egrizz423

Hello,

I will be flying from Rome to Nice Airport in January. First time to Nice and wanted to hear some feedback about how the airport was. Few questions I had were:

1. Coming from Rome would I go through any passport control or anything? If so what would I be required to go through. I am from U.S.

2. How quick can I expect to get my checked luggage. I've heard Rome airport takes forever, so wanted to get a rough idea on how long it may take in January.

3. What is the best way to get to Monaco. I've hard the 110 Express Bus is a good choice, any other recommendations??

Thanks!

Patty

1. No passport control.

2. Don't remember a particularly long wait for checked luggage at NCE.

3. We took a helicopter transfer. The express bus is probably the best lower cost option. A taxi is almost as much as the heli ride if you're traveling solo.

Iahawk

Airport in Nice was easy. Depending on your appetite for adventure, you could take the train from Nice to Monaco. Cab to the station in Nice, cab from the station in Monaco.

PalenQ

the cab is more adventuresome as it goes up one of the Corniches with stupendous views - train comes into Monte Carlo in a tunnel - that station built into a cliff - no views much but much cheaper. Buses would also take one of the Corniches.

There is a train station just outside the Nice airport, which is nice! could take cab there and train all the way to Monaco/Monte Carlo via Nice.

egrizz423

thanks everyone! Anything that is a must do in Monaco while Im there?

thursdaysd

I wouldn't call 6.5 kms "just outside".

I would take bus 110, which will take a bit over an hour, and minimize changes.

MarthaT

I thought the Palace, the Museum at the Palace and a walk through the gardens were a must IMO.
I also saw the changing of the guards in front of the Palace.
Also check out the casino. You can only get in one part but it is magnificent.
Just the boats in the harbor were amazing.

nytraveler

Not sure how long you will be in Monaco - but there isn;t really a whoe lot to do -esp at this time of year. It i most active when the uber wealthy (for whom it was created as a tax haven and playground) are in the harbor in their gigantic yachts, shopping in the ultra expensive designer boutiques and playing in the casino until the wee hours.

We have done this twice just for the fun of spending an evening being in a James Bond movie - but it isn't cheap, proper attire is necessary and you do have to know how to play the games and accept the high limits.

PalenQ

n

Patty

Nice St Augustin station is just 1 km from the airport.

PalenQ

St Augustine station is just a 10-minute walk from the terminal the official airport site says so I don't know where tursdaysd gets 6.5 km?

Frequent direct trains to Monaco and Nice.

thursdaysd

It's 6.5 km to Nice Ville, which is the station I use in Nice. Didn't know about St. Augustin. Still prefer the bus.

egrizz423

Thanks for the info everyone. We are taking the 110 Express to Monte Carlo, and staying on the border of Beausoleil and Monaco. Hoping to go to the casinos as well!

traveller1959

There is only one Casino in Monaco and it is quite different from anything you see in Las Vegas. A tuxedo would be the appropriate dress for it (but they have a tacky hall with machines).

The main attractions of Monaco:

- The Prince's Palace on the Rocher. Can be visited (with exceptions).

- The Oceanographic Institute which was directed by Jacques Cousteau.

- The Cactus Garden with great views.

- The Old Town around the Cathedral (with Grace Kelly's grave).

- The Hotel de Paris, a classic Grand Hotel next to the Casino (dress appropriately).

Furthermore, the grandest attraction of Monaco is driving the Grande Corniche and the Moyenne Corniche from Nice. On the Moyenne, you can stop at the picturesque village Èze (sadly overrun by tourist buses and spoilt with souvenir shops). On the Grande, there is La Turbie, an impressive Roman monument with breathtaking views. In order to experience these spectacularly scenic drives, a rental car for a day would be the better choice than a public bus with smeared windows.

A rental car would also give you the opportunity to drive along the coastal boulevard through Nice and stop here and there. It is easy to rent a car at the airport and to return it there.

egrizz423

Thanks for the info traveller1959 ! I have a suit for the casino, and hopefully we can see some views on the bus coming into Monaco.