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Welcome to Marseille Provence Airport
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the main international gateway to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, the French Riviera, and the wider Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. As one of France’s busiest regional airports, it welcomes millions of passengers every year and offers excellent transport links to some of the country’s most popular holiday destinations.
The airport is located approximately 27 kilometres northwest of Marseille city centre, with most journeys taking 25 to 35 minutes, depending on your chosen mode of transport and traffic conditions. Despite its size, Marseille Provence Airport is easy to navigate, with two passenger terminals connected by clearly signposted walkways and transport services departing just outside the arrivals area.
Visitors have several transfer options to reach the city. The airport shuttle bus provides the quickest public transport connection to Marseille Saint-Charles Station, while trains are available via a short airport shuttle to Vitrolles Aéroport Station. Taxis and private transfers offer convenient door-to-door service, while car hire is ideal for travellers planning to explore Provence, the Camargue, Cassis, Aix-en-Provence or the spectacular coastline beyond Marseille.
This guide compares every Marseille Airport transfer option, including journey times, costs, where to board, luggage information and who each option is best suited to, helping you choose the most convenient way to begin your trip.
| Transfer Option | Typical Journey Time | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle Bus (A1) | 25–30 minutes to Saint-Charles Station | First-time visitors, solo travellers, couples | Departs about every 10 minutes; luggage storage included beneath the coach |
| Train (via Vitrolles Aéroport) | 35–45 minutes combined | Travellers continuing elsewhere in France | LeBus13 connection to Vitrolles station (about €1.20), then a TER train to Saint-Charles |
| Taxi | 25–35 minutes to city centre | Heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, cruise passengers | Expect about €60 by day and €70 at night to central Marseille |
| Private Transfer | 25–35 minutes | Families, groups, business travellers | Fixed price agreed in advance; driver monitors your flight |
| Car Hire | Varies by destination | Exploring Provence, Cassis or the Riviera independently | Rental desks near the terminal; book ahead in summer |
| Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber) | Around 25–35 minutes | Budget-conscious travellers wanting a fare estimate upfront | Pick-up points signposted outside the terminal |
Take the Airport Shuttle Bus to Marseille
For most visitors, the dedicated airport shuttle bus is the easiest way to travel between Marseille Provence Airport and the city centre. Operated by La Métropole Mobilité, the A1 Airport Shuttle provides a fast, direct connection between the airport and Marseille Saint-Charles Station, the city’s main railway and public transport hub.
The journey normally takes around 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, making it one of the quickest public transport options available. Buses operate frequently throughout the day, typically about every 10 minutes during the day, ensuring you rarely have to wait long after arriving. Marseille Provence Airport publishes the current A1 shuttle timetable, including the first and last departures of the day.
The shuttle departs from the clearly signposted bus stops immediately outside the arrivals area and arrives directly outside Marseille Saint-Charles Station. From there it’s easy to continue your journey using the Metro, tram, local buses, regional trains or long-distance TGV services.
Tickets can be purchased online, from ticket machines at the airport, at the transport desk or directly through the official La Métropole Mobilité website and app. Contactless payment is also widely accepted, making the service straightforward for international visitors.
Luggage storage beneath the coach is included, making this an excellent option for travellers arriving with larger suitcases. Comfortable seating, air conditioning and generous luggage space make the airport shuttle particularly attractive compared with changing trains.
The airport shuttle is best suited to first-time visitors, solo travellers, couples and anyone staying close to Saint-Charles Station or the city centre. It offers an excellent balance of speed, comfort and affordability, making it the transfer choice for many passengers.
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Check dealsTravelling by Train
Although there isn’t a railway station directly connected to the airport terminal, travelling by train remains a convenient option for many visitors, particularly those continuing beyond Marseille.
To begin your journey, take the LeBus13 connection between the terminal and Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence railway station. The short transfer currently costs about €1.20 and operates regularly throughout the day, connecting with arriving flights and departing trains.
From Vitrolles Aéroport, frequent TER regional trains run to Marseille Saint-Charles Station, with the rail journey taking approximately 20 to 25 minutes. The combined transfer from the airport to central Marseille generally takes 35 to 45 minutes, depending on your connection.
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by train is flexibility. In addition to Marseille, TER and TGV services make it easy to continue towards destinations including Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, Montpellier, Toulon, Nice, Lyon and Paris without needing to return to the airport.
Tickets can be purchased through SNCF Connect, from station ticket machines or ticket offices. Travellers carrying luggage should allow a little extra time when transferring between the airport shuttle and the railway station, although the process is generally straightforward.
For visitors continuing to other parts of France, the train is often the most practical transfer option and provides excellent onward connections across the country’s rail network.
Take a Taxi Straight to Your Destination
If convenience is your priority, a taxi from Marseille Provence Airport provides the quickest and simplest way to reach your accommodation. Official taxis are available immediately outside the arrivals hall whenever flights are operating, and there’s rarely a long wait for a vehicle.
The drive to Marseille city centre usually takes 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic, while destinations such as the Old Port (Vieux-Port), Euroméditerranée, Marseille Cruise Port, Aix-en-Provence and surrounding coastal towns are all easily reached by road.
Taxi fares vary according to your destination, the time of day and traffic conditions, but you should generally expect to pay about €60 during the day and €70 at night for central Marseille. Evening, Sunday and public holiday journeys are usually slightly more expensive, while trips to destinations outside the city naturally cost more.
Most official taxis accept credit cards, debit cards and contactless payment, although it’s always worth confirming before setting off. Drivers are familiar with the city’s hotels, ferry terminals, cruise port and railway stations, making taxis a particularly good choice if you’re arriving in Marseille for the first time.
Although taxis are more expensive than public transport, they become much better value when the fare is shared between three or four passengers. They’re also the ideal option for travellers carrying heavy luggage, arriving on late-night flights or travelling directly to a cruise ship or hotel without changing transport.
Book a Private Airport Transfer
If you’d like to start your trip without worrying about buses, trains or taxi queues, a private airport transfer is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Marseille Provence Airport. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall, assist with your luggage and take you directly to your hotel, apartment, cruise terminal or holiday accommodation.
Private transfers are particularly popular with families, groups, business travellers and anyone arriving after a long flight. They’re also an excellent option if you’re travelling with several suitcases, young children or simply want the reassurance of knowing your transport has already been arranged before you land.
Unlike taxis, private transfers are usually booked at a fixed price, meaning you know the cost in advance regardless of traffic conditions. Many providers also monitor incoming flights, so if your aircraft is delayed your driver will normally adjust the collection time automatically.
Private transfers aren’t limited to Marseille city centre. They can also take you directly to destinations including Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, La Ciotat, Toulon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Arles or the Marseille Cruise Port, avoiding the need for multiple public transport connections.
If convenience, reliability and door-to-door service are your priorities, pre-booking a private transfer is often the most relaxing way to begin your visit to Provence.
Arrange Your Marseille Airport Transfer
For a straightforward arrival in Marseille, Welcome Pickups allows you to pre-book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel or accommodation.
Having the journey arranged in advance means you can leave the terminal without needing to find a taxi or work out local public transport after your flight.
Check prices for your Marseille airport journey. You can also check another transfer provider before booking.
Hire a Car and Explore Provence
If you’re planning to discover more than just Marseille, hiring a car at Marseille Provence Airport offers the greatest flexibility. Collecting your vehicle immediately after landing allows you to begin exploring Provence at your own pace, without being restricted by train or bus timetables.
Marseille Airport hosts ten car hire companies – Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, National, Ok Mobility and Sixt – with reception desks at the parking level in front of Terminal 1. Vehicles range from compact city cars to family SUVs, estate cars and larger vehicles suitable for longer road trips.
Having your own car opens up countless possibilities. Within an hour you could be exploring the colourful harbour of Cassis, the vineyards surrounding Bandol, the historic streets of Aix-en-Provence, the wetlands of the Camargue or the spectacular Luberon villages. It’s also the easiest way to visit places that are difficult to reach by public transport, including many beaches, hilltop villages and scenic coastal roads.
A hire car is also ideal if you’re planning a multi-destination holiday through southern France or continuing towards Nice, Monaco, Saint-Tropez or even into Italy.
Demand is particularly high during the summer holiday season, so booking your vehicle well in advance usually provides both the best choice and the lowest prices. Comparing rental companies before travelling can often save a considerable amount of money.
Find Car Hire Deals for Marseille
A hire car can be useful for exploring Marseille and the surrounding area, particularly when the places you want to visit are awkward to reach by public transport.
Using more than one comparison site can help you check prices and rental terms across a wider range of suppliers before deciding which option suits your trip.
Using Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing services are widely available in Marseille, making them a convenient alternative to traditional taxis for many visitors. Uber operates throughout the city and is usually the easiest app to use when travelling between Marseille Provence Airport and central Marseille. Other services may also be available, although coverage and driver availability can vary.
Using a ride-hailing app allows you to see an estimated fare before confirming your booking, making it easier to compare prices with official taxis. Payments are handled through the app, removing the need for cash and making the process particularly straightforward for international travellers.
Pick-up points are clearly signposted outside the airport terminals, although you may need to walk a short distance from the arrivals exit depending on the airport’s current collection arrangements. Waiting times are generally reasonable, although they can increase during peak holiday periods or after several flights arrive at the same time.
For many travellers, ride-hailing apps provide a good compromise between the affordability of public transport and the convenience of a taxi. However, if you’re travelling with lots of luggage, a large family, or need guaranteed transport for an early morning cruise departure, a pre-booked private transfer may still be the better option.
Getting to Marseille Cruise Port
Many passengers arrive at Marseille Provence Airport specifically to join a Mediterranean cruise, and fortunately reaching the city’s cruise terminals is relatively straightforward.
The Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal is located within the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, approximately 25 to 30 kilometres from the airport. By taxi or private transfer, the journey normally takes 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic, making these the most convenient options for cruise passengers carrying luggage.
If you’re travelling by public transport, take the airport shuttle bus to Marseille Saint-Charles Station before continuing by Metro Line 2 towards Joliette. From there you can either take a taxi or, depending on your cruise terminal, use the dedicated port shuttle buses that operate on cruise days. Some cruise lines also provide their own transfer services between the station and the ship.
Travellers hiring a car should be aware that most rental vehicles cannot be parked at the cruise terminal for extended periods unless pre-arranged, so returning the vehicle before boarding is often the better option.
If you’re sailing on a cruise, it’s sensible to allow at least three hours between your flight’s scheduled arrival and your ship’s check-in time. This provides a comfortable buffer in case of flight delays, baggage collection or heavy traffic around Marseille.
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Book a transferTravelling to Aix-en-Provence Instead
Not everyone arriving at Marseille Provence Airport is heading into Marseille itself. The elegant city of Aix-en-Provence lies approximately 27 kilometres from the airport and is one of the easiest destinations to reach after landing. Famous for its tree-lined boulevards, lively cafés, colourful markets and connections with the artist Paul Cézanne, Aix attracts visitors from around the world.
The most convenient public transport option is the dedicated airport shuttle, operated by La Métropole Mobilité, which runs directly between the airport and Aix-en-Provence Bus Station. The journey usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, with buses operating frequently throughout the day and generally departing every 20 to 30 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased online, from airport ticket machines or through the official La Métropole Mobilité app. Luggage storage is provided beneath the coach, making the service particularly convenient for visitors arriving with larger suitcases.
A taxi offers the quickest door-to-door option, normally reaching central Aix in around 25 to 30 minutes, while private transfers are ideal for families, groups or anyone wanting to begin their holiday without worrying about public transport connections.
If you’re planning to explore Provence beyond Aix, and would like some ideas of where to go once you arrive, our guide to Exploring Aix-en-Provence covers the city’s best sights, markets and day-trip options such as the Luberon, Arles, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the Camargue.
Which Marseille Airport Transfer is Best?
The best transfer depends on your budget, your destination and how much luggage you’re carrying.
If you’re looking for the cheapest and easiest public transport option, the dedicated airport shuttle bus is the clear winner. It provides a fast, direct connection to Marseille Saint-Charles Station, where you can easily continue your journey using the Metro, tram, local buses, TER or TGV services.
For travellers continuing elsewhere in France, the combination of the airport shuttle to Vitrolles Aéroport Station and a TER train offers excellent onward connections to destinations across the country. Although it involves an additional transfer, it’s often the most practical choice if Marseille isn’t your final destination.
If convenience is your priority, a taxi provides direct door-to-door service and is particularly useful if you’re travelling with heavy luggage, arriving late in the evening or heading straight to your hotel or the Marseille Cruise Port.
A private airport transfer offers even greater convenience, with a driver waiting for you on arrival and a fixed price agreed before you travel. This makes it especially popular with families, business travellers and larger groups.
Finally, if you’re planning to explore Provence, the French Riviera or several destinations during your holiday, car hire offers by far the greatest flexibility and freedom.
Whatever option you choose, Marseille Provence Airport is exceptionally well connected, making it easy to reach both Marseille and the wider region.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Landing at Marseille Provence Airport? Here’s how to pick the right transfer without overpaying or overplanning.
- Book the shuttle online first: The La Métropole Mobilité A1 shuttle to Saint-Charles Station is the cheapest way into town, and buying your ticket online or via the app before you land saves queuing at the machines.
- Share a taxi if you can: Fares of around €50-70 into Marseille work out much better value when split between three or four passengers rather than travelling solo.
- Allow three hours for cruise connections: If you’re heading straight to the Marseille Cruise Port, build in at least three hours between landing and check-in to cover baggage collection and traffic.
- Book car hire early in summer: Rental desks get busy and prices climb fast in peak season, so reserve your vehicle well ahead if you’re planning to explore Provence independently.
- Check the connector shuttle timetable: If you’re catching a train, the LeBus13 shuttle to Vitrolles Aéroport station is a paid connection (about €1.20) that runs regularly, but leave a little extra time when carrying heavy luggage.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Marseille Provence Airport from Marseille city centre?
Marseille Provence Airport is approximately 27 kilometres from the centre of Marseille. The journey usually takes 25 to 35 minutes by road, depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way to get from Marseille Airport to the city?
The dedicated airport shuttle bus to Marseille Saint-Charles Station is usually the cheapest and most convenient option for most visitors travelling into the city centre.
Is there a train from Marseille Airport?
Yes. A paid LeBus13 shuttle (about €1.20) connects the terminals with Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence railway station, where TER regional trains run to Marseille Saint-Charles Station and other destinations.
How much is a taxi from Marseille Airport to Marseille?
You should generally expect to pay around €50 to €70, depending on your destination, traffic conditions and the time of day.
Can I hire a car at Marseille Provence Airport?
Yes. Ten car hire companies operate desks at the airport – Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, National, Ok Mobility and Sixt – making it easy to explore Marseille, Provence, Cassis, Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding region.
Is Uber available at Marseille Airport?
Yes. Uber operates at Marseille Provence Airport, with designated pick-up areas outside the terminal. Waiting times vary depending on demand.
How do I get from Marseille Airport to the cruise port?
The quickest option is by taxi or private transfer. Public transport is also available via the airport shuttle to Saint-Charles Station, followed by the Metro and onward transport to the cruise terminals.
When should I arrive at the cruise port after landing?
It’s advisable to allow at least three hours between your flight’s scheduled arrival and your cruise check-in time to allow for any delays and your transfer into the city.
Further Reading
If Marseille itself is your final destination, our guide to Discover Marseille covers the city’s best sights, neighbourhoods and things to do once you’ve arrived. Planning to see more of the region while you’re here? Our guide to Best Day Trips from Marseille covers standout excursions across Provence, from Cassis to the Camargue.
If you’re hiring a car and want to explore further afield, our Ultimate Provence Road Trip maps out a route through the region’s best villages and vineyards. Travellers continuing onward by rail can also save money with our Carte Avantage France guide, which explains how to get discounted SNCF fares across the country.
