Marseille Provence Airport

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), locally known as Aeroport de Marseille Provence or Marignane, is the main international airport serving Marseille and the Provence region in southern France. Located approximately 27 km northwest of Marseille city center near the town of Marignane, it is France's fifth busiest airport handling over 10 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals connected by a free shuttle bus:

• Terminal 1 (mp1): Main terminal handling most scheduled flights including Air France, Ryanair, easyJet, and full-service carriers. Split into Hall A (Schengen) and Hall B (Non-Schengen)
• Terminal 2 (mp2): Low-cost terminal located 800 meters from Terminal 1, primarily serving budget carriers including some Ryanair and Volotea flights

Important: The terminals are not connected airside. Check your departure terminal carefully as walking between them takes 10-15 minutes, or use the free shuttle (every 10 minutes).

Marseille Provence serves as a gateway to Provence, the French Riviera, and the Calanques National Park, making it popular with leisure travelers year-round.

Marseille Provence Airport is located 27 km northwest of Marseille city center and 25 km west of Aix-en-Provence.

Typical travel times:

• Marseille Saint-Charles Station: 25 minutes by shuttle bus
• Marseille city center by taxi: 25-40 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Aix-en-Provence: 30-40 minutes by shuttle bus or taxi
• Avignon: 1 hour 15 minutes by car

The airport is connected to the A7 and A55 motorways, and a dedicated shuttle bus service links both terminals to Marseille's main train station.

Uber

Uber operates at Marseille Provence Airport with pickup at designated areas.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare area outside arrivals (both terminals)
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Van
• Typical wait time: 5-15 minutes

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals. Marseille taxis have regulated fares to the city center.

Destination	Fare	Time
Marseille city center	EUR 50-55 (flat rate)	25-40 min
Marseille Saint-Charles Station	EUR 50-55 (flat rate)	25-35 min
Aix-en-Provence	EUR 65-75	30-40 min
Cassis	EUR 70-85	35-45 min
Avignon	EUR 160-180	1h 15min

Tip: Flat rates apply to/from Marseille city center. Confirm the fare before departing. Taxis accept credit cards but notify the driver beforehand.

Airport Shuttle Bus (Navette Aeroport)

The primary public transit link is the shuttle bus connecting the airport to Marseille Saint-Charles station (the main train and metro hub).

To Marseille Saint-Charles Station:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Navette" or bus stops
2. Board the shuttle bus (runs from both terminals)
3. Direct service to Saint-Charles station (no intermediate stops)
4. Journey time: 25 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult	EUR 10
Return	EUR 16
Children (6-12)	EUR 6
Under 6	Free

Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes from 04:30 to 00:30 Purchase tickets: On board, at terminal kiosks, or online at navettemarseilleaeroport.com

Aix-en-Provence Shuttle

Direct bus service to Aix-en-Provence city center and TGV station.

Destination	Journey Time	Frequency	Fare
Aix-en-Provence Bus Station	30 min	Every 30 min	EUR 10
Aix-en-Provence TGV Station	15 min	Hourly	EUR 8

Connecting to the City

From Saint-Charles Station, you can access:

• Metro Lines 1 and 2: Access all Marseille neighborhoods
• TGV trains: Paris (3h), Lyon (1h40), Nice (2h30)
• Regional trains: Aix, Avignon, Toulon, Montpellier

Note: There is no direct rail connection to the airport. The shuttle bus is the only public transit option.

Marseille Provence Airport offers several parking options with online booking discounts.

Terminal Parking

Facility	Location	Rate
P1 Express	Terminal 1 (closest)	EUR 4.50/30 min, EUR 35/day
P2 Proximite	Terminal 1 (short walk)	EUR 25/day (online EUR 18)
P5 Economique	Free shuttle	EUR 12/day (online EUR 9)
P6 Low-cost	Terminal 2	EUR 10/day (online EUR 7)
P7 Long-term	Free shuttle	From EUR 6/day (online)

Tips:

• Book online at mrs.aero for discounts of 20-40%
• P1 offers 15 minutes free for drop-off and pickup
• Electric vehicle charging available in P1 and P2

Marseille Provence Airport offers French and Mediterranean dining options, though choices are more limited in Terminal 2.

Terminal 1 (Landside)

• Paul: French bakery chain, croissants, sandwiches, coffee
• Relay Cafe: Quick snacks and beverages
• La Rotonde: Brasserie-style French cuisine

Terminal 1 (Airside - Hall A)

• La Place: Mediterranean-style restaurant with Provencal dishes
• Exki: Healthy fast food, salads, and fresh juices
• Brioche Doree: French bakery, pastries and sandwiches
• Eric Kayser: Artisan bakery, excellent breads and viennoiseries

Terminal 1 (Airside - Hall B)

• Cafe Illy: Coffee and light snacks
• Travel Cafe: Sandwiches and quick bites

Terminal 2

• Vending machines and basic snack bars: Limited food options
• Tip: Eat before arriving at Terminal 2 or bring food with you

Budget tip: Paul and Brioche Doree offer reasonable prices by airport standards. The Relay shops sell sandwiches and snacks for budget travelers.

Free WiFi is available throughout Marseille Provence Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	MRS Free WiFi
Registration	Email address or social login required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email; streaming may be slow

Premium WiFi with faster speeds is available in airline lounges.

SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, though city shops typically offer better prices.

Airport Locations

• Relay stores (both terminals): Basic prepaid SIM options
• Duty-Free area (Terminal 1): Some SIM options available

Major French Carriers

Provider	Prepaid Package	Data
Orange	From EUR 20	10 GB
SFR	From EUR 15	5 GB
Bouygues Telecom	From EUR 15	5 GB
Free Mobile	From EUR 10	Budget option

Tips:

• For better prices, purchase SIM cards at Orange, SFR, or Free stores in Marseille city center
• EU roaming is included on all French SIM cards
• Many tobacco shops (tabacs) sell prepaid SIM cards

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in arrivals and departures areas.

Currency

• France: Euro (EUR)
• Major banks with ATMs: BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, Societe Generale

Currency Exchange

Travelex and Change Group counters are located in Terminal 1 arrivals and departures. Airport exchange rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw euros from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• France is largely card-friendly; contactless payments widely accepted
• Wise or Revolut cards for better exchange rates

Tip: Smaller shops, markets, and some restaurants prefer cash. Carry EUR 50-100 for incidentals.

Marseille Provence Airport offers duty-free shopping with an emphasis on French and Provencal products.

Duty-Free (Terminal 1)

• Aelia Duty Free: Main operator with perfumes, spirits, cosmetics, and luxury goods
• Tax-free savings: Available for non-EU residents on purchases over EUR 100

Provencal Specialties

• Maison de la Provence: Local olive oils, herbs de Provence, lavender products, savon de Marseille (Marseille soap)
• L'Occitane en Provence: Famous Provencal beauty and skincare brand
• Calissons d'Aix: Traditional almond candies from Aix-en-Provence
• Local wines: Cotes de Provence rose, Bandol, Cassis wines

Fashion & Accessories

• FNAC: Books, electronics, French media
• Longchamp: French leather goods
• Various boutiques: French fashion brands

Tips

• Best shopping selection is in Terminal 1 airside
• Terminal 2 has minimal retail options
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds (20% French VAT) at dedicated counters

Marseille Provence Airport has limited lounge options compared to larger hubs.

Salon Provence (Terminal 1)

• Location: Terminal 1, Hall A (Schengen), after security
• Access: Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Air France Business Class, Flying Blue Platinum/Gold, partner airline business class
• Hours: 05:30-21:00
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, Provencal specialties, bar, WiFi, newspapers
• Quality: Modest-sized lounge with regional character; can be crowded during peak hours

Priority Pass Access

• Salon Provence: Full access with Priority Pass membership

Airline Lounges

• Air France Lounge (T1): Access for Air France Business, Flying Blue Elite members
• Limited options for other airline alliances

Pay-Per-Entry

Day passes available at the lounge entrance for approximately EUR 35-40. Check Priority Pass or lounge websites for current pricing.

Tip: With limited lounge options, the Salon Provence can become crowded. Arrive early if you plan to use lounge access.

Several hotels are located near Marseille Provence Airport, though none are directly connected to the terminals.

At/Near the Airport

Pullman Marseille Provence Aeroport

• 500 meters from Terminal 1 (free shuttle)
• 4-star, 102 rooms
• Restaurant, bar, fitness center
• From EUR 120/night

Golden Tulip Marseille Aeroport

• 5-minute shuttle from terminals
• 4-star, modern rooms
• Pool (seasonal), restaurant
• From EUR 90/night

ibis Marseille Provence Aeroport

• 10-minute shuttle from terminals
• Budget-friendly option
• From EUR 65/night

B&B Hotel Marseille Provence Aeroport

• Free shuttle
• Budget option
• From EUR 55/night

In Marseille City Center

For early morning flights, staying in Marseille and taking the first shuttle (04:30) is feasible:

• InterContinental Marseille: 5-star, Old Port location, from EUR 250/night
• NH Collection Marseille: 4-star, near Saint-Charles station, from EUR 130/night
• ibis Marseille Centre Vieux Port: Budget, central location, from EUR 80/night

Transit Tips

• No sleeping pods or transit hotels inside the terminals
• Airport closes overnight; plan to stay at a nearby hotel if arriving late with early departure
• Some hotels offer early breakfast for passengers on dawn flights

Marseille is France's oldest city and second-largest metropolitan area, known for its vibrant multicultural character, Mediterranean cuisine, and stunning coastal scenery. The city serves as the gateway to Provence and the Calanques National Park.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Old Port (Vieux-Port)	30-35 min	Shuttle + Metro (M1 to Vieux-Port)
Notre-Dame de la Garde	40 min	Shuttle + Metro + bus 60
Le Panier (historic quarter)	35 min	Shuttle + Metro to Joliette
Calanques (Cassis)	45 min	Taxi/car to Cassis
Aix-en-Provence	30-40 min	Direct shuttle bus

Must-See Attractions

• Old Port (Vieux-Port): Historic harbor, fish market, restaurants, boat trips
• Notre-Dame de la Garde: Basilica with panoramic city views
• Le Panier: Oldest neighborhood, artisan shops, street art
• MuCEM: Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations
• Calanques National Park: Dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves

Provence Day Trips

• Aix-en-Provence: 30 min, elegant town with Cezanne connections
• Cassis: 45 min, charming fishing village, gateway to Calanques
• Avignon: 1h 15min, Papal Palace, medieval ramparts
• Arles: 1 hour, Roman amphitheater, Van Gogh history
• Luberon villages: 1-1.5 hours, Gordes, Roussillon, lavender fields (June-August)

Travel Tips

• Purchase a Marseille City Pass for free museum entry and unlimited transit
• The city center is walkable; the metro connects major areas
• Tipping is not obligatory but EUR 1-2 for good service is appreciated
• Many shops close for lunch (12:00-14:00) and on Sundays
• French is the primary language; English is spoken in tourist areas

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Take shuttle to Saint-Charles, walk to Old Port, enjoy bouillabaisse
• 6-hour layover: Add Notre-Dame de la Garde or MuCEM
• 8+ hour layover: Take the train to Cassis for Calanques views and seaside lunch

Marseille Specialties

• Bouillabaisse: Iconic Provencal fish stew (expect EUR 50-70 for authentic version)
• Navettes: Orange blossom-scented boat-shaped cookies
• Pastis: Anise-flavored aperitif, the local drink
• Panisse: Chickpea flour fritters
• Cotes de Provence rose: Local wines, perfect for summer
• Olive oil and tapenade: Provencal staples