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How to Get to Toulon

How to Get to Toulon

Toulon Cote Dazur, France Travel Guide

Air Travel to Toulon

Major Airports Serving Toulon

Toulon is accessible via several airports, from local to foreign hubs, each with different transfers between flights and travel times.

Airport Options

  • Toulon Hyères Airport (TLN): Closest, 20 km east, domestic and some UK/Belgium overseas routes.
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): 85 km northwest, larger international airport with wide connections.
  • Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE): 150 km northeast, major international gateway, accessible by train/bus.

Transfer Options from Airports

Upon arrival, various transport methods connect you from the airport to Toulon city center or your accommodation.

Connecting to Toulon

  • From TLN: Bus Line 102 to Toulon Liberté (30-40 min) or Taxi (€30-€45).
  • From MRS: Shuttle bus to Vitrolles train station, then TER train to Toulon (approx. 1 hr total).
  • From MRS: Direct Navette Cartreize line 36 bus (approx. 1 hr 15 min).
  • From NCE: Tram to Nice-Ville train station, then TER/TGV train to Toulon (1.5-2 hrs train journey).

Airlines & Routes

TLN: France's National airline, Ryanair, Transavia, easyJet. MRS & NCE: Wider range including Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Vueling. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Direct Flight Options

No direct flights to TLN from US/Canada. Fly into MRS or NCE for direct routes from major From The usa or canada hubs or connect via European hubs. Check Skyscanner for options.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flight frequency and direct routes grow in high season (July-August). Prices are highest then. Shoulder seasons (April-June, Sep-Oct) often give better value. Book several months ahead for summer travel.

Airport Facilities and Services

Toulon Hyères Airport TLN

  • Smaller airport with basic facilities.
  • Car rental desks, a few shops, and cafes.
  • Offers a quick and easy transit experience.
  • Limited currency exchange services.

Marseille MRS & Nice NCE Airports

  • Larger international airports having complete facilities.
  • Numerous shops (duty-free, fashion) and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
  • Multiple car rental agencies, currency exchange, lounges.
  • Hotels located nearby or on airport grounds.

Airline Connections and Price Planning

European & Intercontinental Flights

MRS and NCE have vast networks of European and some long-haul flights, catering to a broad spectrum of airlines.

Booking Ahead

Consider booking flights several months in advance, especially in the summer travel, to obtain better rates and availability.

Flight Deal Services

Services like Dollar Flight Club can assist in finding discounted airfares. Skyscanner is useful for comparing routes.

Land Transportation

Train Connections and Services

France's excellent rail network makes traveling to Toulon by land efficient and comfortable.

Rail Travel Options

  • SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français) is the main national rail operator.
  • TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed trains connect Toulon to Paris (approx. 4 hrs), Lyon, and Marseille.
  • TER (Transport Express Régional): Regional trains connect to nearby towns like Marseille, Nice, Hyères, and Bandol.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus services are a cost-effective alternative for budget travelers or those coming from destinations not well-served by train.

Intercity Bus Providers

  • FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus: Popular intercity bus lines with connections across France and Europe.
  • Generally cheaper than trains, frequently take longer.
  • RMTT (Réseau Mistral): Toulon's local bus network, connecting to nearby towns like La Seyne-sur-Mer and Hyères.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Requirements

  • Valid domestic driving license (plus International Driving Permit if not EU/EEA).
  • Vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
  • Major credit card in main driver's name for deposit.

Road Conditions and Safety

In france there is an excellent road network, but local traffic and parking need consideration.

Driving Safely

  • Road Network: Excellent motorways and national roads, well-maintained.
  • Tolls (Péages): Most motorways have tolls, payable by credit card or cash.
  • Parking: Challenging and expensive in city center. Use underground garages.

Border Crossing Information

  • France is part of the Schengen Area.
  • Traveling from another Schengen country means no routine border checks.
  • Standard passport control occurs upon your initial entry into the first Schengen country.
  • If arriving from a non-Schengen country, full border control procedures will apply at the first point of entry.
  • Speed Limits: 130 km/h (motorways), 110 km/h (dual carriageways), 80 km/h (rural), 50 km/h (urban).
  • Right-Hand Rule: Drivers keep to the right; traffic from the right has priority unless signs state otherwise.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

Toulon's deep natural harbor makes it an important port for ferry services and cruise ships.

Maritime Connections

  • Toulon Ferry Port (Gare Maritime): Centrally located, easily accessible from the city.
  • Ferry Services: Main starting point for Corsica (Ajaccio, Bastia, Île Rousse) by Corsica Ferries plus La Méridionale.
  • Seasonal connections to Sardinia (Porto Torres) and Sicily (Trapani).

Immigration & River Transport

Sea arrivals follow standard Schengen procedures. River transportation is not applicable for Toulon as it is a coastal city.

Port Procedures

  • Immigration Procedures: Standard Schengen entry/exit for non-Schengen arrivals.
  • Cruise Port: Popular port of call for Mediterranean cruises, terminals close to city center.
  • River Transportation: Not available; Toulon is on a bay, not a major navigable river.

Required Documents

Have your passport, visa documentation (if needed), travel insurance, and international driving permit (if applicable) ready upon arrival.

Reservations & Contacts

Keep printed and digital copies of all reservations (hotel, flights, car) and a list of emergency contacts.

Car Rental Info

To rent, a valid ... is required license, potentially an IDP, and a major credit card. Major companies operate at airports and downtown. Book in advance. DiscoverCars.com can help.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on departing travelers from French airports or ports beyond what is already included in your ticket price.

Ticket Price Coverage

  • The price you pay for your flight, train, or ferry ticket usually covers all applicable taxes and fees.
  • This is standard practice for travel from France.
  • No further fees are collected at the point of departure.

Departure Procedures and Timing

Allow ample time for check-in and security processes, especially for international flights and during peak seasons.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Airports: Domestic/Schengen flights: Be at the AIRPORT a minimum of 2 hours before departure.
  • Non-Schengen International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Train Stations: TGV: 15-30 minutes before; TER: 10-15 minutes before.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Toulon Hyères Airport TLN

Offers basic amenities: a few shops, cafes, small waiting area, restrooms.

Marseille MRS & Nice NCE Airports

Provide extensive facilities: duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, lounges.

Toulon Train Station & Ferry Terminal

More basic amenities: waiting areas, restrooms, some small shops or cafes.

VAT Refund Information

If you plan to claim a VAT refund, arrive at the airport with ample time. You must process the tax refund forms with customs before checking your luggage. This often includes scanning barcodes at kiosks or presenting forms to an agent.