Marseille city center (Vieux-Port / Gare Saint-Charles) is about 27 km southeast of the airport.

About Marseille City Center

Marseille, France's second-largest city and oldest settlement (founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC), is a Mediterranean port city of raw energy, cultural diversity, and dramatic scenery. The Vieux-Port (Old Port), the city's natural harbor and social focal point, is framed by forts Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas, lined with fish restaurants, and hosts a daily fish market where fishermen sell the morning's catch directly from their boats.

Above the port, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde ('La Bonne Mère') crowns the highest point in the city, its golden Virgin Mary statue visible from everywhere in Marseille. The panoramic views from the basilica encompass the city, the Frioul Islands, and the Château d'If — the island fortress made famous by Alexandre Dumas' 'The Count of Monte Cristo.'

The MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), a stunning cube of latticed concrete perched on the waterfront next to Fort Saint-Jean, has become Marseille's architectural icon since its opening in 2013. The Le Panier quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood, climbs the hill behind the port in a colorful jumble of narrow streets, street art, artisan shops, and the striking Vieille Charité cultural center. Marseille's culinary soul is bouillabaisse, the famous fish stew that remains a fiercely guarded local tradition.

Nearby Landmarks

Vieux-Port Notre-Dame de la Garde MuCEM Le Panier Quarter

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $55-65
Time 25-35 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $45-55
Time 25-35 min

Outside arrivals, designated ride-hailing area

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the Navette Marseille shuttle bus from outside Terminal 1 directly to Gare Saint-Charles (25 min). From there, metro connects to Vieux-Port.

Navette Marseille

Cost $10
Time 25 min
Frequency Every 15-20 minutes

Outside Terminal 1 arrivals

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $55-65 25-35 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $45-55 25-35 min Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $10 25 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The airport shuttle bus runs from approximately 5:00 AM until 12:15 AM. After midnight, taxis from the airport cost approximately €50-60 to the city center. Marseille's metro runs until about 12:30 AM (later on weekends). The Vieux-Port area has active nightlife, particularly along the Cours Julien and the Cours Honoré d'Estrangin. Uber operates in Marseille but coverage can be limited late at night.

Luggage Tips

The airport shuttle bus has luggage compartments underneath. Saint-Charles station has luggage lockers on the main concourse level (€5-10 depending on size). The walk from Saint-Charles down the monumental staircase to the city center is dramatic but steep — use the elevator or escalator with heavy bags. Le Panier quarter has narrow, steep streets impossible with large rolling luggage. Hotels in the Vieux-Port area have drive-up access.

Accessibility

Marseille Provence Airport is fully accessible. The airport shuttle bus is wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Saint-Charles station has an accessible entrance via elevator (avoid the famous grand staircase). Marseille's metro Line 1 is accessible at most stations. The Vieux-Port promenade is flat and wheelchair-friendly. Le Panier quarter is steep and inaccessible for wheelchairs. MuCEM is fully accessible with elevator access between levels.