How to get from Marseille Provence Airport to Avignon

Traveling by train is the most recommended public transport method, balancing speed, cost, and frequency. There are two main train route options, both requiring one transfer.

Route Option	Key Steps	Total Time	Approx. Cost (One-Way)	Best For
Option A: Via Vitrolles Airport Station (Recommended)	1. Free Navette Shuttle Train to Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence. 2. TER or TGV Train to Avignon TGV or Avignon Centre.	1h15m - 1h45m	€15 - €40	Most travelers; fastest public option.
Option B: Via Marseille St-Charles	1. Bus or Taxi to Marseille St-Charles (city center). 2. TER, TGV, or Intercités Train to Avignon.	1h45m - 2h15m	€20 - €60+	If you need to visit Marseille center, or if direct trains from Vitrolles are unavailable.

Step-by-Step Guide for Option A (Recommended):

1. Find the Shuttle Train (Navette): Follow signs for “Gare / Train Station” inside Terminal 1 or 2. The free, automated shuttle train runs every 10-15 minutes and takes 7 minutes to reach Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence station.
2. Board Your Main Train: At Vitrolles station, take either:
   • TER (Regional Train): Slower but cheaper. Stops at both Avignon TGV and Avignon Centre. More frequent, no mandatory reservation.
   • TGV (High-Speed Train): Faster, often direct to Avignon TGV only. Requires a reservation. Book in advance for the best fares.
3. Arrive in Avignon: Decide your final stop:
   • Avignon TGV Station: Located 4km from the city center. Connect via a 5-minute local train (€1.60) or taxi (€15-€20) to the city walls.
   • Avignon Centre Station: Located just outside the historic city walls. Ideal if your hotel is in the old town.

Train Types & Tips:

• TER vs. TGV: TER trains offer flexibility, while TGVs offer speed and comfort. For a short journey like this, the time difference is often minimal (10-20 minutes).
• Luggage: Both train types have overhead racks and space at the ends of carriages. TGV requires you to store larger bags at the designated ends.
• Source: Check real-time schedules and buy tickets on the official SNCF Connect website.

Bus travel is the most economical option but involves longer travel times and potential transfers. There is no single direct bus linking the airport to Avignon city center.

Option 1: Bus + Train Combination (Cheapest)

This is the absolute lowest-cost method.

1. Bus to Aix-en-Provence: Take Ligne 13 (operated by Le Pilote) from outside Terminal 1 or 4 to “Aix-en-Provence TGV” station. Journey: ~30-40 mins, Cost: ~€2-€5. Check the airport’s transport page for latest schedules.
2. Train to Avignon: From Aix TGV station, take a TER train directly to Avignon Centre or Avignon TGV. Journey: ~45-60 mins, Cost: €10-€20.

Total: ~€12-€25, ~2.5-3 hours.

Option 2: Long-Distance Coach (FlixBus, BlaBlaBus)

You must first get from the airport to Marseille’s main bus station (St-Charles).

1. Airport to Marseille St-Charles: Take the L91 Express bus (€8.30, 25 mins) or a taxi (~€50, 20 mins).
2. Coach to Avignon: From Marseille St-Charles bus station, take a FlixBus or BlaBlaBus to Avignon’s central bus station (near the train station). Journey: ~1h15m-1h45m, Cost: €5-€15 if booked in advance.

Total: ~€13-€70+, ~2-2.5 hours. Less convenient due to the double transfer.

Option 3: Private Airport Shuttles

Companies like SuperShuttle or Provence Reservation offer shared or private door-to-door shuttles. You must book in advance online.
Cost: Shared shuttle from ~€40-€60 per person. Private van from ~€150-€200 per vehicle.
Pros: Door-to-door, meet-and-greet service.
Cons: More expensive than public transport, must be booked ahead.

This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option, ideal for groups, those with heavy luggage, or arrivals outside public transport hours.

Taxis (Metered)

• Availability: Official taxi ranks are located outside Terminal 1 (Hall 1) and Terminal 2 (Hall 4). Available 24/7.
• Journey & Cost: The trip to Avignon city center is approximately 90 km and takes 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic (heavier on A7 motorway during weekends/holidays).
  Fixed Fare: There is an official fixed fare for this journey from Marseille Airport to Avignon city center. As of 2024, it is approximately €180 - €220 during the day (7am-7pm) and €220 - €260 at night (7pm-7am) and on Sundays/holidays.
  Important: Always confirm the fixed price with the driver before departure. The meter should not be running for this inter-city trip.
• Payment: Cash and major credit cards are generally accepted.

Pre-Booked Private Transfers (Recommended)

Booking online in advance (via companies like Welcome Pickups, KiwiTaxi, or local providers) is often more reliable and can offer competitive fixed rates.
Advantages:

• Fixed price with no surprises.
• Driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
• Assistance with luggage.
• Child seats available on request.
• Choice of vehicle (sedan, minivan for groups).

Cost Range: €150 - €250 for a standard sedan (1-3 passengers), €200 - €300+ for a minivan (4-8 passengers).

When to Choose This Option:

• Traveling in a group of 3 or more (can be cost-effective).
• Arriving late at night or very early in the morning.
• Have mobility issues or excessive luggage.
• Prioritizing comfort, privacy, and time-saving above all else.

Here is a direct comparison of all transport options from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon city center.

Transport Method	Total Door-to-Door Time	Approx. Cost (One-Way)	Transfers / Complexity	Best Suited For	Booking Advice
Train (via Vitrolles)	1h15m - 1h45m	€15 - €40	1 (Shuttle Train + Main Train)	Most travelers; best balance	Book TGV in advance online; TER tickets on the day.
Bus + Train Combo	2.5 - 3+ hours	€12 - €25 (Cheapest)	2+ (Bus + Train)	Solo travelers on a tight budget	Check bus schedules carefully; buy TER ticket separately.
Long-Distance Coach	2 - 2.5 hours	€13 - €70+*	2 (Bus to St-Charles + Coach)	Budget travelers already booked a cheap coach fare	Book coach weeks ahead for lowest fares.
Private/Shared Shuttle	1h - 1h30m	€40 - €200+	0 (Door-to-Door)	Small groups, convenience seekers	Must book online at least 24-48 hours in advance.
Taxi / Private Transfer	1h - 1h15m (Fastest)	€150 - €260+	0 (Door-to-Door)	Groups, families, late arrivals, luxury	Pre-book transfers for best rate; confirm taxi fixed fare.

*Coach cost varies wildly based on how far in advance you book and the time of day.

Where to Buy Tickets:

• Trains (SNCF): SNCF Connect (official), Trainline, or ticket machines at stations.
• Buses (Local): Driver (Ligne 13), or machines at bus stops.
• Coaches (Intercity): FlixBus, BlaBlaBus websites/apps.
• Transfers/Shuttles: Directly on provider websites (e.g., Welcome Pickups, KiwiTaxi).

Beyond schedules and prices, here’s practical advice from seasoned travelers to make your journey smoother.

Luggage & Comfort

• Travel Light for Public Transport: Stations like Marseille St-Charles are large and have stairs. The Vitrolles airport station route has elevators and is easier to navigate with suitcases.
• Left Luggage: If you have a long layover, Marseille St-Charles station offers luggage lockers (consignes automatiques). Marseille Airport also has left luggage facilities in Terminal 2.

Navigation & Timing

• Beware of Rush Hour: If taking a taxi or driving, avoid the A7 motorway towards Avignon on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, especially in summer, as traffic can be heavy with holidaymakers.
• Station Names are Crucial: Know if your train/bus goes to Avignon TGV (outside town) or Avignon Centre (city center). Confusing them can add 30+ minutes to your trip.
• Validate TER Tickets: If you buy a paper TER ticket from a machine, you must stamp it (composter) in the orange validator machines on the platform before boarding. E-tickets on your phone do not need validation.

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer (July-August) & Festivals (Avignon Festival in July): Book everything in advance – trains, taxis, and hotels. Trains and roads are extremely busy. Prices peak.
• Winter: Services may run less frequently. The Mistral wind can cause delays on roads and railways.

Making the Most of the Journey

• Scenic Detour: If you have a few extra hours on a train journey, consider getting off at Tarascon or Arles (both between Marseille and Avignon) for a quick look at their magnificent castles and Roman arenas before continuing to Avignon.
• First View of Avignon: Sit on the right-hand side (facing direction of travel) when approaching Avignon Centre station by train from Marseille for a stunning first glimpse of the Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet (the famous bridge).