Ethane and ethane clusters (N approximate to 10(2)-10(4)) were studied inside helium droplets with infrared laser spectroscopy. The spectra were measured in the 2880-3000 cm(-1) range, which covers the nu(5), nu(8+11), and nu(7) vibrational bands of ethane. Partially resolved rotational fine structure in the spectrum of the monomer reveals solvent-induced band origin blue shifts that are each approximately 1 cm(-1). The effective B-He and A(He), rotational constants were found to be reduced by 52% and 16% in comparison to their gas phase values, respectively. Spectra of the clusters show the same three bands shifted toward low frequency by approximately 10 cm(-1) because of intermolecular interactions in the clusters. The spectra of the ethane clusters are dominated by the nu(7) band, whereas the relative intensities of the nu(5) and nu(8+11) bands are about a factor of 5 weaker than for single molecules or for solid ethane, the spectrum of which is also reported here.