Making your way to the Cote d’Azur via Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles? Here’s everything you need to know about the Phocaean city’s main railway hub, including how to get from Marseille airport to Marseille train station and which hotels you can stay at near Marseille Saint-Charles.

Image Credit: Getty Images, amoklv. Image Location: Marseilles, France

How many Marseille train stations are there? 

Marseille has 10 railway stations within its city limits: Marseille Saint-Charles, La-Barasse, Saint-Marcel, La Pomme, Marseille-Blancarde, Picon Busserine, Gare de Sainte Marthe, Saint Joseph le Castellas, Saint-Antoine, and L’Estaque, all of which are within Marseille city limits. This doesn’t include metro stations, so suffice to say, you can get around Marseille just fine.  

What is the main Marseille France train station?

The main train station in Marseille, France, is Marseille Saint-Charles. This central railway station in the Saint-Charles district was built on a small hill in 1848. Walk the grand staircase, admire the statues and lamp posts adding an Art Nouveau touch to the beautiful building, and you’ll feel like you’re embarking on the journey of a lifetime.

Where is Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles?

Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles is located in the heart of the city and a 20 minute walk from the Old Port. It’s in the 1st arrondissement which includes the Saint-Charles district, Opéra de Marseille, Musée Cantini, Marseille History Museum, and Port Antique.

Is there a metro station at Marseille Saint-Charles train station?

Yes, there is a metro station at Marseille Saint-Charles train station. It connects to the M1 (blue) line and the M2 (red) line. The blue metro line takes you to Palais Longchamp and the Old Port. The red metro line runs to Orange Vélodrome (Olympique de Marseille's redeveloped stadium), Porte d’Aix, and Frac Sud modern art museum.

Image Credit: Getty Images, no_limit_pictures. Image Location: Marseilles, France

How do you get from Marseille Airport to Marseille train station? 

You can get from Marseille Airport to Marseille train station via a direct, non-stop route…but it won’t be by train. Marseille Provence Airport offers a shuttle service that runs between Marseille Airport and Marseille Saint-Charles train station. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence train station is at the airport — this railway station is an inconvenient, nearly 2.5-mile walk away. 

Does Marseille Saint-Charles train station have luggage storage?

Yes, Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles does have a luggage storage area. It’s called La Bag Mobile, which is an independent company operating at Marseille Saint-Charles. The bag storage is located on the lowest floor of the train station near the Starbucks. 

What shops and restaurants are in the Marseille train station?

Marseille Saint-Charles train station has the usual mix of shops and restaurants. This station also knows you’ve come to the French Riviera to eat by the sea. If you’re in a pinch, EXKi Marseille and Gianaland are ready to fuel you up. There’s also the ol’ reliable Carl’s Jr. for your American fast food fix. As for shops, HEMA, Parfois, Air de Provence, and Agape Marseille have your cosmetic, souvenir, and various bric-à-brac (miscellaneous) needs. 

Can I take a day trip to Paris from Marseille?

Yes, a day trip to Paris from Marseille is one of the best day trips in France you can take. The train ride can take as little as 3 hours, leaving you plenty of time to knock off a few must-dos in the French capital like seeing the Eiffel Tower, touring the Louvre, and grabbing a bite at Café de Flore or Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Carlos Sanchez Pereyra. Image Location: Marseille, France

Hotels near Marseille Saint-Charles train station

Snooze near Marseille Saint-Charles train station and wake up in the heart of the city.

Holiday Inn Express Marseille-Saint Charles, an IHG Hotel

You don’t need a flashy five-star hotel near Marseille Saint-Charles to feel like you’re on vacation. Holiday Inn Express is directly across the street from the train station and a 15-minute walk from the Old Port. 

Alex Hôtel & Spa

The only boutique hotel in Marseille, Alex Hôtel & Spa has a hammam, sauna, and massage table ready to work out any stress you brought to the South of France. 

You’ve already downloaded the Trainline app and purchased train tickets directly from your phone. Use the time you’ve saved not waiting in line at the ticket kiosk to venture out and stay at one of the best hotels around Marseille

Looking for destination inspiration? Visit these filming locations for Netflix’s Transatlantic then make your way through our guide to the best things to do in Marseille.

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Yann Guichaoua-Photos. Image Location: Marseilles, France

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