Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Airport near Marseille

Marseille Provence Airport
Marseille Provence Airport
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

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:

  1. Immigration (Non-Schengen): International passengers must pass through passport control.
  2. Baggage Reclaim: Followed by customs.
  3. 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.

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

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Visiting Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Address: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Marignane, France
Marseille: 20 km
Aix en Provence: 21 km
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: 50 km
Avignon: 66 km
Cannes: 146 km
Telephone: +33 4 4214 1414
Official Website

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