Marseille, in the South of France, makes an excellent extension for any trip to Paris. Pair urban exploration with beachfront glamour. If you’re wondering how to travel from Paris to Marseille read on to learn how to optimize the journey, whether you’re traveling by train, car, bus or flight along with the pros and cons of each method below.
Why visit Marseille from Paris?
Marseille offers a delightful contrast to the refined, urban sophistication of Paris. As France’s oldest city and a vibrant Mediterranean port, things to do in Marseille include exploring its historic Old Port, beautiful waterfront and rich tapestry of influences, from French to North African to Italian. Nearby Calanques National Park further offers a chance to see the South of France’s natural beauty (the region is one of our favorite 10-year anniversary trip ideas).
“Marseille is a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway or as a starting point for your journey through the South of France,” Fora Advisor Valeriya Vygodnaya said.
Traveling from Paris to Marseille by train
High-speed trains are the best method for visiting Marseille from Paris. It’s less expensive than flights, and often faster once you factor in the time it takes to go through baggage, security and other airport-related hassles. High-speed TGV trains depart from Gare de Lyon in Paris and end in Marseille’s Saint-Charles station. The average trip lasts a little over three hours, and whisks you through the French countryside. There are also traditional trains that take closer to four to six hours, with multiple stops.
“The high-speed train from Paris to Marseille is unbeatable: It’s efficient, comfortable and gives you a great view,” Fora X Advisor Marisa Schwab said. “Plus, it’s direct, so you don’t have to worry about transfers or extra hassle. For anyone traveling between the two cities, it’s definitely the way to go!”
How much do train tickets cost?
If you purchase one-way, high-speed train tickets well in advance, expect to pay between €50 to €70 per ticket. Tickets bought right before departure typically climb to €120 to €150, or more for premium seating. For slower train services like Intercités or TER, fares range from about €30 to €70 for a one-way ticket when booked in advance.
How many Paris-Marseille trains are there per day? When’s the first and last train?
Between 15 to 20 trains travel from Paris to Marseille on an average day. Trains operate from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm with minor fluctuations depending on the season and average demand.
Paris’ train station
Gare de Lyon train station in Paris is set within the 12th arrondissement on the city’s Right Bank, not far from the Seine. It’s slightly removed from the city’s top attractions, but still conveniently accessible — far more so than the airport — from virtually any point in the city via the Métro or bus lines (many of Paris’ best hotels and things to do are steps away from a Métro station).
Marseille’s train station
Marseille Saint-Charles transit station is near the city’s famed Old Port, not far from the waterfront.
“You arrive in the heart of Marseille without the hassle of renting a car,” Valeriya said.
She noted Uber and taxis are readily available in the city, so you don’t have to worry if your hotel in Marseille is farther away from the station than you’d like to walk. And you can use buses or the Métro.
Services available aboard French trains
Onboard TGV trains, enjoy comfortable seating, ample legroom, free Wi‑Fi and onboard catering. Expect a relaxing setting where you can admire the passing landscapes, catch up on work and enjoy a meal. Slower trains offer a similar experience, but may not include Wi-Fi or onboard meals — it varies by train service.
Traveling from Paris to Marseille by car or bus
Visiting Marseille from Paris by car has merit, though buses are ideal for large groups (like field trips abroad).
Fora X Advisor Kara Kassuba noted that the train is usually best, but don’t dismiss a road trip through France. Kara recommends a three-part trip starting in Paris, stopping in Lyon and ending in Marseille, for example.
Road trips to Marseille from Paris
A road trip between the two destinations gives you the freedom to explore some of France’s most picturesque routes at your own pace. Covering roughly 500 miles, the drive typically takes seven to eight hours on the high‑speed autoroutes, though you may want to extend your trip with stops in cities like Lyon or Avignon to soak in the local culture and cuisine. Rental car expenses, refueling costs and toll fees are all considerations, making this mode of travel the most expensive option.
Bus routes from Paris to Marseille
Bus travel from Paris to Marseille can take as long as 12 to 15 hours once you factor in potential traffic, the many stops and slower speeds. Traveling at off-peak times drops the length to closer to 9.5 to 10 hours. Tickets cost between €20 to €50 on average when booked in advance.
Traveling from Paris to Marseille by flight
Regular flights from Paris to Marseille depart from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports and land at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS. The average flight time is about 1.5 hours. Tickets start between €70 and €300 for a one‑way trip, but this doesn’t factor in secondary travel costs of getting to and from the airports. Private options do cut down on the travel time, but are rare and generally cost exponentially more. Marseille proper is another 20 to 30 minutes from Marseille Provence Airport. Overall, traveling from Paris to Marseille by flight is hard sell when train travel is faster, less expensive, largely hassle free and crosses through France’s scenic countryside.
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