Getting around Marseille: metro, tram, bus, taxi or private driver?
Marseille is a large, sprawling city, with hills, a coastline several dozen kilometres long and a centre that is often congested. Depending on your journey, your budget and your luggage, the best way to get around is not always the same. Here is an overview to help you choose, whether you are a visitor or a local.
Metro and tram: fast in the city centre
The RTM network has two metro lines (M1 and M2) and three tram lines (T1, T2 and T3). They serve Saint-Charles station, the Old Port, La Joliette, the Prado, the Vélodrome and several northern and eastern districts. It is the cheapest way to get around the city centre at rush hour.
- Pros: low fares, no traffic jams, frequent service during the day.
- Cons: the network does not reach the Calanques, the Côte Bleue or much of the southern coastline; there is no service at night; awkward with large suitcases.
Buses: everywhere, but slower
RTM bus routes extend the metro to the beaches, the hills and the outer districts, with a few night lines. They are handy for the Prado beaches, Les Goudes or Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, but they get stuck in traffic, especially in summer and in the late afternoon.
The ferry-boat and sea shuttles
The famous ferry-boat crosses the Old Port in a few minutes, between the town hall and Place aux Huiles. In season, sea shuttles also link the Old Port with L’Estaque, Pointe-Rouge and the Frioul islands. It is a lovely way to see the city from the sea, but timetables depend on the season and the weather.
Cycling and walking
The city centre, the Old Port, Le Panier and La Joliette are easy to explore on foot. Self-service bikes are available in the centre. Mind the hills: the climb to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde or Le Panier is steep, and the summer heat makes long walks tiring.
Taxis: available, but metered
Marseille taxis wait at the ranks at Saint-Charles station, the airport and in the centre. They charge a regulated metered fare, with possible extras: the final price depends on the time spent in traffic. For a detailed comparison, read our article private driver or taxi in Marseille.
Private driver (VTC): door to door, at a fixed price
A VTC (the French term for a private hire vehicle with a driver) is booked in advance, online or by phone. The price is fixed when you book and does not change with traffic. It is the most comfortable option in several situations:
- With luggage: from Marseille Provence Airport, Saint-Charles station or the cruise terminal.
- Early in the morning or late at night, when the metro has stopped running.
- In a group: a van carries up to 8 people, and the price is shared.
- Outside the city: Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, La Ciotat or the Côte Bleue, which are poorly served by public transport.
- On event nights at the Stade Vélodrome, when the streets around the stadium are closed.
At GoTransfert, a ride starts at €20 in Eco. Expect about €43 between the airport and the Old Port. All prices are on our Marseille private driver prices page.
Which transport for which journey?
| Your journey | Our advice |
|---|---|
| In the city centre, no luggage | Metro, tram or walking |
| Airport → city centre with suitcases | Private driver, or shuttle bus then metro if you are alone and travelling light |
| Saint-Charles station → hotel | Private driver with luggage, metro if travelling light |
| To the Calanques, Cassis or the Côte Bleue | Private driver or car |
| Home after an evening out or a concert | Private driver booked in advance |
| Group of 5 to 8 people | Van with driver |
Arriving by plane? See also our guide Marseille airport → city centre.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get around Marseille without a car?
In the centre, the metro, tram and walking are enough. For the beaches and the hills, buses take over. For the airport, the Calanques or journeys with luggage, a private driver is the simplest option.
Does the Marseille metro run at night?
No. The metro stops in the late evening and starts again early in the morning. At night, a few bus lines, taxis and private drivers remain.
How much is a private driver in Marseille?
At GoTransfert, from €20 in Eco. About €43 between Marseille Provence Airport and the Old Port. The exact price is shown before you confirm and does not change afterwards.
Should I book a private driver in advance?
It is recommended, especially for a very early departure, a flight or a train, and on event nights. You can book online or by phone, 24/7.
Book your private driver in Marseille online or call +33 6 32 76 58 47.
Marseille Airport – city centre and Saint-Charles station: shuttle, train, taxi or private driver?
Saint-Charles station and Marseille Provence Airport, in Marignane, are about 27 km apart. Whether you fly in and need to reach central Marseille, or leave from the station to catch a flight, there are four options: the shuttle bus, the train, a taxi or a private driver. Here is how each one works in both directions, and which to choose.
At a glance
| Option | Station ⇄ airport* | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle bus | ≈ 25 to 30 min | Cheap for a solo traveller | Drops you at the station: you still have to finish the journey |
| Train | ≈ 30 to 40 min including the connection | No traffic jams | Shuttle from the terminal to Vitrolles station, then the train |
| Taxi | ≈ 30 min | Available at taxi ranks | Metered fare, higher at night |
| Private driver | ≈ 30 min | Fixed price, door to door, driver waiting for you | Must be booked in advance |
* Outside rush hour. In the morning and late afternoon, getting into Marseille on the A7 can add 15 to 30 minutes to road journeys.
The shuttle bus between the airport and Saint-Charles station
Coaches link the airport to the Saint-Charles bus station, right next to the railway station, with frequent departures during the day. It is often the cheapest option for one person travelling light. Once at Saint-Charles, you still need to take the metro, a taxi or walk to your hotel; in the other direction, the shuttle leaves from the bus station. Check the first and last departure times if you are travelling very early or very late.
The train via Vitrolles Aéroport station
There is no station inside the terminal: a free shuttle takes you in a few minutes to Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille-Provence station, where regional TER trains leave for Marseille Saint-Charles. The train avoids traffic jams, but the connection makes the journey longer, especially with suitcases.
The taxi
Taxi ranks are located outside the terminals and on the forecourt of Saint-Charles station. The fare is metered at the regulated rate and goes up at night, on Sundays and on public holidays.
The private driver: fixed price, both ways
A private driver is booked in advance, online or by phone. The price is set when you book and does not change, even if your flight or train is late. At the airport, your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign; at the station, they wait for you as you step off the train. You are dropped at the exact address: terminal, hotel, home or cruise terminal.
| Private driver journey | Distance · time | Eco | Sedan | 8-seat van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Charles station – airport | ≈ 27 km · 26 min | ≈ €43 | ≈ €51 | ≈ €67 |
| Airport – Old Port | ≈ 27 km · 28 min | ≈ €43 | ≈ €51 | ≈ €67 |
| Airport – cruise terminal | ≈ 22 km · 24 min | ≈ €35 | ≈ €42 | ≈ €55 |
Prices include VAT (TTC).
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Indicative prices, tolls included; the exact price is shown before you confirm. For four people in Eco, the station ⇄ airport journey works out at about €11 per person, and under €9 for eight in the Van.
Which option should you choose?
- Travelling alone, light and with no time constraints: the shuttle bus.
- Avoiding traffic jams at all costs: the train.
- Nothing planned and in a hurry: a taxi from the rank.
- Leaving early, arriving late, with children, luggage or as a group: a private driver booked in advance.
- Going on a cruise: a private driver, who drops you right at the terminal.
How much time should you allow before a flight?
From the station or the city centre, allow about 30 minutes by road outside rush hour, and arrive at the terminal 2 hours before a European flight, more for a long-haul flight. A driver booked the day before picks you up at the agreed time, even for a 6 am flight.
Find out more
- Saint-Charles station private driver
- Marseille Provence Airport private driver
- Marseille Airport – Aix-en-Provence shuttle
- Taxi or private driver in Marseille
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Saint-Charles station to Marseille Airport?
About 30 minutes by car outside rush hour, for 27 km, and 25 to 30 minutes by shuttle bus.
How much is a private driver between Saint-Charles station and the airport?
About €43 in Eco, €51 in a Sedan and €67 in an 8-seat Van, tolls included, in either direction.
Is there a train station at Marseille Airport?
No. The nearest station is Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille-Provence, linked to the terminal by a free shuttle.
Where do I catch the airport shuttle at Saint-Charles?
At the bus station, right next to the railway station. Check the timetable before you leave, especially early in the morning.
Can I book a private driver for a night flight?
Yes, 24/7, at the same price day and night. Your driver tracks your flight and adjusts to the actual landing time.
Book your private driver between Saint-Charles station and the airportFixed price confirmed at booking · tolls included · 24/7
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