Before even thinking about what you'll do in Marseille, there's the question of how to get there. The options vary a lot depending on where you're starting from. Here's the real data to help you choose without guessing.
By train from Paris and the rest of France
The TGV remains the most comfortable option from Paris: about 3 hours 10 minutes direct between Gare de Lyon and Gare Saint-Charles, both right downtown, with up to 24 trains a day split between TGV INOUI, OUIGO, and Intercites. From Lyon, plan for about 1 hour 40 minutes, and most major French cities have a direct connection or a simple transfer.
By plane from abroad
Marseille Provence Airport is served by many European airlines: Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia, Lufthansa, and others, with direct connections from most major European cities (London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Rome...). For visitors coming from farther away (North America, Asia), a connection through Paris or another major European hub is generally still necessary, as Marseille has few direct long-haul flights.
From the airport to downtown
Once at Marseille Provence Airport, the official shuttle connects directly to Gare Saint-Charles in about 25 minutes. Train travel is also possible via the small Vitrolles-Aeroport station, linked to the airport by a free shuttle. For the full breakdown of options and prices, we've written a whole article on this trip.
The plan is already ready when you land
Our 6 ready-made itineraries start right from downtown, so you don't lose time once you're there.
See the itinerariesTrain or plane, how to choose
From Paris and most major French cities, the train wins out almost every time once you count the door-to-door trip: both stations sit right downtown, with no airport detour or advance check-in. The plane regains the advantage for international routes with no direct rail link, or for very long distances where even a connecting flight beats a multi-day train journey.
Good to know before booking
OUIGO trains, cheaper than standard TGV INOUI, often come with more limited luggage allowances and sometimes depart from slightly out-of-the-way stations, worth checking before booking the lowest fare. For flights, booking several weeks ahead makes a real price difference on low-cost carriers, particularly in summer.
Want every address ready on your phone?
This article gives you the context. The complete guide gives you 64 verified addresses and 6 ready-made day itineraries, right on your phone once you're in Marseille.
Unlock the complete guideFrequently asked questions about getting to Marseille
How long is the TGV from Paris to Marseille?
About 3 hours 10 minutes direct from Gare de Lyon to Saint-Charles, with up to 24 trains a day across operators (TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Intercites).
Which airlines fly to Marseille from abroad?
Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia, Lufthansa, and other European carriers serve Marseille Provence Airport, with direct connections from many European cities.
Is it better to take the train or the plane to Marseille from Paris?
The train, in most cases: door to door (Gare de Lyon to Saint-Charles, both right downtown), it's often faster than flying once you count the trips to and from the airports and check-in.