We would like to take a day trip to these two towns. Would I buy just one ticket to Italy and then be able to stop in Monaco on the way back? Should I order before I leave the states or just plan to go to the train station.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Buy tickets in the station for these short, unreserved, regional train rides. One ticket may allow you to stop in Monaco and complete the trip later the same day, or there could be a shorter deadline. I think the easier/safer plan is to buy separate tickets for each leg. Don't forget to validate (date/time stamp) each one before boarding the train.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
The buses between these towns run four times an hour (last bus about 8:30 PM), and the trains between them run twice an hour (last train around 11:30 PM). Both the buses and trains are unreserved locals; you cannot buy advance tickets from the US. If you will be taking the buses, a single fare is €1.50, or you can get a day pass for €5 or a 10 trip ticket for €10 (these are good for buses in the entire region, not just on this route).
If you are taking the train, be aware that the machines take coins or chip-and-pin credit cards, but not euro bills or swipe cards. If you don't have enough coins or a chip-and-pin card, you have to buy at the ticket window. Monaco's ticket window was closed at 9:30 PM when I went from there to Nice; luckily I had enough coins, but you may want to buy all your tickets before your start your trip. Be sure to validate your train tickets before boarding.