Europe > 🇲🇨Monaco
Should You Hire a Car in Monaco? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Monaco (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Monaco - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
Should You Rent a Car in Monaco?
Monaco might be tiny, but it packs in more glamour, drama, and tight corners than almost anywhere else on Earth. Perched above the Mediterranean, its roads twist and turn through tunnels, clifftops, and harbours. So the real question isn’t just about arrival — it’s should you rent a car in Monaco? Or would it be easier to pick one up in Nice and drive in from there?
🚗 Arriving in Monaco — Train or Car?
Most visitors arrive by train from Nice or Paris. It’s quick, scenic, and drops you right under the Rock in a clean, modern underground station. From there, lifts, tunnels, and buses make it simple to move around without a car.
However, renting a car at Nice Airport can make sense if you’re planning to explore the French Riviera — Cannes, Èze, or the hilltop villages above Menton. The short coastal drive into Monaco is spectacular, especially along the Corniche roads, where every bend opens onto a sea view.
🏎️ Driving in Monaco — Strict but Enjoyable
Driving in Monaco is highly regulated. Cameras monitor every junction, and speed limits are low. Even so, the driving experience is still great fun because the streets are so steep and winding. You’ll recognise many corners from the Monaco Grand Prix — and even from the Bond film GoldenEye! Just remember not to imagine you’re Alain Prost 😄.
Parking can be tricky, but there are several large underground car parks, all spotless and safe. They’re not cheap, but they’re well managed, and that’s rare in such a small city-state.
🚘 Renting a Car in Monaco
While most people don’t think of Monaco as a car rental destination, you can rent locally. Sixt operates an office within the principality, and Europcar lists locations too, though availability can be limited.
If you’re staying for a few days, renting for just one day is a brilliant idea. It allows you to drive up into the Riviera hinterland, with routes towards La Turbie, Èze, or even Peille offering cinematic switchbacks and breathtaking views. This is classic James Bond country, where mountain roads cling to cliffs and the Mediterranean glitters below.
🧭 Should You Rent a Car in Monaco?
✅ Yes, if you’re planning day trips. A car gives you freedom to explore the mountains, coast, and villages nearby.
🚫 No, if you’re only visiting Monaco itself. Everything inside the principality is walkable, and the lifts, buses, and escalators make exploring easy.
In short, should you rent a car in Monaco?
Yes — but only for the right reasons. Rent at Nice Airport or for a single day in Monaco, and enjoy one of Europe’s most thrilling drives. Otherwise, stroll, ride the lifts, and soak up the glamour without touching the accelerator.
