Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Airport near Marseille

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Georges Seguin (Okki)

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), known in French as Aéroport de Marseille Provence, is France’s second-largest regional airport and a crucial transport hub for the entire Southern European region. Situated in Marignane, approximately twenty-seven kilometers (seventeen miles) northwest of Marseille’s city center, it is strategically located to serve not only the bustling port city but also the picturesque region of Provence and the French Riviera. The airport manages over ten million passengers annually through its two terminals, offering extensive connectivity through both full-service and budget airlines.

Why This Airport Matters
History and Significance
Airport Layout and Quick Facts
Where to Stay Close to Marseille Provence Airport
Getting To and From Marseille Provence Airport
Arriving at Marseille Provence Airport
Departing from Marseille Provence Airport
Airport Services and Facilities
Renting a Car at Marseille Provence Airport
Flights and Airlines Operating at MRS
Practical Tips for Using Marseille Provence Airport
Final Thoughts

Why This Airport Matters

MRS is indispensable for the economic and tourism vitality of Southern France. It is the primary gateway for tourists visiting Provence's famous lavender fields, the historic cities of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, and the coastal beauty of the Calanques National Park. As a hub for major low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet, it has dramatically increased the region's accessibility to Europe. Furthermore, MRS is the third-largest airport in France for cargo traffic, underscoring its role in international commerce.

History and Significance

The airport’s modern facilities reflect a phased development strategy, with significant enhancements completed over the past few decades to manage increasing passenger numbers. The most recent major investment involved an extensive overhaul and expansion of Terminal One, completed in the summer of two thousand twenty-four. This project was designed to increase annual capacity and enhance the overall customer experience, solidifying MRS’s position as a top European gateway. The airport is also recognized for its early history as the site of a flying boat base in the nineteen thirties.

Airport Layout and Quick Facts

Marseille Provence Airport is currently composed of two main operational terminals: Terminal One (T1) and Terminal Two (T2). The terminals are close together, allowing passengers to walk between them in a few minutes.

Terminal 1 (T1): The main and older terminal, recently renovated and expanded. It handles the majority of full-service and international flights (both Schengen and Non-Schengen). It is built on two levels: Arrivals on Level one and Departures on Level two.
Terminal 2 (T2): A smaller, newer terminal that primarily serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea.
Connectivity: The airport is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Where to Stay Close to Marseille Provence Airport

Staying near MRS is highly convenient for very early departures or late arrivals, with several reputable hotels located less than one kilometer from the terminals, many offering free shuttle services. For a hotel directly on the airport grounds with a shuttle service, the Best Western Marseille Aeroport offers comfort and an outdoor pool. A short shuttle ride away, the Hilton Garden Inn Marseille Provence Airport is a highly-rated choice offering spacious rooms and modern amenities. For a reliable budget option close to the action, consider the ibis budget Airport Marseille Provence, which is very near the terminal complex.

Getting To and From Marseille Provence Airport

The airport is approximately thirty kilometers from Marseille’s central St-Charles train station (Gare St-Charles).

By Shuttle Bus (The Easiest Direct Route)

The Navette (Shuttle Bus) Line ninety-one offers the fastest and most direct link to central Marseille.

Route: Direct line between MRS and the Marseille St-Charles train station.
Frequency: Runs every ten to twenty minutes, depending on the time of day.
Fare: Costs approximately ten Euros one-way.
Journey Time: About thirty minutes, but can take up to forty-five minutes with heavy traffic.

By Train (To Connect Beyond Marseille)

While the airport itself does not have a station, a short, free shuttle bus ride connects the terminals to the Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence train station.

Process: Take the free airport shuttle (running every fifteen to twenty minutes) to the train station. From there, regional trains (TER) can take you into Marseille or to nearby cities like Aix-en-Provence.

By Taxi

Taxis are available outside Terminal One and Terminal Two Arrivals areas.

Fares: Taxis use a meter, but standard fares to the city center are typically between fifty Euros (daytime) and sixty-five Euros (nighttime/Sunday), depending on traffic. It’s wise to confirm an estimated fare with the driver before beginning the journey.
Journey Time: Approximately thirty minutes, depending on traffic conditions, particularly near the city center.

Arriving at Marseille Provence Airport

Upon arrival, passengers will navigate distinct areas:

Immigration (Non-Schengen): International passengers must pass through passport control.
Baggage Reclaim: Followed by customs.
Arrivals Hall: Here you will find ATMs, currency exchange desks, and information points.

Quick Tip: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. Also, for onward travel, the Shuttle Bus ninety-one stop is easily accessible just outside the Arrivals area.

Departing from Marseille Provence Airport

The departure process is straightforward:

Check-in: Check your ticket carefully to confirm whether your flight is departing from Terminal One (full-service, international) or Terminal Two (low-cost).
Fast Lane: A Fast Lane service is available for priority access through security checks in Terminal One and Terminal Two. This can often be pre-booked online for a fee.
Security and Passport Control: After check-in, proceed through security screening (on Level two of T1) and then passport control (if leaving the Schengen area) before entering the airside Departures area.

Airport Services and Facilities

Lounges

Two premium lounges are available in Terminal One:

Cézanne Lounge: For non-Schengen/International flights.
Lubéron Lounge: For Domestic and Schengen area flights.

Food and Drink & Shops

The airport offers a good selection of dining options, from quick cafes to French brasseries, as well as duty-free shopping and local souvenir shops, primarily located in the Departures areas of both terminals.

Other Services

Luggage Storage: Available for passengers needing to store bags temporarily.
Work Stations: Soundproof work booths are available in Terminal One.

Renting a Car at Marseille Provence Airport

Car rental desks are located within Terminal One. All major international agencies, including Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, are available.

Renting a car at MRS is highly recommended if your travel plans include visiting the famous towns of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, or the French Riviera, as it offers the most flexibility for exploring the region’s picturesque routes.

Flights and Airlines Operating at MRS

Marseille Provence Airport is defined by its mix of major flag carriers and extensive low-cost connections.

Major Airlines:

Air France/KLM
Lufthansa
Turkish Airlines

Low-Cost & International Carriers:

Ryanair (the largest airline by volume)
easyJet
Air Corsica
Transavia

Key Destinations (Frequent Routes):

MRS connects globally, with particularly strong routes to North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), the Middle East (Dubai), and major European hubs like London, Rome, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Recent route expansion has added direct flights to destinations like Shanghai, making it an increasingly important global hub.

For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marseille on Booking.com.

Practical Tips for Using Marseille Provence Airport

To City vs. To Provence: If traveling to Marseille city center, the Shuttle Bus ninety-one to St-Charles station is usually the most efficient. If traveling to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, the train (via the shuttle to Vitrolles station) or pre-booked shuttle buses are better choices.
Early Arrival: Given the popularity of the airport and the high volume of low-cost flights, arrive at least three hours before an international flight, especially during peak summer travel.
Terminal Check: Always double-check your airline and flight number against the terminal designation (T1 or T2) before proceeding.

Final Thoughts

Marseille Provence Airport is an energetic and modern airport perfectly situated to be the launching point for an exploration of Southern France. It offers a smooth, reliable experience with excellent multimodal transport options to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and beyond.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.3 (13,921)

Marseille Provence Airport in rd 20, 13700 Marignane, France is an international passenger hub with two runways, a budget airline terminal and rail and bus links; it's open 24 hours daily and reviewers note convenient rental car location and pleasant Provençal surroundings, though opinions on cleanliness and maintenance vary.

Jord S

2 months ago

"Small airport but has everything a traveller needs. We'll maintained and clean facilities, well informed, courteous and multilingual staff. Terminal1 and 2 are practically next to each other. Passport control for all nationalities present upon arrival. Easy access to bus stops (right outside the departure and arrival exits and entrance). Luggage space rental available outside as well. Waiting areas for busses are well maintained and clean. Bus and train ticket machines (accepts NFC and cash payments) available across the street next to the vending machines...."

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john Dow

2 weeks ago

"They finally fixing it. But they used Styrofoam for the rock while here white rock are everywhere. Plastic plants so people destroy them by settingnext to it because they did not put any bench along the planters! Restroom still a disaster, literally no rooms..nyou are at an airport so you have luggage but no spot for them, Restrooms are a small cubicles toilet paper is too high Handicap restrooms don't even have the second bar on the wall only one so you need to be only right handed papper is way to high small with hands dryers. Faucet are already loose and broken. and still no room to put bads. They did a special.baby rooms but as a mum you also need to pee but no restrooms. so you change your baby and go to a different restroom wait baby stroller doesn't fit inside the cubicle. Despite registration agents are kind of ...EXTREMELY RUDE. My bag fitted but still she was arguing that they can't let all their passengers taking their bags on board, but I insisted and I wi ed. Desapointed..."

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Artem Popov

2 months ago

"The airport is small, but everything is close. Security checks, passport control, and all other procedures were quick. There's a good business loungein the international area, and it wasn't crowded. A huge plus is that the car rental is very close to the airport, literally three minutes away...."

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The Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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