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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
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Looking for a cheap price?
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Travel by train from Paris to Marseille
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Want to travel from Paris to Marseille and need more information? Look no further!
Generally, the train time from Paris to Marseille is 3 hours and 59 minutes, although it can take just 3 hours and 4 minutes on the fastest TGV INOUI services. With around 18 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you don’t need to worry about changing along the way. On this route, you’ll depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station, and travel through the French countryside before arriving at Marseille St Charles station.
Traveling by train is one of the simplest ways to get from Paris to Marseille. In just over three hours, high-speed trains will whisk you from one city center to the other, which is much faster than driving, or even flying if you include airport transfer times and terminal queues. If you fancy treating yourself, travel in TGV First Class and enjoy wider comfortable seating options, including solo seats or a separate lounge for up to 8 people.
Once you’ve traveled through the outskirts of Paris, the route to Marseille is a scenic one. As you reach speeds of 198 mph, you can admire the changing countryside and even mountains once you pass Lyon. After arriving in Marseille, you can:
- Wander along the Old Port – cute cafés, boutique hotels and endless eateries line the waterfront.
- Take a tour of MuCEM – the first French museum dedicated to the Mediterranean.
- Marvel at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde – the symbol of Marseille, full of beautiful sculptures and mosaics.
If you need to travel back to Paris at the end of your trip, check out our guide on how to get from Marseille to Paris by train.
Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Marseille today. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Paris to Marseille first, keep reading for more information on:
- Today's train times
- Information about TGV INOUI and OUIGO
- TGV INOUI and OUIGO classes
- Onboard services on TGV INOUI and OUIGO trains
- Finding cheap train tickets from Paris to Marseille
- Traveling from the airport to central Paris
- How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Train stations between Paris and Marseille
- Arriving in Marseille from Paris
- Public transport in Marseille
- Discover Marseille & France
- Popular train journeys from Marseille
- Traveling from central Marseille to the airport
- Explore Europe with a Eurail pass
- Review: Paris to Marseille with TGV INOUI
Paris to Marseille by train
It takes an average of 4h 1m to travel from Paris to Marseille by train, over a distance of around 410 miles (660 km). There are normally 24 trains per day traveling from Paris to Marseille and tickets for this journey start from $18.17 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:03 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 9:22 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Marseille | |
| Journey time | From 3h 4m | |
| Distance | 410 miles (660 km) | |
| Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $18.17 | |
| Train and bus operators |
TGV, OUIGO, Intercités and SNCF trains from Paris to Marseille
TGV
OUIGO
Intercités
SNCF
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company SNCF. Despite having only one class on board, OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, although OUIGO tickets are only available to purchase online. To make your journey as smooth as possible, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and bear in mind that there's an additional fee for bringing a suitcase with you, having a seat with power sockets and travelling with a stroller/buggy.
More information
Intercités is the classic service of SNCF. The Intercités lines are an important part of the French rail network. Trains make more stops and are cheaper than TGVs, and run at speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h). Two comfort classes are offered aboard Intercités – First Class and Second Class. Intercités by night allows you to travel at night on certain routes, in sleeper cars.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
TGV INOUI, OUIGO and INTERCITÉS classes from Paris to Marseille
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, OUIGO and INTERCITÉS when traveling from Paris to Marseille.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
INTERCITÉS
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a power outlet, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Dining car (1)
- In-seat meal service (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power outlets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
Second Class
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll enjoy at-seat power sockets, free WiFi and a catering service offering snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Single seat options
First Class
In addition to all the amenities available in Standard Class, you'll find more legroom, adjustable seats and individual tables in First Class.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Single seat options
Onboard services on TGV INOUI, OUIGO and INTERCITÉS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Marseille.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
INTERCITÉS
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.
On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in car 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.
WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.
For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 for all journeys.
You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.
Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
You can take as much baggage as you want on INTERCITÉS trains, whether that's a suitcase, overnight bag or a backpack - just make sure that each piece of baggage is no taller than 130cm and no wider than 90cm. You must be able to carry all your baggage yourself. All baggage must be labelled before you hop on board the train.
You can treat yourself without leaving your seat on INTERCITÉS trains, as there's an at-seat food and drink service. Discover the INTERCITÉS menu 'Nos Territoires Gourmands' and enjoy high-quality, local products. This service is only available on the following routes: Paris - Clermont-Ferrance, Paris - Toulouse, Bordeaux - Marseille, Paris - Briançon (night INTERCITÉS train), Paris - Toulouse (night train), Paris - Lourdes (night train), Paris - Nice (night train).
Free WiFi is available on some INTERCITÉS services. Kick back and relax with free WiFi on the following routes: Paris-Clermont-Ferrand, Paris-Limoges-Toulouse, Marseille-Bordeaux and Paris-Briançon. On overnight trains, you can connect to free WiFi on the Paris - Nice and Paris - Briançon routes.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket for an additional fee.
Small pets are allowed on board INTERCITÉS trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on INTERCITÉS services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
Cheap train tickets from Paris to Marseille
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Paris to Marseille by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Traveling from the airport to central Paris
If you’re flying to Paris, chances are you’ll land at one of Paris’ airports. Continue reading for more details on how to get to central Paris from the city’s three major airports.
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tille Airport to central Paris
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station from central Paris
Before your journey to Marseille, you need to travel to Paris Gare de Lyon station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Gare de Lyon station is located in eastern Paris and easily accessed due to the city’s public transport system. If you’re hoping to take the train to Marseille and need to get to Paris Gare de Lyon train station, you can get there by:
- Metro: From the city center, you can take Line 1 or Line 14 to the Metro station at Gare de Lyon.
- Train: Hop on the RER A or RER D service to Gare de Lyon.
- Bus: You can take RATP buses from across the city to Gare de Lyon, including services 24, 29, 57, 61, 63, 72, 77, 87 and 91.
- Night buses: If you’re traveling at night, you can take many buses to Gare de Lyon, including N01, N02, N11, N16, N31, N32, N33, N34 and N35.
- On foot: Paris Gare de Lyon can be accessed either from the forecourt (Place Louis Armand) overlooking Boulevard Diderot, from Rue de Bercy, or Place Henri Frenay.
Using public transport in Paris
Paris Métro is the best way to travel around the city quickly, cheaply and easily. If you’re planning to travel around Paris and France, we recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities.
Kids under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Children under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
As you wait for your train to Marseille, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Gare de Lyon station.
What to expect at Gare de Lyon station
Boarding a TGV INOUI train
Boarding a OUIGO train
Train stations between Paris and Marseille
On your way from Paris to Marseille by train, the train may stop at certain towns and cities along the way.
In total, the journey from Paris to Marseille takes just over 3 hours. Depending on which service you travel on, you’ll stop at some of the most beautiful towns and cities in France.
Lying north of Marseille, Avignon is a walled Medieval city that comes to life in summer during its July festival, flooding the streets with juggling, jousting, music and theatre.
Situated just 20 miles from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence offers that picture-perfect Provençal setting of pale, sun-baked buildings, narrow cobbled streets and vineyard-carpeted hills.
The line from Paris to Marseille serves:
Arriving at Marseille Saint-Charles station from Paris
After 3 hours of traveling, your train will arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles station.
Marseille Saint-Charles station is located at Square Narvik and is open every day from 4:30 am to 1:05 am, except on Friday when it closes at 1:30 am. Here’s how you can get from Marseille Saint-Charles station to various parts of the city:
- The Old Port: On foot, it takes around 21 minutes. On public transport, it takes around 16 minutes with Metro line 1.
- The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde: Public transport will take less than 30 minutes to reach the city's famous cathedral from the train station. To walk, allow about 40 minutes.
- The beach: From the station, the closest beach is probably the Catalans, located not far from the Old Port. To get there, you can take the Metro line 1 and then bus 83 (only 24 minutes).
Public transport that serves Marseille Saint-Charles station:
- Metro: M1, M2
- Buses: 33, 34, 49, 52, 56, 82S
- Night buses: 521, 533, 582
- Intercity buses: 34, 50, 51, 53, 64, 88, 89, 91
- International buses: Flixbus, BlaBlaCar bus
- Shuttles: shuttles from Marseille-Provence and Aix airports.
Using public transport in Marseille
If you want to navigate Marseille quickly and conveniently, use RTM, the city's public transport system.
Taking the Metro in Marseille
Comprised of two lines, the city’s subway system is known as the Marseille Metro and stops at 31 stations across the city.
From Monday to Thursday, the Metro operates between 5:00am and 11:00pm. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they run more frequently, and the service is extended until 12:30am.
If you want to transfer between lines, you can change at either Castellane or St Charles.
A single ticket costs €1.70 ($1.82) as of November 2023, and must be validated before or at the start of your journey.
Taking the tram in Marseille
In 1899, the first electric tramway opened in Marseille. However, the modern tram network didn’t open until 2007. Today, the tramway consists of three lines, covering all areas of the city.
Generally, the trams run every 5 to 10 minutes from 5:00am until 12:00am. Although, timetables may vary depending on the day of the week and the time of the year.
A single ticket costs €1.80 ($1.92) as of November 2023, and must be validated before or at the start of your journey.
Taking the bus in Marseille
In Marseille, around 80 bus lines run across the city, stopping at over 1,200 stops. Usually, buses run from 5:00am until 9:00pm. If you are traveling at night, you can use the city’s night bus service, Fluobus, between 9pm and 12:30am.
Discover Marseille and France
If you’d like to explore more of France but you’re unsure where to begin, here’s some inspiration for the best places to visit and how to get there by train:
Popular train journeys from Marseille
Enjoyed your time in Marseille and want to explore more of France and Europe? You can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Marseille:
Traveling from central Marseille to the airport
If you’d like to know how to get from central Marseille to the airport, keep reading for more details.
Welcoming more than nine million passengers each year, Marseille Provence airport is the main airport in the region, located around 15 miles from downtown Marseille.
Train to Marseille Airport
If you’d like to take the train to Marseille Airport, head to Marseille Saint-Charles station and hop on a regional TER train to Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence station. In total, the journey takes around 13 minutes. From the station, a free shuttle bus service will take you to the airport in less than 10 minutes.
Bus to Marseille Airport
Although it takes a bit longer, the bus is the cheapest option to get from downtown Marseille to the airport. Operating every day between 4:10am and 1:30am, bus line 91 will take you from Marseille Saint-Charles station to the airport’s bus station, between terminals 1 and 2. Generally, the journey takes between 30 and 50 minutes.
Taxi to Marseille Airport
If you want to get to Marseille Airport from the city center with minimum fuss, you could take a taxi. In central Marseille, there are many taxi ranks and companies. Please note that traveling in a taxi can be expensive – the average fare from the city center to the airport is around €75.00 ($80.13) during the day and €95.00 ($101.50) during the night, as of November 2023.
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Marseille, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
FAQs for Paris to Marseille
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Marseille? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Paris to Marseille take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and Marseille is 4 hours and 1 minute, with around 24 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paris and Marseille by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Marseille is 3 hours and 4 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to Marseille cost?
Train tickets from Paris to Marseille can start from as little as $18.17 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Marseille?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Marseille without having to change trains. There are 16 direct trains from Paris to Marseille each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to Marseille leave?
The first train from Paris to Marseille leaves at 06:03. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to Marseille leave?
The last train from Paris to Marseille leaves at 21:22. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paris and Marseille by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to Marseille cover a distance of around 410 miles (660 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Marseille to Paris.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.