Daily Life

Monaco — Living: Public Transport

Public transport within Monaco is exceptionally clean, efficient, and modern, structured to minimize traffic congestion in the highly dense territory. The domestic bus network is operated by the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), featuring six regular daytime routes, specialized evening services, and automated shuttle systems. Because of Monaco's steep, vertical topography, the government maintains a vast network of 78 public elevators, 35 escalators, and 8 travelators to facilitate pedestrian transit between different tiers of the city. For international travel, the underground Gare de Monaco-Monte-Carlo is fully integrated into France's SNCF regional (TER) and high-speed rail networks.

Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) · Last verified 2026-07-17

Key Facts

  • The Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) operates six comprehensive daytime bus routes.
  • Local transit ticketing and route planning are consolidated digitally via the Monapass smartphone app.
  • Buses are entirely free of charge for all users during major local events, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
  • A vast, free public network of 78 elevators and 35 escalators assists vertical pedestrian mobility.
  • The underground train station is operated in partnership with the French national railway (SNCF).
  • An automated public electric bike-share scheme, MonaBike, offers dozens of stations across the Principality.
  • A solar-powered electric water taxi (Bateau Bus) crosses Port Hercule to connect Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo.

Driving and Vehicles

Driving is regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (Service des Titres de Circulation). Foreign residents must exchange their foreign driving license for a Monégasque license within one year of establishing residency. Vehicles are issued blue-on-white license plates featuring the sovereign coat of arms, renewed annually via a registration tax (vignette). Vehicles over four years old require a mandatory technical inspection. In 2026, the Principality introduced a secure, credit-card format driving license with a 15-year administrative validity and built-in digital certificate verification. Electric/hybrid vehicles receive registration discounts and designated free parking. Source: Gouvernement de Monaco - Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office.

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