Questions about transportation in Marseille? They will end as soon as you finish this reading, I promise! It is natural that several questions arise when we are planning a trip to another place, especially another country. Thus, I will help you decide what to do and how to get around the city.
I will speak as much for those who intend to spend a few hours in Marseille as for those who will spend a long period of vacation. Winter or summer, it's good to know where to buy your tickets and even how to get to the Castle of If or the famous Calanques.
One important thing that I carry as a golden tip is always to be aware of local news shortly before arriving. It is always good in case of transport strike, fleet reduction or route change due to popular demonstrations.
As the currency in France is the Euro, some people consider public transport in Marseille to be expensive. The tips you will find here, however, will help you save.
For those who don't master the French language, don't worry. The self-service counters for purchasing tickets provide handling options in other languages, such as English and Spanish.
How to get around Marseille?
There are several transport options in Marseille, in the France. So it's good to understand how each one works and check which will be best for you. Stay tuned for tips and check out how you will get around during your trip!
streetcar
The tramway network is a great transport option in Marseille. It operates in the city from 05:00 am to 00:30 am, and is made up of 3 different lines, which cross a total of just over 15 kilometers.
There are, on average, 40 stops that take you to the main Marseille attractions. I consider the tramway always a good option during tours. When I'm in it, I can admire the landscape and already get to know some parts of the city. It's harder to do that when I use the metro!
Below, check out the main tramway lines:
- Line 1: from Noailles to Les Caillols there are twelve stops between one point and another.
- Line 2: from Arenc Le Silo to La Blancarde there are thirteen stops between one point and another.
- Line 3: from Arenc Le Silo to Castellane there are nine stops between one point and another.
Bus
Marseille has approximately 80 bus lines, which cut across its territory. They run from 05:00 to 21:00, while the night line operates from 21:00 to 01:00.
The buses are generally very clean and follow their timetables, which are always displayed in the terminals. There are some places, however, where the metro and tramway do not run.
At these points, buses tend to have a high number of passengers at peak times. Particularly, I only choose to use the bus when I cannot access the place via subway or tramway.
Subway
In France, only three cities have metro lines. Marseille has this type of transport, as well as Lyon and the capital Paris. The city has two lines, called M1 (blue line) and M2 (red line).
The first crosses the city in an east/west direction, while the second runs in a north/south direction. Both are interconnected at two points: at Gare de Saint Charles and at Castellane.
The subway line follows the same timetable as the tramway, starting at 05:00 am and ending at 00:30. The subway is the most practical and fastest way to get around the city, but after 20 pm, the service interval is gradually reduced. So, I suggest opting for the tramway, bicycle or other modalities.
Bikes
Undoubtedly the most fun form of transport in Marseille is by bicycle. It adds the advantage of exercising while discovering the village. In fact, I think the bike is always a good option to get to know a new place!
And Marseille offers you this possibility through 1000 bicycles arranged in 130 stations. They are spread all over the city (every 300 meters), active 24 hours a day, every day of the week! It's a great way to get around the summer of france.
A sizable deposit is charged to secure the bike's return, but the rental itself is very affordable. The first 30 minutes are free, and every hour you pay 1 euro.
Recommend => Bike rental in Marseille
Taxi/Uber
Ordering a taxi in Marseille is quite simple as there is a central number where you can place your order. Just call + 33 (0) 8 11 46 90 90 (local call) and order yours.
Another possibility is to download apps (such as Taxi Proxi or Les Taxis Marseillais, for example). Through them, it is possible to carry out your demand via cell phone or tablet, following the location of the requested vehicle in real time.
Currently, there are around 1.560 taxi drivers serving the city, managed by the municipal management of public vehicle control. Rides between Marseille airport and the city center have a fixed price. Prices are €50 during the day and €60 at night. It is the main option for those arrives in Marseille.
Uber is a widely used app in the city. As in many other countries, it often brings a good cost/benefit advantage over taxis. Thus, it is a good alternative for transportation in Marseille.
On the day I wrote this article, for example, I did a simulation from the airport to the city center. The cost of the ride is €43. Both services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Scooter
E-scooters are a real rage in Marseille! They arrived in the city in early 2019 and gained space in the lives of residents of the village, as well as tourists. Currently, three companies have the right to operate in the city, the German Circ, the Swedish Voï and the Californian Bird.
Each one is responsible for having 2.000 scooters in the city, totaling 6.000 vehicles. The objective is to reinforce transport in Marseille. After working out, you can enjoy the typical dishes of France without any guilt!
To use them, you first need to download the application of the desired company and register. With this, you will have access to the geolocation of the equipment and you will be able to pay for its use. It costs €1 to unlock the scooter and €0,20 per minute of use.
Electric vehicles
An electric car rental service is available in the city 24 hours a day, every day of the week. The entire process is done through an application (TOTEM mobi) for drivers who have the B permit.
Through the application, you can find available cars near you. It is also possible to check the autonomy of the battery, start the vehicle and explore the city.
An important tip is that you need to send your data and documents for the company to approve before releasing the vehicle for use. This analysis time is up to 48 hours, so be organized in terms of shipping time and arrival in the city.
If this is your option for transport in Marseille, registration costs €0,99 and information regarding price/km can be found on the Totem Mob website.
Boat/Boat
Undoubtedly, a must-have transport in Marseille are the speedboats (here called Navettes Maritimes), especially on sunny days! The ferry makes the routes: Oporto/Estaque, Oporto/La Pointe Rouge and La Pointe Rouge/Les Goudes.
Crossings cost €5 each way, and tickets can be purchased directly when boarding (payment in cash). Children under 6 years old are entitled to free.
Boat departures are subject to the day's weather conditions. You can follow real-time information about departure times by downloading the RTM (Marseille Transport Management) app.
The boats take you to two popular tourist spots in the city, the Isle of Frioul and/or Isla d'If. If you are interested in visiting just one of the islands, the round trip cost is €11,10, but if you choose to visit both, you will only pay €16,70.
Remembering that the value refers to transport to the islands. To access the Castle d'If you will need to pay 6€ at the local ticket office (I can assure you it will be worth it!).
Train
A nice train ride through Europe, Who would not like? If the route is to cities in the south of France, then it was perfect!
Among the transport options in Marseille is the train. It has a good structure and seat marking options at the time of booking, and it is also possible to transport your bicycle on board.
From here you can go to different cities, such as Bordeaux, Paris, Avignon and other regions of France. It is also possible to travel to other countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, among others. All this by accessing the SNCF website or application, responsible for managing the lines.
Tourism in Marseille
As in many tourist cities, Marseille also has possibilities for passes designed exclusively for visitors.
My suggestion is to buy the Marseille Pass. It is valid for 24h, 48h or 72h,
The pass gives access to public transport, bicycles, museums and small tourist trains that circulate in the city. You can also take the boat that takes you to Isle of Frioul or Isle d'If.
And the advantages go beyond transport in Marseille! The ticket guarantees you discounts on some temporary exhibitions, excursions, shows and even shops!
After all that, I ask you: what are you waiting for to enjoy this beautiful city in the south of France? Pack your bags and discover Marseille! Profites bien!
