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France's national rail service SNCF runs a direct Intercités train from Toulouse to Marseille seven times a day, covering the 200-mile journey through the evocative Provencal landscape in a bit under four hours. Not quite as rapid as their flagship high-speed TGV, but still with a fair lick of speed, plus plenty of amenities to make your journey comfortable, such as play areas for children and quiet zones for people who want to catch some shut-eye.
Given the distance, it might seem tempting to go by air, but a plane to Marseille Provence airport will land you 17 miles outside the city. Conversely, once you disembark at Marseille Saint-Charles station, you can go straight to exploring France's largest Mediterranean port. Then after a few hours of shopping in the Centre Bourse or visiting the city's wealth of Romanesque and Baroque architecture, you can always head to the waterfront cafes of the Vieux Port for a hearty dish of bouillabaisse, Marseille's famous fish stew.
Take a look at our useful journey information below and you'll have everything you need to ensure your travels in the south of France go without a hitch.
Intercités is the classic service of SNCF. The Intercités lines are an important part of the French rail network. Trains make more stops and are cheaper than TGVs, and run at speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h). Two comfort classes are offered aboard Intercités – First Class and Second Class. Intercités by night allows you to travel at night on certain routes, in sleeper cars.
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll enjoy at-seat power sockets, free WiFi and a catering service offering snacks and drinks.
In addition to all the amenities available in Standard Class, you'll find more legroom, adjustable seats and individual tables in First Class.
You can take as much baggage as you want on INTERCITÉS trains, whether that's a suitcase, overnight bag or a backpack - just make sure that each piece of baggage is no taller than 130cm and no wider than 90cm. You must be able to carry all your baggage yourself. All baggage must be labelled before you hop on board the train.
You can treat yourself without leaving your seat on INTERCITÉS trains, as there's an at-seat food and drink service. Discover the INTERCITÉS menu 'Nos Territoires Gourmands' and enjoy high-quality, local products. This service is only available on the following routes: Paris - Clermont-Ferrance, Paris - Toulouse, Bordeaux - Marseille, Paris - Briançon (night INTERCITÉS train), Paris - Toulouse (night train), Paris - Lourdes (night train), Paris - Nice (night train).
Free WiFi is available on some INTERCITÉS services. Kick back and relax with free WiFi on the following routes: Paris-Clermont-Ferrand, Paris-Limoges-Toulouse, Marseille-Bordeaux and Paris-Briançon. On overnight trains, you can connect to free WiFi on the Paris - Nice and Paris - Briançon routes.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket for an additional fee.
Small pets are allowed on board INTERCITÉS trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on INTERCITÉS services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
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).
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Toulouse to Marseille by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Toulouse and Marseille is 4 hours and 43 minutes, with around 10 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Toulouse to Marseille is 3 hours and 49 minutes.
Train tickets from Toulouse to Marseille can start from as little as $25.93 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Toulouse to Marseille without having to change trains. There are 7 direct trains from Toulouse to Marseille each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Toulouse to Marseille leaves at 06:42. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Toulouse to Marseille leaves at 20:44. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Toulouse to Marseille cover a distance of around 198 miles (319 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Marseille to Toulouse.