Marseille Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Marseille, France’s vibrant Mediterranean port city and gateway to Provence, is served primarily by one major international airport with a second smaller airport handling budget airlines. Unlike Paris with its multiple hubs, Marseille’s air traffic is consolidated around one main facility conveniently located near the city, with a secondary option for specific routes. This guide explains both airports, their terminals, and provides clear instructions on how to reach central Marseille and the wider region.

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Overview: Marseille Provence Airport (IATA: MRS) is the primary international airport serving Marseille and the greater Provence region. Located about 25 km (16 miles) northwest of central Marseille in Marignane, it is the fifth-busiest airport in France. The airport handles a comprehensive mix of domestic, European, and intercontinental flights, serving as a hub for low-cost and charter traffic.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (MP1): The original and larger terminal, handling the majority of flights including most full-service, international, and charter airlines. It has recently been renovated.
• Terminal 2 (MP2): Located in a separate building, this terminal is almost exclusively used by low-cost carriers, most notably Ryanair. It is a more basic, no-frills facility.

Important: The two terminals are approximately 3 km apart and are not connected airside or by a free shuttle. Transfer between terminals requires taking a public bus (navette) or taxi. Always confirm your terminal (MP1 or MP2) with your airline before traveling, as getting it wrong can cause significant delays.

Getting to and from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS):

• Train (Navette Aéroport – Vitrolles Station):
  This is the fastest and most reliable way to reach central Marseille. A free shuttle bus (Line L091) connects both airport terminals (MP1 and MP2) to Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence train station in about 10-15 minutes. From this station, frequent regional TER trains run to Marseille Saint-Charles, the city’s main railway hub. The total journey from airport to city center takes 25-35 minutes. Tickets must be purchased for the TER train portion.
• Direct Airport Bus (Ligne 91 / 91 Express):
  Operated by the regional transport network (lePilote), the Ligne 91 bus provides a direct, affordable link between the airport (both terminals) and Marseille Saint-Charles bus station. The journey takes 25-45 minutes depending on traffic. The 91 Express is a faster, slightly more expensive service with fewer stops.
• Taxi / Ride-Hailing:
  Taxis are available outside both terminals. The fare to central Marseille is a fixed rate (approximately €50-€55 during the day, higher at night). Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt also operate at the airport.
• Car Rental:
  All major international car rental companies have desks at both terminals. Renting a car is an excellent option for exploring Provence, the Calanques, and the Luberon region independently.

Best for: Most travelers to Marseille, the French Riviera west of Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, and inland Provence. It offers the widest range of flight options.

Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN)

Overview: Toulon-Hyères Airport (IATA: TLN) is located about 70 km (43 miles) east of Marseille, near the towns of Hyères and Toulon. While it serves the eastern Var region, it is a viable, smaller alternative for travelers heading to the eastern part of the Marseille metropolitan area or who find suitable flight routes.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A compact, modern terminal handling mainly seasonal European flights and some domestic routes.

Getting to and from Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN) to Marseille:

• Train + Bus/Taxi:
  The most practical public transport option involves taking a local bus or taxi from the airport to Hyères train station or Toulon station, then a TER regional train to Marseille Saint-Charles (approx. 1h 15m from Toulon). Total door-to-door travel time from TLN to central Marseille is typically 2-2.5 hours.
• Car Rental or Private Transfer:
  Renting a car at TLN provides the most flexibility for the 1-hour drive to Marseille via the A50 motorway. Private transfers are also available but are relatively expensive for this distance.

Best for: Travelers whose final destination is east of Marseille (e.g., Toulon, Hyères, Saint-Tropez peninsula) or those who find a convenient, direct flight (often seasonal) to TLN.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Marseille?

For the vast majority of visitors, Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the unequivocal first choice due to its proximity, excellent rail link, and frequency of flights.

Only consider Toulon-Hyères (TLN) if you are specifically visiting the eastern Var coast or find a flight deal that justifies the longer, more complex transfer to Marseille city. For context, the transfer from TLN to Marseille is comparable in time and cost to traveling from a secondary London airport to central London.

Airport Transfers to Key Regional Destinations

Marseille Provence Airport is the perfect gateway for exploring beyond the city itself. Here are key transport links:

From Marseille Airport (MRS) to Popular Destinations:

• To Aix-en-Provence:
  Best Option: Direct Bus (Navette Aix-en-Provence). A dedicated express bus (Line 40) runs frequently between the airport and Aix-en-Provence bus station. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Faster and more direct than going via Marseille.
• To Avignon:
  Best Option: Train. Take the free shuttle and TER train from the airport to Marseille Saint-Charles, then a high-speed TGV or regional TER train to Avignon Centre or Avignon TGV station. Total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
• To the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes):
  Best Option: Train. From Marseille Saint-Charles, frequent TER trains run along the spectacular coastal route to Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. The journey to Nice takes about 2.5 hours. Driving via the A8 autoroute is also an option (approx. 2 hours to Nice, subject to traffic).
• To the Calanques National Park:
  Best Option: Local Transport from Marseille. Reach Marseille city center via train or bus from the airport, then use local buses (RTM) or a boat service from the Old Port (Vieux-Port) to access various Calanques entry points.

Critical Tip – Terminal Verification:
The most common mistake for travelers using MRS is confusing Terminal 1 (MP1) and Terminal 2 (MP2). Ryanair and some other budget airlines almost exclusively use MP2. Always double-check your airline’s terminal assignment on the airport website before departure and upon return, as ground transport options differ slightly between the two.

Bottom line: Fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Use the efficient and cheap train connection (free shuttle + TER) to reach Marseille Saint-Charles station. For onward travel to Aix-en-Provence, use the direct bus from the airport. Pre-booking a taxi or transfer is advisable for late-night arrivals or large groups. Always confirm whether your flight uses Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.