There is an excellent public transportation system in Marseille, making it simple for travellers to get around the city. Trams, underground railways and buses offer an extensive network of transportation. Driving is not recommended due to narrow streets and traffic in the city centre, and while bicycle rentals are easy to come by, there are not many paths for cycling in the city. Walking and using public transportation are the best options for getting around Marseille.
Getting downtown
About 18 miles (29 km) from the city centre, Marseille-Provence International Airport (MRS) is the main airport serving the port town of Marseille. Public transportation options into the city include trains and buses. Shuttle buses also connect travellers to Marseille. Taxis and car rentals are also available at the airport.
Marseille airport overview
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the primary airport for the Provence region. Situated 27km (16 miles) northwest of Marseille, the airport is the primary hub for resorts such as Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Miramas.
Flights to Marseille Provence Airport come from all over Europe, including London, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Casablanca, Barcelona, Lisbon, Geneva, Milan, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rome, Helsinki, Ajaccio, Venice and Athens. There are few intercontinental routes, including flights from Montreal, Ouagadougou and Mauritius.
Processing more than seven million passengers per year, the airport built a new terminal specifically for budget airlines; however the terminal is generally regarded to have a “budget” feel to it, and can have uncomfortable waiting periods and a lack of seating in busy periods.