Taking the train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles
If you need to make the trip from Arles to Marseille, nothing beats the speed and comfort of the train. The TER trains operated by SNCF will take you from Arles to Marseille St-Charles in under an hour.
Once you arrive into Marseille, you'll find plenty of things to see and do. The Vieux Port is crammed with museums and galleries, as well as lively bars and fine restaurants, while modernist architecture doesn't come more impressive than Le Corbusier's Unite d'Habitation. You can dip your toes into the Mediterranean at the Calanques, attend Olympique Marseille matches at the Stade Velodrome, or attend an event at Le Friche - a cultural centre that's right next door to St Charles Station.
St-Charles itself is perfectly located to start exploring the city, with links to the Marseille Metro and local buses. And there are plenty of daily departures from Arles for travellers to pick from. If we've tickled your tastebuds and you're ready for a French adventure, read on for trains times, prices and FAQs about your journey from Arles to Marseille St-Charles.
Arles to Marseille St-Charles by train
| Journey time | From 43m |
|---|---|
| Price | €9.90 - €51.40 |
| Distance | 46 miles (74 km) |
| Frequency | 26 trains per day |
| Departure station | Arles |
| Arrival station | Marseille St-Charles |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | SNCF, BlaBlaBus |
TER, SNCF and Intercités trains from Arles to Marseille St-Charles
TER
SNCF
Intercités
TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
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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).
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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.
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Cheap train tickets from Arles to Marseille St-Charles
- lowest price found‡
- from€9.90
- on the day‡
- avg. single price€17.41
Book in advance
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 Arles to Marseille St-Charles by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
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.
Choose a slower or connecting train
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!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guide to check when European train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
How long does the train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles take?
The average journey time by train between Arles and Marseille St-Charles is 1 hour and 16 minutes, with around 26 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.
What's the fastest journey time between Arles and Marseille St-Charles by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles is 43 minutes.
How much does the train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles cost?
Train ticket prices from Arles to Marseille St-Charles can start from as little as €9.90 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Arles to Marseille St-Charles without having to change trains. There are 23 direct trains from Arles to Marseille St-Charles each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles leave?
The first train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles leaves at 06:13. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles leave?
The last train from Arles to Marseille St-Charles leaves at 21:40. 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.
What's the distance between Arles and Marseille St-Charles by train?
Trains travelling from Arles to Marseille St-Charles cover a distance of around 46 miles (74 km) during the journey.
