most of the time, but once the machine froze, and the driver shrugged and just waved me in. Another day, the reader wouldn’t accept my card at all, so I had to scramble for coins I’d saved from a boulangerie in Beausoleil. So while contactless usually works, I’d say keep some change in your pocket just in case.
There’s no metro in Monaco, but the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco runs city buses covering Monte Carlo, Fontvieille, and the port area. You can pay with contactless cards on the onboard machines - I tapped my Visa and it worked fine. Single tickets are €2.10 if bought on the bus, slightly cheaper if purchased at kiosks or vending machines. Cash is still accepted, but exact coins make life easier. The buses are punctual and connect with the SNCF train station elevators, which act like a metro substitute in this tiny city.