Getting There & Away: Aix En Provence

Air Travel to Aix

Airport & Connections

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the closest major international airport, located approximately 25-30 kilometers (15-19 miles) west of Aix-en-Provence.

Flight Information

From North America: Direct flights to MRS are limited. One or more layovers in major European hubs are typical (e.g., Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London).
From Europe: MRS offers frequent direct flights from many major European cities (e.g., Paris, London, Rome, Brussels) via airlines like Air France, Ryanair, easyJet, and Lufthansa.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Flight frequency increases in summer, as do prices. Book several months in advance for better rates. Prices are generally lowest in low season.

Airport Transfers

Various transfer options are available from Marseille Provence Airport to Aix-en-Provence city center.

Options from MRS

Bus (Navette): Most common and cost-effective. Operates frequently (every 15-30 mins) directly from MRS to Aix-en-Provence bus station (Gare Routière). Journey: 30-40 mins, approx. €8.70 one-way.
Taxi: Available outside the airport terminal. Journey: 25-35 mins, cost: €50-€70.
Ride-sharing: Uber and Bolt operate from MRS, often slightly cheaper (€40-€60). AirHelp may be useful if your flight is delayed or canceled.

Best Flight Deals

Compare prices on Skyscanner for your ideal travel dates. Consider signing up for Dollar Flight Club for alerts on cheap flights.

Airport Facilities

MRS Airport offers free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental desks, and currency exchange services for traveler convenience.

Car Rental

Major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have desks at MRS. A Compact rental car suits French roads. Consider DiscoverCars.com for options.

Driving & Road Travel

Driving Requirements

A valid domestic driver's license.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended for non-EU licenses.
Minimum rental age is often 21; drivers under 25 may have surcharges.
Consider a car with GPS navigation or use a phone navigation app.

Road Conditions & Safety

France has an excellent motorway network (Autoroutes), typically toll roads.
Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h expressways, 130 km/h motorways (lower in wet weather).
Driving in city centers, especially Aix's Old Town, is restricted or challenging.
Parking can be challenging and expensive; use underground parking garages on the periphery.

Train and Bus Services

Aix-en-Provence TGV Station

Located 15 km south of the city, this station serves high-speed TGV trains connecting to Paris (approx. 3 hrs), Lyon, and other major French cities. Local TER trains also operate here.

Aix-en-Provence Centre Station

In the city heart, this station mainly serves regional TER trains, connecting Aix to Marseille, Pertuis, and other local Provençal destinations. Convenient for short regional trips.

Long-Distance Buses

Aix's central bus station (Gare Routière) is a hub for regional (Lignes Express Régionales) and intercity (BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus) services to various towns across Provence and other European cities.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Protocols

No specific exit fees are typically levied directly on departing passengers from French airports; these are usually included in your airfare.

Recommended Timings

For flights within the Schengen Area, arrive at MRS at least 2 hours before departure.
For non-Schengen international flights, plan to arrive at least 3 hours beforehand.
Allow extra time for security checks, especially during peak travel seasons.

Train & Bus Departures

For domestic train or bus departures, arrive at the station at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Station Facilities

For international trains (e.g., TGV to Italy), allow more time.
Marseille Provence Airport and Aix's train/bus stations offer restaurants, cafes, and shops.
These facilities cater to departing travelers for a last meal or souvenir shopping.

Sea/River Travel Indirect

Aix-en-Provence is an inland city, so sea or river arrivals do not directly serve it. The closest major port is Marseille.

Marseille Port Connections

Marseille's Old Port (Vieux Port) is a major hub for ferry services to Corsica and North Africa.
It serves as a popular cruise ship destination.
Visitors arriving by sea need to use land transportation (bus or train) to reach Aix-en-Provence.

River Cruise Notes

While some river cruises operate on the Rhône River (e.g., to Avignon), these do not directly connect to Aix-en-Provence.

Rhône River Cruises

Cruises typically dock in cities like Avignon, requiring onward travel to Aix.
Bus or train services connect Avignon to Aix-en-Provence for onward travel.
This option is for those specifically interested in river cruising the region.

Important Travel Tips

Always confirm luggage allowances with your airline before packing.
Have all travel documents (passport, tickets, visas) readily accessible.
Ensure your phone is charged and has relevant apps for your journey.

Be aware of potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.
Check for any public transport strikes or disruptions before your travel date.
If driving, be mindful of local driving habits and roundabout rules.

Local Transit Overview

Public Transport Basics

Aix-en-Provence provides a reliable public transportation system, mainly focusing on buses. The Aix en Bus system is part of the Métropole Mobilité network.

Information

The system consists of a comprehensive bus network serving the city center and surrounding suburbs.
Gare Routière (Bus Station) acts as the main hub for local, regional, and intercity buses.
Small, electric Diabline shuttles (lines A, B, C) circulate frequently through the pedestrianized Old Town.

Ticketing & Frequency

Fares & Hours

A single bus ticket costs approx. €1.20 - €1.50, purchased directly from the driver (exact change helpful).
The rechargeable Carte Zou! Offers discounted fares for multiple trips, including day or week passes.
Buses generally operate from early morning (approx. 6:00 AM) until late evening (9:00 PM-12:00 AM), with varying frequency.

Accessibility

Newer buses in the Aix en Bus fleet are generally wheelchair accessible, equipped with low floors and ramps. Check the Métropole Mobilité website for specifics.

Pedestrian Zones

The Old Town (Vieil Aix) is largely pedestrianized, with narrow, winding cobblestone streets ideal for walking tours.

Cycling Friendly

Aix has some designated bike lanes. The surrounding countryside presents many scenic and less-trafficked routes for cycling.

Taxis & Rentals

Taxi Services

Taxis offer convenient, on-demand transportation, especially when time is limited or with luggage. Licensed taxis are typically white or black, with a "Taxi" sign and meter.

Hailing & Fares

Find taxis at designated stands (Gare Routière, Cours Mirabeau, TGV station) or book by phone.
Fares are metered (base fare + per km), with surcharges for night travel, Sundays, or airport pickups.
Most taxis accept cash; many accept credit cards (confirm with driver).

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Bolt both operate in Aix-en-Provence, often providing slightly lower fares than traditional taxis. Use their respective apps to request and pay for rides.

Safety & Convenience

Use reputable ride-sharing apps. Confirm driver identity and vehicle details before entering.
These apps are convenient for navigating unfamiliar areas or during off-peak hours.
GPS tracking within the app improves safety and transparency.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Major international companies are at MRS Airport and TGV station. A valid license and IDP for non-EU licenses are needed. A major credit card is for deposit.

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals

Less common for tourists; some specialized shops may offer these. Appropriate licenses and experience are needed.

Bicycle Rentals

Several shops offer city, electric, and road bikes. Rates vary. Biking is an excellent way to explore the city or nearby countryside.

Final Departure Note

Marseille Provence Airport and Aix's train/bus stations offer a range of facilities for departing travelers, including restaurants, cafes, and shops for last-minute souvenirs.

Getting There & Away