Paris to Marseille by train

Taking the train from Paris to Marseille is fast, scenic, and affordable. Here’s what you need to know:

• Fastest journey: 3 hours 4 minutes on high-speed TGV INOUI trains.
• Daily trains: 14 direct services, up to 16 with stops.
• Ticket prices: Starting at $26 (early booking), average $70.
• Budget option: OUIGO trains from $11, with add-ons like extra luggage or seat selection.
• Overnight option: Night trains (9 hours 30 minutes) for a slower, regional experience.

Quick Comparison

Book early to save money, travel mid-week for lower fares, and choose between premium TGV INOUI or budget-friendly OUIGO depending on your preferences.

Train Ticket Classes and Types

Standard Class Tickets

Standard tickets provide comfortable seating with air conditioning and power outlets. Passengers also have access to a café-bar car for refreshments.

First Class Tickets

First class offers larger seats, extra legroom, and a quieter atmosphere. Specific amenities may vary depending on the service.

OUIGO Budget Service

OUIGO is a budget-friendly option, with fares starting at around $11 for adults and $9 for children under 12. The base fare includes one piece of hand luggage, while additional services come with extra charges:

These trains can carry up to 1,260 passengers and use a fully digital ticketing system available through a mobile app. For high-speed services, passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Flexible rail pass options are also available for those looking for broader travel coverage.

Rail Pass Coverage

Eurail and Interrail passes are valid for travel on the Paris–Marseille route. The Eurail France Pass, designed for non-European residents, starts at about $71 for one travel day within a month^[1]. While these passes cover the base fare, seat reservations for high-speed trains are required and come with an extra fee.

Benefits of rail passes include:

• Freedom to visit multiple destinations
• Access to over 30,000 locations across Europe
• Possible discounts on ferry connections
• Flexible travel day options

Paris to Marseille at 320km/h by TGV Duplex

Train Companies and Services

Once you’ve figured out your ticket options, it’s time to look at the train operators for the Paris–Marseille route. This route is primarily handled by SNCF‘s high-speed trains, offering around 26 daily connections with different service levels and prices. Here’s a closer look at what each operator brings to the table.

TGV INOUI Services

TGV INOUI runs the main high-speed trains between Paris Gare de Lyon and Marseille. Here’s what you can expect:

OUIGO Train Options

OUIGO offers a budget-friendly high-speed alternative for travel between Paris and Marseille. Discounted fares in March 2024 increased ridership by 20%, adding 50,000 passengers each month.

Highlights of OUIGO include:

• Departures from Marne-La-Vallée – Chessy
• Travel time of about 3 hours 42 minutes
• An optional OUIGO Plus upgrade (around $10) for perks like seat selection and extra luggage

Local TER Trains

For those looking for a regional experience, TER trains provide a slower but more affordable option with multiple stops along the way. These trains also connect to smaller towns and cities, making them ideal for local travel. Plus, they cut carbon emissions by 15% compared to flying ^[2].

How to Book and Costs

Where to Buy Tickets

You can book your Paris–Marseille trip through official SNCF channels. Tickets are available on the SNCF Connect website, mobile app, self-service terminals, at SNCF stations and shops, or by phone at 3635 (standard call rates apply). Be sure to check the fare options and booking windows before purchasing.

Ticket Costs

Here’s a breakdown of ticket prices based on service type and booking window:

Children under 12 can travel on OUIGO services for a flat rate of $8.65 (€8) ^[3]. Keep in mind that additional services may affect your total cost.

Extra Charges

Some optional services come with additional fees. Here’s what you might need to budget for:

For TGV INOUI tickets, modifications and refunds are allowed up to 3 days before departure, depending on the fare conditions. Additionally, SNCF Connect offers a price freeze service, letting you lock in a fare while you finalize your travel plans ^[3].

Train Times and Routes

Non-Stop Routes

TGV INOUI offers the fastest direct trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Marseille Saint-Charles, with the quickest trip taking just 3 hours and 4 minutes ^[2]. Key direct departures include times around 9:09 AM, 10:10 AM, 2:10 PM, and 6:10 PM. These high-speed trains account for most of the 26 daily connections between Paris and Marseille ^[2]. Now, let’s take a look at services that include stops along the way.

Stops Along the Way

While direct trains are faster, many services make important stops to connect major cities. Common stopovers include:

Trains with stops typically take about 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete the journey ^[2].

Local Train Routes

For a different kind of trip, you can explore local or night train options. Overnight services, like the INTERCITÉS night train, run from Paris Austerlitz to Marseille Blancarde, offering regional stops and extended schedules ^[2].

How to Save Money

Early Booking Deals

Plan ahead: TGV INOUI tickets usually go on sale about 4 months before the departure date, while OUIGO tickets are available up to 9 months in advance, with fares starting as low as €19 ^[3]. To get the best prices, set up price alerts and aim to book your tickets 3–5 months before your trip. Check daily fare fluctuations to fine-tune your savings strategy.

Best Times to Travel

Ticket prices can vary depending on the day of the week. Here’s a breakdown of OUIGO fare ranges:

Traveling mid-week – especially on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – can save you 25–40% compared to weekend fares. Additionally, early morning or late evening departures often come with lower prices.

Discount Programs

Take advantage of these options to cut costs:

• The SNCF Advantage Card provides a 30% discount year-round for you and a travel companion ^[3].
• During peak travel times, comparing ticket classes might reveal only small price differences, which could make upgrading more worthwhile ^[3].

Planning Your Trip

With your tickets and schedule ready, here are some tips to make your trip smoother:

Station Details

Trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon (Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris) and arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles, located about 1.2 miles from the Old Port.

Schedule Overview

• First train: 6:03 AM
• Last train: 9:29 PM
• Average journey time: 3 hours 34 minutes (fastest: 3 hours 04 minutes)
• Daily frequency: 27 trains ^[3]

This range of options works well for both early risers and late travelers.

Booking Timeline

You can book TGV INOUI tickets up to 4 months in advance, while OUIGO tickets are available as far as 9 months ahead. Always check current rates before purchasing.

Pre-Trip Essentials

Keep these luggage rules in mind:

• TGV INOUI: Two checked items and one carry-on
• OUIGO: One carry-on and a cabin bag (OUIGO PLUS adds extra capacity for about $9)

To ensure a smooth start, follow these steps:

• Arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure
• Have your digital or printed ticket and ID ready
• Check the departure platform 20 minutes ahead
• Use the SNCF Connect app for any real-time updates

These tips will help you kick off your journey without any hiccups.