Getting Around Marseille
Public transport in Marseille is managed by the Régie des transports Métropolitains (RTM), the city's public transport operator. The network includes metro, tram, and bus services, complemented by ferries and a bicycle-sharing scheme. For most visitors, public transport offers the most practical way to navigate the city—driving in central Marseille is challenging and best avoided.
Metro and Tram
Marseille has a metro system with multiple lines and a tram network comprising several lines. The metro runs from 05:00 until 00:30, while trams operate until 00:30 seven days a week. Be aware that many metro stations have stairs, which may be inconvenient if you have luggage, mobility concerns, or a pushchair; in these cases, buses and trams are more accessible options.
Buses
An extensive bus network serves the city, with most routes operating from 04:30 until 21:30. A limited night bus network (Fluobus) provides infrequent service with roughly 45–60 minute intervals until around 00:30 for journeys after regular hours.
Tickets and Passes
Public transport tickets work across the bus, tram, and metro network. A single ticket costs €1.70 and allows unlimited transfers between buses and trams within one hour of initial use, plus one entry to the metro. Ten-journey tickets are available for €15 (plus €0.10 for the reusable card) and can be purchased at metro stations, cafes, or on buses, though the ten-journey tickets are not sold on buses themselves.
For longer stays, daily passes (carte journée) cost €5.20, or you can buy a 72-hour pass for €10.80. A seven-day pass costs €14.50 but requires a "La Carte" personalised transport card (free to obtain; you'll need a passport-sized photo and photo ID). La Carte can also be loaded with credit for pay-as-you-go fares at €1.40 per journey. You must validate your ticket each time you board a bus.
Ferries
A free ferry service crosses the Old Port (Vieux Port), which is considered Europe's shortest commercial boat ride and is a notable tourist attraction in itself. Additional ferry services operate from the Old Port to destinations including Pointe-Rouge, L'Estaque, Frioul, the Calanques, and Cassis. Ferry services to these destinations cost €10 for a return trip. A one-week RTM transport pass (€14.50) includes ferry access to most destinations except Frioul.
Bicycle Sharing
Marseille has a bicycle-sharing system called "Le vélo," which offers free trips for journeys under half an hour, making it a convenient option for short distances.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout the city and are recommended if you need to travel after 21:00 when most bus routes stop running. Exercise caution with unofficial taxis; if you believe you've been overcharged, note the driver's number (displayed in the rear of the car) and contact the Tourist Office at 11, La Canebière near the Old Port, where staff can assist you and address issues with drivers.
Walkability
Central areas of Marseille are walkable, particularly around the Old Port and the Canebière. However, the city has narrow streets, one-way systems, and varied topography, so comfortable walking shoes and a good map are advisable.
Getting from Marseille-Provence Airport
Marseille-Provence International Airport is located approximately 30 km from the city centre. Several options exist for reaching the city:
- Bus: Bus #91 is the most straightforward option, departing every 15–20 minutes and reaching St. Charles bus/train station in around 25 minutes. The fare is €10 for a one-way ticket or €16 for a round-trip (as of May 2022). From St. Charles station, you can access the metro or walk to your hotel. Alternatively, airport transfer buses cost €8.30 each way to Gare St Charles and run every 20 minutes; tickets are sold at the cabin between Hall 1 and Hall 3/4 of the main terminal.
- Train: The airport is served by the Vitrolles Marseille Provence Airport train station on the TER regional network. Free shuttle buses depart from the bus station's platform 5 to reach this station in five minutes. The TER service connects to Marseille and Miramas in one direction, and to Arles, Tarascon, Nîmes, and Montpellier in the other, with the journey to Gare St Charles taking around 20 minutes. This is a cheaper option at €5.70 than the dedicated airport bus.
- Taxi: Taxi fares from the airport are approximately €50 during the day and €60 at night.
Planning Your Journey
The Pilote website includes schedules for buses, trams, metro, and regional transport across the metropolitan area and is easier to read than official RTM sites. An RTM app is available for both Android and iPhone, providing journey planning and timetable information in a user-friendly format.