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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Travel by train from Paris to Marseille
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Want to travel from Paris to Marseille and need more information? Look no further!
Generally, the train time from Paris to Marseille is 3 hours and 59 minutes, although it can take just 3 hours and 4 minutes on the fastest TGV INOUI services. With around 18 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you don’t need to worry about changing along the way. On this route, you’ll depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station, and travel through the French countryside before arriving at Marseille St Charles station.
Traveling by train is one of the simplest ways to get from Paris to Marseille. In just over three hours, high-speed trains will whisk you from one city center to the other, which is much faster than driving, or even flying if you include airport transfer times and terminal queues. If you fancy treating yourself, travel in TGV First Class and enjoy wider comfortable seating options, including solo seats or a separate lounge for up to 8 people.
Once you’ve traveled through the outskirts of Paris, the route to Marseille is a scenic one. As you reach speeds of 198 mph, you can admire the changing countryside and even mountains once you pass Lyon. After arriving in Marseille, you can:
- Wander along the Old Port – cute cafés, boutique hotels and endless eateries line the waterfront.
- Take a tour of MuCEM – the first French museum dedicated to the Mediterranean.
- Marvel at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde – the symbol of Marseille, full of beautiful sculptures and mosaics.
If you need to travel back to Paris at the end of your trip, check out our guide on how to get from Marseille to Paris by train.
Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Marseille today. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Paris to Marseille first, keep reading for more information on:
- Today's train times
- Information about TGV INOUI and OUIGO
- TGV INOUI and OUIGO classes
- Onboard services on TGV INOUI and OUIGO trains
- Finding cheap train tickets from Paris to Marseille
- Traveling from the airport to central Paris
- How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Train stations between Paris and Marseille
- Arriving in Marseille from Paris
- Public transport in Marseille
- Discover Marseille & France
- Popular train journeys from Marseille
- Traveling from central Marseille to the airport
- Explore Europe with a Eurail pass
- Review: Paris to Marseille with TGV INOUI
Paris to Marseille by train
It takes an average of 3h 38m to travel from Paris to Marseille by train, over a distance of around 410 miles (660 km). There are normally 25 trains per day traveling from Paris to Marseille and tickets for this journey start from $19.71 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:03 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 9:00 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Marseille | |
| Journey time | From 3h 4m | |
| Distance | 410 miles (660 km) | |
| Frequency | 25 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $19.71 | |
| Train and bus operators | ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus, Itabus, OUIGO, Renfe, SNCF Voyageurs, Trenitalia |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Paris to Marseille?
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Marseille? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the quickest journey time between Paris and Marseille by train?
Are there direct trains from Paris to Marseille?
What's the distance between Paris and Marseille by train?
Who runs the trains from Paris to Marseille?
Can you travel from Paris to Marseille without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Marseille from Paris?
What time is the first train from Paris to Marseille?
What time is the last train from Paris to Marseille?
How often do trains go from Paris to Marseille?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Paris to Marseille?
Is there a return trip from Paris to Marseille?
Trenitalia, OUIGO, Renfe and AVE trains from Paris to Marseille
Trenitalia
OUIGO
Renfe
AVE
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company SNCF. Despite having only one class on board, OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, although OUIGO tickets are only available to purchase online. To make your journey as smooth as possible, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and bear in mind that there's an additional fee for bringing a suitcase with you, having a seat with power sockets and travelling with a stroller/buggy.
More information
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
More information
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
More information
What AVE and OUIGO classes are there from Paris to Marseille?
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE and OUIGO when traveling from Paris to Marseille.
AVE
OUIGO
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With baggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their dining car serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Confort (First Class)
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers and more. Don't forget to enjoy access to Renfe's Club Rooms before your trip to kick it off in style. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a power outlet, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Dining car (1)
- In-seat meal service (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power outlets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
What are the onboard services on AVE and OUIGO?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Marseille.
AVE
OUIGO
What baggage limits are there? | With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of baggage that do not exceed 290cm (114.1 inches) and 25kg (55.1 pounds). In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of baggage are 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches). Musical instruments also count as hand baggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38cm (11.8 x 47.2 x 14.9 inches) and are stored in a case. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard dining car. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff will pass through each car with a food and drink cart. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment pass. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm (70.8 inches), it's considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm or 47.2 x 35.4 x 15.7 inches). |
Can I bring pets on board? | With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg (22 pounds) and travels inside a cage or carrier that measures max 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23 x 13 x 13 inches). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re traveling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free. |
What special assistance is available? | AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly. |
What baggage limits are there? | One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.) |
What special assistance is available? | For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart). |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Paris to Marseille?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
New Trenitalia route opening soon! 🚄
That’s right - from June 15, Italian carrier Trenitalia will be offering a new service between Paris and Marseille.
Trenitalia will operate 4 daily return trains between Paris and Marseille with intermediate stops in:
- Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport
- Avignon TGV station
- Aix-en-Provence TGV station
This route is going to be suuuper popular, so make sure you get in on the sales on March 11.
Traveling from the airport to central Paris
If you’re flying to Paris, chances are you’ll land at one of Paris’ airports. Continue reading for more details on how to get to central Paris from the city’s three major airports.
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tille Airport to central Paris
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station from central Paris
Before your journey to Marseille, you need to travel to Paris Gare de Lyon station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Gare de Lyon station is located in eastern Paris and easily accessed due to the city’s public transport system. If you’re hoping to take the train to Marseille and need to get to Paris Gare de Lyon train station, you can get there by:
- Metro: From the city center, you can take Line 1 or Line 14 to the Metro station at Gare de Lyon.
- Train: Hop on the RER A or RER D service to Gare de Lyon.
- Bus: You can take RATP buses from across the city to Gare de Lyon, including services 24, 29, 57, 61, 63, 72, 77, 87 and 91.
- Night buses: If you’re traveling at night, you can take many buses to Gare de Lyon, including N01, N02, N11, N16, N31, N32, N33, N34 and N35.
- On foot: Paris Gare de Lyon can be accessed either from the forecourt (Place Louis Armand) overlooking Boulevard Diderot, from Rue de Bercy, or Place Henri Frenay.
Using public transport in Paris
Paris Métro is the best way to travel around the city quickly, cheaply and easily. If you’re planning to travel around Paris and France, we recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities.
Kids under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Children under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
As you wait for your train to Marseille, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Gare de Lyon station.
What to expect at Gare de Lyon station
Boarding a TGV INOUI train
Boarding a OUIGO train
Train stations between Paris and Marseille
On your way from Paris to Marseille by train, the train may stop at certain towns and cities along the way.
In total, the journey from Paris to Marseille takes just over 3 hours. Depending on which service you travel on, you’ll stop at some of the most beautiful towns and cities in France.
Lying north of Marseille, Avignon is a walled Medieval city that comes to life in summer during its July festival, flooding the streets with juggling, jousting, music and theatre.
Situated just 20 miles from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence offers that picture-perfect Provençal setting of pale, sun-baked buildings, narrow cobbled streets and vineyard-carpeted hills.
The line from Paris to Marseille serves:
Arriving at Marseille Saint-Charles station from Paris
After 3 hours of traveling, your train will arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles station.
Marseille Saint-Charles station is located at Square Narvik and is open every day from 4:30 am to 1:05 am, except on Friday when it closes at 1:30 am. Here’s how you can get from Marseille Saint-Charles station to various parts of the city:
- The Old Port: On foot, it takes around 21 minutes. On public transport, it takes around 16 minutes with Metro line 1.
- The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde: Public transport will take less than 30 minutes to reach the city's famous cathedral from the train station. To walk, allow about 40 minutes.
- The beach: From the station, the closest beach is probably the Catalans, located not far from the Old Port. To get there, you can take the Metro line 1 and then bus 83 (only 24 minutes).
Public transport that serves Marseille Saint-Charles station:
- Metro: M1, M2
- Buses: 33, 34, 49, 52, 56, 82S
- Night buses: 521, 533, 582
- Intercity buses: 34, 50, 51, 53, 64, 88, 89, 91
- International buses: Flixbus, BlaBlaCar bus
- Shuttles: shuttles from Marseille-Provence and Aix airports.
Using public transport in Marseille
If you want to navigate Marseille quickly and conveniently, use RTM, the city's public transport system.
Taking the Metro in Marseille
Comprised of two lines, the city’s subway system is known as the Marseille Metro and stops at 31 stations across the city.
From Monday to Thursday, the Metro operates between 5:00am and 11:00pm. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they run more frequently, and the service is extended until 12:30am.
If you want to transfer between lines, you can change at either Castellane or St Charles.
A single ticket costs €1.70 ($1.82) as of November 2023, and must be validated before or at the start of your journey.
Taking the tram in Marseille
In 1899, the first electric tramway opened in Marseille. However, the modern tram network didn’t open until 2007. Today, the tramway consists of three lines, covering all areas of the city.
Generally, the trams run every 5 to 10 minutes from 5:00am until 12:00am. Although, timetables may vary depending on the day of the week and the time of the year.
A single ticket costs €1.80 ($1.92) as of November 2023, and must be validated before or at the start of your journey.
Taking the bus in Marseille
In Marseille, around 80 bus lines run across the city, stopping at over 1,200 stops. Usually, buses run from 5:00am until 9:00pm. If you are traveling at night, you can use the city’s night bus service, Fluobus, between 9pm and 12:30am.
Discover Marseille and France
If you’d like to explore more of France but you’re unsure where to begin, here’s some inspiration for the best places to visit and how to get there by train:
Popular train journeys from Marseille
Enjoyed your time in Marseille and want to explore more of France and Europe? You can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Marseille:
Traveling from central Marseille to the airport
If you’d like to know how to get from central Marseille to the airport, keep reading for more details.
Welcoming more than nine million passengers each year, Marseille Provence airport is the main airport in the region, located around 15 miles from downtown Marseille.
Train to Marseille Airport
If you’d like to take the train to Marseille Airport, head to Marseille Saint-Charles station and hop on a regional TER train to Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence station. In total, the journey takes around 13 minutes. From the station, a free shuttle bus service will take you to the airport in less than 10 minutes.
Bus to Marseille Airport
Although it takes a bit longer, the bus is the cheapest option to get from downtown Marseille to the airport. Operating every day between 4:10am and 1:30am, bus line 91 will take you from Marseille Saint-Charles station to the airport’s bus station, between terminals 1 and 2. Generally, the journey takes between 30 and 50 minutes.
Taxi to Marseille Airport
If you want to get to Marseille Airport from the city center with minimum fuss, you could take a taxi. In central Marseille, there are many taxi ranks and companies. Please note that traveling in a taxi can be expensive – the average fare from the city center to the airport is around €75.00 ($80.13) during the day and €95.00 ($101.50) during the night, as of November 2023.
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Marseille, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.