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Taking the train from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou in 4 hours 19 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 7 hours 35 minutes to travel the 128 miles (206 km) from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 19 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 8 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either AVE and Renfe trains. Both train companies run modern comfortable services with plenty of room for luggage.
Train tickets from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Port-Bou? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou by train
| First train | 07:19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:12 | |
| Departure station | Marseille St-Charles | |
| Arrival station | Port-Bou | |
| Journey time | From 4h 19m | |
| Distance | 128 miles (206 km) | |
| Frequency | 8 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou
Want to know more about your journey from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou?
What's the distance between Marseille St-Charles and Port-Bou by train?
Who runs the trains from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou?
Can you travel from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Port-Bou from Marseille St-Charles?
What time is the first train from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou?
What time is the last train from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou?
How often do trains go from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou?
Is there a return trip from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou?
Renfe and AVE trains from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou
Renfe
AVE
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.
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AVE classes from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when travelling from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou.
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With luggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their bar/restaurant carriage 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Onboard services on AVE
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou.
With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored in a case.
If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey.
On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. 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.
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.
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, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm).
With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.
AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.
Cheap train tickets from Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou
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 Marseille St-Charles to Port-Bou 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 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.