Marseille

✈️

Airport and Air Travel

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Airport and Air Travel in Marseille, France

Marseille, located in the south of France, is a major port city and a gateway to the Provence region. Its main airport, Marseille Provence Airport (Aéroport Marseille-Provence, IATA Code: MRS), is one of the busiest airports in France, offering both domestic and international connections. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate air travel to and from Marseille, including transportation options, costs, procedures, and local tips.

1. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) Overview

  • Location: The airport is located approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Marseille city center, near the town of Marignane.
  • Terminals:
    • Terminal 1 (MP1): Handles most international and domestic flights, including full-service airlines.
    • Terminal 2 (MP2): Dedicated to low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet.
  • Facilities:
    • Duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes.
    • Currency exchange and ATMs.
    • Free Wi-Fi for up to 2 hours.
    • Car rental services (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc.).
    • Luggage storage and assistance services.

2. Transportation Options to and from Marseille Provence Airport

A. By Bus

  1. Airport Shuttle to Marseille Saint-Charles Train Station:

    • Service: The airport shuttle (Navette Aéroport) is the most convenient and direct option to reach Marseille city center.
    • Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes from 4:10 AM to 12:10 AM.
    • 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.

  2. Regional Buses:

    • Buses also connect the airport to nearby cities like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Salon-de-Provence.
    • Costs and schedules vary depending on the destination.

B. By Train

  • Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence Train Station:
    • Located about 5 minutes from the airport, accessible via a free shuttle bus.
    • Regional TER trains connect the station to Marseille Saint-Charles (city center) and other destinations in Provence.
    • Cost: Around €5-7 to Marseille.
    • Duration: 15-20 minutes to Marseille Saint-Charles.

C. By Taxi

  • Availability: Taxis are available 24/7 outside both terminals.
  • Cost:
    • Approximately €50-70 to Marseille city center during the day.
    • Night rates (7 PM to 7 AM) and Sundays/holidays may increase the fare to €60-90.
  • Duration: 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Tips: Ensure the taxi uses a meter or agree on a fixed price before starting the journey.

D. By Rideshare (Uber, Bolt, etc.)

  • Rideshare services like Uber operate in Marseille and are often cheaper than taxis.
  • Cost: €35-50 to the city center.
  • Duration: Similar to taxis (25-30 minutes).

E. By Car Rental

  • Options: Major car rental companies operate at the airport.
  • Cost: Rental prices start at around €30-50 per day, depending on the car type and season.
  • Tips: Book in advance for better rates, and be aware of toll roads (autoroutes) in the region.

3. Flight Connections

  • Domestic Flights: Frequent connections to major French cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice, Toulouse, and Bordeaux.
  • International Flights: Direct flights to European cities (London, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, etc.), North Africa (Algiers, Casablanca, Tunis), and some Middle Eastern destinations.
  • Low-Cost Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea offer budget-friendly options to various destinations.
  • Long-Haul Flights: Limited direct long-haul flights; most intercontinental travel requires a connection via Paris (CDG/ORY) or other major European hubs.

4. Arrival Procedures

  • Passport Control:
    • For non-Schengen arrivals, travelers must go through passport control.
    • EU/Schengen citizens can use automated e-gates for faster processing.
  • Customs:
    • Declare goods exceeding duty-free limits.
    • Green channel for "nothing to declare" and red channel for declarations.
  • Baggage Claim:
    • Baggage carousels are clearly marked with flight numbers.
    • Lost luggage assistance is available at the airport.

5. Departure Procedures

  • Check-In:
    • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
    • Online check-in is available for most airlines.
  • Security Screening:
    • Standard European airport security procedures apply.
    • Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable bag.
  • Boarding:
    • Gates are clearly marked, and announcements are made in French and English.
    • Allow extra time to reach gates in Terminal 2, as it is smaller and can get crowded.

6. Costs and Budgeting

  • Transportation:
    • Budget €10-50 for transportation to/from the airport, depending on the mode of travel.
  • Food and Drinks:
    • Airport prices are higher than in the city. Expect to pay €3-5 for coffee and €10-20 for a meal.
  • Parking:
    • Short-term parking: €4/hour.
    • Long-term parking: €10-15/day.
    • Discounts available for pre-booking online.

7. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Language: French is the primary language, but airport staff generally speak English.
  • Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for buses or taxis.
  • Weather: Marseille has a Mediterranean climate. Be prepared for hot summers and mild winters.
  • Peak Travel Times:
    • Summer (June-August) is the busiest season, so expect crowds and higher prices.
    • Arrive early during peak times to avoid long queues.
  • Strikes: France occasionally experiences transportation strikes, which can affect airport services. Check for updates before traveling.

8. Emergency Contacts

  • Airport Information Desk: +33 4 42 14 14 14
  • Lost and Found: +33 4 42 14 27 42
  • Police: 112 (EU-wide emergency number)
  • Medical Assistance: On-site medical center available in Terminal 1.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Marseille Provence Airport and enjoy a smooth travel experience. Bon voyage!