MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Marseille

How to Get to Marseille

Marseille Provence-alpes-cote Dazur, France Travel Guide

Airports & Connections

Marseille Provence Airport MRS

MRS is the main airport, located approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of the city center. It handles millions of passengers annually, featuring various services and connections.

Transfer Options to City

  • Bus (Navette Aéroport): Direct transfer to Gare Saint-Charles (25-30 min), around €10-€11.
  • Taxi: Directly outside Terminal 1. Fares €50-€60 (day), €60-€70 (night/weekend).
  • Train: Free shuttle to Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence station, then TER to Gare Saint-Charles (~25 min), ~€5.20.

Airlines & Routes

MRS receives service from full-service and low-cost carriers, connecting across Europe and more.

Flight Information

  • Full-Service: Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Swiss, Tunisair, Royal Air Maroc.
  • Low-Cost: Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, Vueling, Transavia, A Low-cost european airline.
  • Standard Routes: Most flights originate from main European cities (Paris, London, Frankfurt, Rome) and North Africa.

Seasonal Flight Availability

High season (July-August) sees highest prices and regular flights. Shoulder seasons (April-June, Sept-Oct) provide more for the money. Low season (Nov-March) typically features lowest fares.

Airport Shops & Restaurants

Duty-free shops, fashion boutiques, newsstands, cafes, and restaurants are available in both terminals for travelers.

Airport Services

Vehicle rental desks, ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi access throughout terminals, and various airline and independent lounges.

Direct Flight Options

Limited Direct Intercontinental

  • Few Choices: Direct flights from outside Europe are limited.
  • Connecting Flights: The majority of foreign visitors connect using key European transport centers.
  • Common Hubs: Paris (CDG/ORY), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR/LGW).
  • Simplified Booking: Booking a single itinerary with a layover often simplifies the process.

Airport Departure Procedures

  • Schengen Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure for check-in and security.
  • Non-Schengen Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for immigration and security.
  • Peak Season: Allow additional time during peak tourist season (summer) or major holidays.
  • No Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes apply; these are usually in your ticket price.

Land Travel: Roads & Borders

Border Crossings

France shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, and Spain. As Schengen member, border checks between these countries are minimal.

Driving Laws & Roads

France drives on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Road network is well-regarded-maintained, with tolls on highways.

City Driving Concerns

Driving in Marseille's city center poses challenges: narrow streets, heavy traffic, and complex one-way systems. Parking in the heart of the city is difficult and often expensive.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Marseille finds good integration into France's national train system.

Gare Saint-Charles Hub

  • Main Station: Gare Saint-Charles serves as Marseille's central train station.
  • High-Speed (TGV): Fast connections to The french capital (~3 hrs), Lyon (~1.FIVE hours), Nice (~2.FIVE hours). Book TGV tickets in advance.
  • Regional (TER): Connections to Provence towns (Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cassis) for day trips.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-long-haul buses offer a budget-friendly alternative to trains for intercity travel.

Bus Travel Details

  • Bus Station: Marseille's main bus station adjoins Gare Saint-Charles, making transfers easy.
  • Companies: Major European bus companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate services.
  • Destinations: Connects Marseille to other French cities (Lyon, Nice) and various European destinations.

Self-Driving: Requirements

Renting a vehicle offers freedom and flexibility, particularly for exploring beyond Marseille's city limits.

Rental Essentials

  • A Current license: Your domestic driver'a driving license is necessary.
  • International Driving Permit: Needed alongside domestic license if not from EU/EEA.
  • Credit Card: In main driver's name for security deposit (debit cards not accepted).

Driving Challenges & Tips

Driving in Marseille's city center can be challenging due to narrow streets, heavy traffic, and complex one-way systems.

Navigation & Parking

  • Road Conditions: Highways are good. City driving means narrow streets, heavy traffic.
  • Parking: Difficult to find and expensive in the city center. Underground garages are available.
  • Traffic: Pay attention to scooters and motorcycles weaving through traffic.

Driving Safety & Regulations

  • Speed Limits: Strictly enforced (50 km/h urban, A speed of 130 km/h motorways).
  • Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout unless signs indicate otherwise.
  • Priority to Right: Unless signed, vehicles from the right have priority.
  • Speed Cameras: Common and operate automatically.
  • Congestion: Roads near Calanques congested in summer; temporary closures possible.
  • Alcohol Limits: Strict limits for drivers.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Port

Marseille's port handles cargo, ferries, and cruise ships.

Port Details

  • Marseille Port: One of the most substantial and busiest ports in the Mediterranean.
  • Cruise Terminal: MPCT is north of the city. Cruise companies offer shuttles to the downtown area.
  • Corsica Ferries: Regular services to Ajaccio, Bastia, Propriano, Porto-Vecchio (Corsica Linea, La Méridionale).

Immigration & Connections

Immigration for non-Schengen arrivals at seaports mirrors airport procedures.

Arrival Process

  • Border Control: Pass through border security where your passport and visas are checked.
  • Schengen Arrivals: Minimal or no border checks for cruises within the Schengen Area.
  • Connections By land: Ferry docks accessible via local public transport or short rides in a taxi.

River Transport

River transportation is not a factor for long-distance travel to Marseille. The Rhône River does not directly serve Marseille for passenger modes of transport such as cities further north.

Coastal Boat Shuttles

Seasonal boat shuttles operate from the Vieux-Port to Pointe Rouge (beaches) and L'Estaque (fishing village), featuring scenic alternatives.

Calanques Boat Tours

Numerous boat excursions leave from Vieux-Port or Cassis, giving beautiful cruises through the Calanques National Park.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Timing

Plan your arriving at the airport time carefully to ensure a smooth departure.

Airport Check-in

  • Schengen Flights: Get there at LEAST 2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Non-Flights Within the schengen area: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for immigration and security.
  • Peak Season: Allow additional time during peak tourist season (summer) or major holidays.

Train Departure Timing

Train departures have more casual check-in, making quicker boarding possible.

Train Station Arrival

  • TGV High-Speed: Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before departure to find your platform and board.
  • Regional (TER): 10-15 minutes is typically enough for regional trains.
  • Ferry Terminal: Confirm with your operator (1-2 hours before departure, more with vehicle).

Departure Facilities

Marseille Provence Airport

The airport features duty-free shops, a selection of restaurants and cafes, airline lounges, and currency exchange services.

Gare Saint-Charles Train Station

The main train station supplies a range of services, including shops, newsstands, cafes, fast-food options, and waiting areas. Luggage lockers is available.

Seamless Transitions

Careful planning for both arrival and departure makes you maximize your time in Marseille, securing a smooth transition to and from your destination.

Efficient Departures

Double-check your flight or train details on the eve of departure. Confirming schedules and gate information supports a stress-free exit.