Bateau Bus in Monaco: Timetable, Fares, Stops and Practical Information
Cross Port Hercule between Quai des Etats-Unis and Quai Antoine 1er on Monaco’s electro-solar public water shuttle.
The Bateau Bus is part of the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco network. It provides a short public transport crossing through Port Hercule, linking the Monte-Carlo side of the harbour with the Quai Antoine 1er and cruise terminal side.
The service is useful both as a practical shortcut and as a scenic way to see the Principality from the centre of the harbour. An embedded Google Map is not necessary because the route has only two boarding points. Direct Google Maps buttons are provided below for each pontoon.
Confirm the current service with CAM
The published visitor timetable is a useful guide, but sailings can be affected by weather, technical requirements, port operations and major events. Check CAM information shortly before travelling.
CAM customer service: +377 97 70 22 22.
What is the Monaco Bateau Bus?
Part of the CAM network
The crossing uses the same CAM ticketing system as Monaco’s urban buses. Passengers must hold and validate an accepted CAM ticket or payment method.
Electro-solar operation
CAM describes the vessel as an electro-solar Bateau Bus, designed to provide a quieter and lower-emission alternative to a road journey around the harbour.
2007
CAM and Monaco Riviera Navigation introduced the service in partnership to connect two of the Principality’s most visited harbour areas.
Crossing Port Hercule
The Bateau Bus avoids the longer walk around the harbour and provides convenient access between the Rocher and Condamine side and the Monte-Carlo side.
Bateau Bus route and boarding points
The service travels in both directions across Port Hercule between the two official boarding points below.
Quai des Etats-Unis
The boarding point on the eastern and Monte-Carlo side of Port Hercule. It is useful for the Casino district, the Auditorium Rainier III area, central Monte-Carlo and onward bus connections.
Quai Antoine 1er
The boarding point near the cruise terminal on the western side of the harbour. It is useful for Monaco-Ville, the Rocher, La Condamine, Route de la Piscine and the cruise terminal area.
The boat operates in both directions. Check the signs and staff instructions at the pontoon before boarding.
Bateau Bus timetable and frequency
VisitMonaco currently publishes the following standard operating information. Exact sailings may change without notice.
| Service detail | Published information | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Operating hours | Daily, 08:00 – 20:00 | Check current CAM notices for exceptional closures or altered service. |
| Frequency | Approximately every 20 minutes | Allow additional waiting time during busy periods or operational disruption. |
| Crossing time | Approximately 10 minutes | The complete journey includes manoeuvring and boarding operations. |
| Reservation | Not normally required | Passengers board the next available service, subject to capacity and operation. |
Bateau Bus fares and tickets
The Bateau Bus forms part of the CAM urban network. The current occasional travel fares below are the same CAM products used on the bus network.
| Ticket or payment method | Current fare | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless bank card | €1.50 per validation | Tap an accepted bank card on the validator. CAM applies a maximum daily open-payment charge of €5.50 per identified card. |
| Monapass – 1 trip | €1.50 | Activate the pass before boarding and validate the QR code on the onboard validator. |
| Paper ticket bought onboard | €2.00 | A one-trip paper ticket can be purchased onboard, subject to the current CAM sales arrangements. |
| Monapass – 10 trips | €10.00 | Suitable for several journeys or passengers. Activate the required number of trips before validation. |
| PASS 24H | €5.50 | Unlimited CAM network travel for 24 hours after activation, with validation required each time. |
| Onboard 15-trip pass | €20.00 | A contactless cardboard product providing 15 CAM journeys. |
| Child under 5 | Free | CAM publishes free travel for a child under five when accompanied by an adult. |
Payment methods
Contactless bank card
The Bateau Bus validator accepts most bank cards. CAM states that American Express and Nickel cards are not accepted. Use the same card during the day so the open-payment fare cap can be calculated correctly.
Monapass
Purchase a CAM ticket or pass in the Monapass application, activate it before boarding and scan the displayed QR code on the validator.
CAM ticket or pass
Existing valid CAM contactless products can be used according to their conditions. Keep the ticket or card available throughout the journey.
Onboard purchase
CAM’s conditions permit tickets to be purchased onboard buses and water buses. Availability and payment arrangements should be checked when boarding.
How to use the Bateau Bus
What is near each Bateau Bus stop?
Accessibility, luggage and onboard comfort
Reduced mobility
Pontoon levels and boarding conditions can vary with port operations and water movement. Passengers requiring step-free assistance should contact CAM before travelling and follow crew instructions.
Children and pushchairs
Keep children supervised at all times near the water and boarding area. Ask the crew how a pushchair should be positioned before boarding.
Luggage
Keep luggage under control and away from gangways and evacuation routes. Large or unusual items remain subject to available space and crew instructions.
Animals
CAM onboard rules apply across its transport network. Confirm the current conditions before travelling with a dog or another animal.
Weather, port operations and major events
The Bateau Bus operates inside Port Hercule, but the service can still be modified or suspended for operational and safety reasons. Major Monaco events may also change access routes around the harbour.
- Check CAM news and service information before travelling.
- Allow extra time during the Grand Prix, Yacht Show and large harbour events.
- Follow temporary signs, barriers and police instructions around the port.
- Use the pedestrian route or CAM buses if the crossing is unavailable.
- Do not enter a closed pontoon or boarding area.
Continue your journey with ViewMonaco
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Monaco Bateau Bus go?
It crosses Port Hercule between Quai des Etats-Unis and Quai Antoine 1er, close to the cruise terminal.
What time does the Bateau Bus operate?
VisitMonaco currently publishes continuous operation from 08:00 to 20:00. Check CAM information for the travel date because the service may change.
How often does the Bateau Bus depart?
The published frequency is approximately every 20 minutes, with a crossing time of about 10 minutes.
How much does the Bateau Bus cost?
Current CAM occasional fares include €1.50 with Monapass or an accepted contactless bank card, and €2.00 for a one-trip paper ticket purchased onboard.
Can I use a CAM bus pass on the Bateau Bus?
Yes. The Bateau Bus is part of the CAM network, and valid CAM tickets and passes can be used according to their conditions. Validate when boarding.
Can I pay by bank card?
Yes. CAM states that the Bateau Bus has a validator accepting most bank cards, except American Express and Nickel cards.
Do I need to reserve the Bateau Bus?
Advance reservation is not normally required. Passengers wait at the pontoon and board the next operating service, subject to capacity.
Does the Bateau Bus operate during major events?
Special arrangements may apply during major events and port closures. Check CAM news before travelling and be prepared to use an alternative route.
Is the Bateau Bus only a tourist attraction?
No. It is a public transport service within the CAM network, although the harbour view also makes it an enjoyable visitor experience.
Official information and travel tools
- Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco – official Bateau Bus service page
- Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco – occasional travel fares
- Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco – ticketing, validation and network FAQ
- Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco – conditions of sale and use
- VisitMonaco – Bateau Bus operating hours, frequency and journey time
This guide is provided for practical planning only. Operating hours, fares, payment methods, boarding arrangements and service availability may change. Always follow the latest information published by CAM, the instructions of the crew and the rules displayed at the boarding points.
Check the Bateau Bus before travelling
Confirm the current fare, operating status and any special event arrangements through the official CAM service.