Marseille

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Air Travel

Sections

1. Main Airport in Marseille

The primary airport serving Marseille is Marseille Provence Airport (Aéroport de Marseille Provence), located approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of the city center in Marignane. It is the fifth busiest airport in France and serves both domestic and international flights.

Key Details:

  • IATA Code: MRS
  • Terminals:
    • Terminal 1 (MP1): Handles most international and domestic flights.
    • Terminal 2 (MP2): Dedicated to low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet.
  • Website: www.marseille.aeroport.fr

2. Transportation Options to and from Marseille Provence Airport

a. By Bus

  • Airport Shuttle (Navette Aéroport):
    • Connects the airport to Marseille’s main train station, Gare Saint-Charles.
    • Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes.
    • Duration: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
    • Cost: €10 one-way for adults, €5 for children (4-11 years), free for children under 4.
    • Tickets can be purchased online, at the airport, or directly from the driver.

b. By Train

  • The airport has a nearby train station, Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence, connected via a free shuttle bus (5-minute ride).
  • From Vitrolles station, regional trains (TER) run to Marseille Saint-Charles and other destinations.
  • Cost: Around €5 for a one-way ticket to Marseille.
  • Duration: 20-25 minutes.

c. By Taxi

  • Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminals.
  • Cost: Approximately €50-70 to Marseille city center during the day, and €60-80 at night (additional charges may apply for luggage or public holidays).
  • Duration: 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

d. By Rideshare

  • Services like Uber and Bolt operate in Marseille. Fares are generally cheaper than taxis, costing around €35-50 to the city center.

e. By Car Rental

  • Major car rental companies (e.g., Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have desks at the airport.
  • Cost: Daily rental rates start at around €30-50, depending on the car type and season.
  • Tip: Book in advance for better rates and availability.

f. By Private Transfer

  • Pre-booked private transfers are available for a more comfortable and personalized experience.
  • Cost: Starts at €60-80 for a standard car.

3. Communication Facilities at the Airport

a. Wi-Fi

  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Connect to the “WIFI-AIRPORT” network and follow the instructions to log in.

b. Mobile Services

  • SIM cards and top-up services are available at Relay shops in the airport.
  • Major providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom.

c. Charging Stations

  • Charging points for electronic devices are available in both terminals.

d. Information Desks

  • Located in both terminals, these desks provide assistance with flight information, transportation, and other inquiries.

4. Costs Involved

Flight Costs

  • Domestic flights within France: €50-150 (one-way, depending on the airline and booking time).
  • International flights: €100-500 (one-way, depending on the destination and season).

Transportation Costs

  • Bus: €10 one-way.
  • Train: €5 one-way.
  • Taxi: €50-80.
  • Rideshare: €35-50.
  • Car rental: €30-50 per day.

Other Costs

  • Food and beverages at the airport: €5-10 for coffee/snacks, €15-25 for a meal.
  • Parking: Starts at €5/hour or €20/day for short-term parking. Long-term parking is available at discounted rates.

5. Procedures for Domestic and International Flights

a. Domestic Flights

  1. Check-in: Arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure. Check-in can be done online or at the airport counters/kiosks.
  2. Security Check: Proceed to security screening after check-in. Ensure liquids are in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag.
  3. Boarding: Gates typically close 20-30 minutes before departure.

b. International Flights

  1. Check-in: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure. Online check-in is recommended to save time.
  2. Passport Control: For non-Schengen flights, pass through immigration. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
  3. Security Check: Follow the same rules as domestic flights.
  4. Boarding: Gates close 30-45 minutes before departure.

c. Customs

  • For arrivals from non-EU countries, declare items exceeding duty-free allowances (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, or goods worth over €430).

6. Local Tips and Considerations

a. Language

  • While French is the primary language, airport staff generally speak English. Learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful.

b. Currency

  • The currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are available at the airport, and most shops accept credit/debit cards.

c. Peak Travel Times

  • The airport can get busy during summer (June-August) and holiday periods. Arrive early to avoid delays.

d. Accessibility

  • The airport is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and dedicated assistance services. Contact your airline or the airport in advance to arrange assistance.

e. Food and Shopping

  • The airport has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. Local specialties like Provençal products and wines are available for purchase.

f. Security

  • Marseille Provence Airport is safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

g. COVID-19 Considerations

  • Check current travel restrictions and health requirements (e.g., masks, vaccination proof) before your trip.

7. Useful Contacts

  • Marseille Provence Airport Customer Service: +33 (0)4 42 14 14 14
  • Lost & Found: +33 (0)4 42 14 27 42
  • Tourist Information: Available at the airport or call +33 (0)4 91 13 89 00.

By following this guide, you should have a smooth and enjoyable experience traveling through Marseille Provence Airport. Let me know if you need further assistance!