Airport to Marseille City Center — Transfer Options & Prices

Getting from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to City Center

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is 25km from Marseille city center. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to getting there fast, cheap, or comfortably—no fluff, just real options.

1. Train (RER A) – Best Overall

Price: €11.50 one-way (buy at ticket machines inside airport or online via aeroport-marseille.com).

Journey Time: 35 minutes (train departs every 15-30 mins, 6am-11pm).

Route: From MRS station (inside terminal), take RER A (direction "Aix-en-Provence" or "Marignane") to St. Charles station (city center).

Pros: Reliable, frequent, no traffic delays, covers luggage. St. Charles is a major hub for buses/trams. Best for all traveler types.

Cons: Can be crowded during rush hour. Ticket machines can be confusing for non-French speakers.

Best For: Families (predictable, no stress), budget travelers (cheaper than taxi), business travelers (fast, direct to central station).

2. Bus (TransMarseille Line 130 / Noctilien)

Price: €5.50 one-way (cash or contactless card; buy at bus stop or via app).

Journey Time: 40-50 minutes (depends on traffic; runs 5am-1am).

Route: Bus stop outside Arrivals (exit "Sortie 1"). Line 130 goes to "Gare St. Charles" via city streets.

Pros: Cheapest option. Good for solo travelers or small groups.

Cons: Slow (traffic stops), hard to find the stop in dark/early hours. Not ideal for families with strollers or heavy luggage. No direct airport signage—ask for "Bus 130" at info desk.

Best For: Budget travelers only (if you’re okay with slow, crowded buses). Avoid for families or late-night arrivals.

3. Taxi – Direct & Easy

Price: €45-55 flat rate (metered taxis inside terminal; avoid unmarked cars).

Journey Time: 25-40 minutes (traffic-dependent; 30 mins average).

Route: Taxi stand outside Arrivals. Drivers know St. Charles or most hotels.

Pros: Door-to-door, no transfers, great for groups or late-night arrivals. Drivers speak basic English.

Cons: Expensive. Can get stuck in traffic. Not worth it for solo travelers or daytime trips (train is cheaper).

Best For: Families with kids/luggage (no walking), business travelers needing speed after a flight, groups of 3+.

4. Private Transfer (Pre-Booked)

Price: €70-85 for 1-4 people (e.g., via Marseille Airport Transfer).

Journey Time: 30-40 minutes (same as taxi, but driver waits at arrivals).

Route: Meet your driver at arrivals (pre-booked via email/phone).

Pros: Professional, no taxi haggling, pickup at door. Good for groups or those with heavy bags.

Cons: Overpriced for solo travelers. Book 24+ hours ahead (no walk-up service).

Best For: Business travelers (time-optimized), families with 2+ people. Avoid if you’re budget-conscious.

Quick Comparison Table

Option	Price (EUR)	Time	Best For
Train (RER A)	€11.50	35 mins	All travelers (family/budget/business)
Bus (Line 130)	€5.50	40-50 mins	Budget travelers only (not recommended for families)
Taxi	€45-55	25-40 mins	Families, late-night, groups of 3+
Private Transfer	€70-85	30-40 mins	Business, groups, or those who want no hassle

Pro Tips

• Train is your best bet: It’s the fastest, cheapest reliable option. Buy tickets at the machine (tap "Marseille" → "St. Charles" → "Train" → "11.50€").
• Avoid buses at night: Noctilien buses run but are sparse. Train is safer after 11pm.
• Taxis: Use the stand: Never hail from outside; use the marked stand (€50 max for 2 people).
• Private transfers: Book via reputable sites (not airport kiosks). Avoid "too good to be true" deals.
• City center hub: St. Charles station connects to all metro lines. From there, walk 5 mins to Old Port or use metro Line 1 (€1.90).