I'm taking a cruise next month that departs from and returns to Monte Carlo. I'll be flying into and out of NCE. I'd appreciate any info on what I should expect to pay for a taxi each way between NCE and the pier in Monte Carlo. The cruise line has recommended a transfer agent that has quoted 180 Euros for a one way transfer for 2.

Is the quoted fare reasonable under the circumstances or should I look around for somebody less expensive? Can I take a taxi and if so what would the approximate fare be?

I'd appreciate any input from anybody with knowledge of this. Many thanks in advance.

IMHO, the fare is reasonable. It is some distance from NCE to the pier. It took me almost 45 minutes to drive it in non-rush hour traffic. Suggest that you check online with a hotel in Monte Carlo (like Marriott) and maybe the concierge can help you out with related taxi fares. Enjoy your cruise.

Welcome to FlyerTalk!!

As a price comparison, consider that direct helicopter transfers from NCE to Monaco run about �70,- each direction, per person,

You might also want to consider renting a car, especially if your schedule is not terribly tight. The drive from the airport to Monte Carlo takes you through Nice, then through some beautiful terrain as you wind your way up to Monaco. The major rental companies (Hertz/Avis) consider Monaco to be part of France, so the drop-off charge is minimal or non-existent.

Does rail work as an option? I know Monaco has a very nice train station there, but just don't know if there's rail right into the Nice airport. Might be a lot cheaper to do rail with cab connections.

tom911 makes the suggestion of taking the train from Nice to Monaco. If you have the time, you would first take the bus from the Nice airport to the Nice train station. This would cost considerably less than the 180 euros (=$219 US) you mention.

Couple of other places you might want to post this question.

First, the Fodors/Europe forum <http://www.fodors.com/forums> -- lot of knowledgeable travelers there with expertise on France in particular.

Second, the Cruise Critic board <http://boards.cruisecritic.com/>-- they have separate sections for each cruise line, and also for innumerable Ports of Call. A very helpful community as a whole.

HTH

I'll echo the car rental option. It's quite a beautiful drive, especially on your first visit. Rent a convertible if possible. No worry about directions as just just follow the coast east. If you have time you can stop off for a nice lunch along the way.

IMO, the fare might be reasonable if it was a rt but it seems rather high for a OW transfer. The normal taxi fare in my experience is more like 80 euros. Even the Nice airport website lists the typical taxi fare as between 65 - 85 euros.
http://www.nice.aeroport.fr/acces_st...axi/tarifs.asp
The Nice airport website lists bus/shuttle service from the airport to various destinations also:
http://www.nice.aeroport.fr/acces_st...32CE58A899A%7D
Here is the website for the helicopter transfer:
http://www.heliairmonaco.com/

Xfed, how do you see this as reasonable? I've done this trip by taxi on numerous occasions, as well as taxi and rental car and yacht for that matter, and it is generally about 70-75 Euros in a taxi. There is actually a taxi window around the corner at NCE airport where one can buy an actual voucher for 65 Euros (but the drivers absolutely hate you when you use them). Limousine (generally use Mercs much the same as taxis) companies that regularly do transfers charge 40 Euros and as stated above the chopper costs 70 Euros (I think its 120 R/T), not to mention that the chopper company (Heli-Air Monaco) shuttles you to anywhere you need to go in the principality as well.

Hell if you have the time you could do bus to train and it'll set you back under 7 Euros