Big cruise ships use the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT) in the commercial port, north of the city center, through Gate 4. There is no direct public transport from the airport to the ships, so a taxi or cruise transfer is best.
Every way from the airport to the ship
Tap any way for step-by-step directions.
| The way | From | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | MRS | Not verified (about 20 km) | Not verified |
| Airport shuttle bus + metro + bus 35T | MRS | About 25 min (up to 50 at rush hour) to Saint-Charles, then metro and bus | Not verified |
| Cruise line transfer | MRS | Not verified | Set by your cruise line |
Where Marseille lies
MarseilleAvignonBarcelonaRomeGenoaRavennaSavonaVallettaAjaccioAlicanteAlmeríaAmalfi and PositanoBastiaBilbaoCadizCagliariCannesCartagenaCataniaGibraltarIbizaLa SpeziaLivornoMahón, MenorcaMalagaMessinaMonacoNaplesOlbiaPalermoPalma de MallorcaPortoferraioPortofino / Santa Margherita LigurePulaRovinjSaint-TropezSalernoSèteŠibenikSorrentoTarragonaToulonValenciaVillefranche-sur-Mer and NiceZadarFrom Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
About 20 km to the port (MSC)
Taxi
- Take a taxi from the airport rank.
- Ask for the 'Terminal Croisières', Gate 4 (Porte 4).
Marseille Tourism calls this the fastest route.
Airport shuttle bus + metro + bus 35T
- Take the airport shuttle bus to Saint-Charles train station.
- Take Metro Line 2 (red) toward Gèze to Joliette.
- Take bus 35T from Place de la Joliette to the 'Terminal Croisières' stop at Gate 4.
- Walk 600 m to 2.5 km to your ship, depending on the berth.
Bus 35T only runs on cruise days. MSC advises against buses because they stop far from the terminal.
Cruise line transfer
- Book through your line or travel agent.
Some lines offer it.
From the city or your hotel
Taxi from Saint-Charles station
MSC recommends a taxi.
Free port shuttle from Joliette
Runs on ship days; stop at 9 Quai du Lazaret near Five Guys.
Where to stay
Arrive a day or two early. A delayed flight on sailing day is the most common way travelers miss the ship.
Old Port (Vieux-Port)
Best area for restaurants and sights; a taxi to the terminal.
Near Saint-Charles station
Handy if you arrive by train from Paris.
Sailing day
Terminals & docks
Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT) in the Grand Port Maritime, reached by A55 exit 5 (Gate 4). Ships can be 600 m to 2.5 km from the gate. MPCT parking: €15 per 24 hours, or €150 per month (10-30 days), no reservations, 2,000 spaces. Smaller ships may use the Joliette area (not verified which).
Check-in
- Inside the port, follow the green line to the Gate 4 shuttle stop (5-12 minute walk).
- Long walks are possible at the far berths.
What trips people up
- The cruise terminal is in a big industrial port, not at the Old Port.
- No direct public transport from the airport to the ships.
- Bus 35T runs on cruise days only.
Do this
- Take a taxi; it is much simpler than the bus.
- Many Americans arrive by high-speed train from Paris (not verified times).
Leaving the ship: back to the airport
The same routes run in reverse. On the last morning everyone leaves at once, so lines for taxis and buses are at their longest. Book flights home for the afternoon or later, and arrange your ride in advance if you can.
| The way | To | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | MRS | Not verified (about 20 km) | Not verified |
| Airport shuttle bus + metro + bus 35T | MRS | About 25 min (up to 50 at rush hour) to Saint-Charles, then metro and bus | Not verified |
| Cruise line transfer | MRS | Not verified | Set by your cruise line |
Before you leave
- No direct public transport from the airport to the ships.
- Take a taxi; it is much simpler than the bus.
Before or after your cruise
- Old Port and Le Panier district.
- Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica.
- Mucem museum.
- Aix-en-Provence or the Calanques.
Sources & what we could not confirm · 2 sources · checked 2026-11
- Taxi fares from the airport and station.
- Airport shuttle bus fare.
- Which lines use MPCT vs. Joliette.
- US nonstops to Marseille (none found on airline sites).
- An independent check in November 2026 could not confirm this: Modest dress inside the basilica.