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Marseille Provence Layover Guide (MRS)

What are you looking for in MRS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is an international airport located in Marignane, France. It’s situated about 27 km (17 miles) from downtown Marseille. The airport officially opened in 1922. Marseille is the second-largest city in France and a major hub on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning seaside views, the city offers a dynamic blend of heritage, cuisine, and recreational activities for visitors and residents alike.

Can you leave Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can exit Marseille Provence Airport during a layover, provided you pass French border control. Passengers with a valid EU/Schengen residence permit or visa-exempt passport may leave; all others must secure a Schengen visa in advance, and can then safely re-enter the transit zone again. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Vieux-Port Stroll along Marseille’s historic Old Port, admire fishing boats, vibrant markets, and waterfront cafés offering fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. Tradition (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: MRS shuttle to Saint-Charles, then metro 1 to Vieux-Port (~30 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Notre-Dame de la Garde Climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica perched on a hilltop for panoramic city Mediterranean views. Discover its ornate interior and iconic golden statue while soaking local history and spirituality. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Shuttle to Saint-Charles, then bus 60 or taxi (~30 min))
• Le Panier Wander through Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest district, characterized by narrow winding streets, colorful street art, artisan workshops. Enjoy charming cafés, hidden squares, and authentic Provençal ambiance off the beaten path. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: MRS shuttle to Saint-Charles, then 10-min walk or taxi (~20 min))
• MUCEM Explore MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), showcasing fascinating exhibitions in a striking waterfront fortress. Marvel at contemporary architecture and sea views from its suspended walkway. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: Shuttle to Saint-Charles, tram T2 to Joliette + 5-min walk or taxi (~25 min))
• Calanques National Park Take a boat tour to Calanques National Park’s dramatic limestone inlets, azure waters, secluded beaches. Swim, snorkel, or simply admire rugged cliffs rising steeply from the Mediterranean under brilliant sunshine. (Time required: 3–4 hours / Airport to here: Shuttle to Saint-Charles, metro 1 to Vieux-Port + boat tour (~1 hour) or taxi to Vieux-Port (~25 min))
• Château d’If Visit Château d’If, the legendary island fortress immortalized in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo.’ Tour storied dungeons, enjoy sea breezes and capture iconic views of Marseille’s coastline from this former prison. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Shuttle to Saint-Charles, metro 1 to Vieux-Port + ferry (~30 min) or taxi to harbour (~25 min))
• Palais Longchamp Discover Palais Longchamp’s opulent gardens, grand fountains, and twin wings housing fine arts, natural history museums. Relax by ornamental canals and marvel at 19th-century architecture celebrating Marseille’s water supply achievements. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Shuttle to Saint-Charles, bus 82 or metro 1 to Castellane + 5-min walk / taxi (~25 min))
• Cours Julien Explore Cours Julien’s bohemian quarter, famed for colorful street art, independent boutiques, and trendy cafés. Enjoy live music, artisanal markets, and vibrant nightlife in Marseille’s creative and alternative cultural hub. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Shuttle to Saint-Charles, metro 2 to Notre-Dame-du-Mont + 5-min walk or taxi (~25 min))

Things to Do in Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Terminal 1 offers two pay-per-use lounges (€29) for international and EU/domestic flights. Enjoy comfortable seating, hot and cold buffets, self-service drinks, free high-speed Wi-Fi, business corners, newspapers via the Air France Press app and restrooms. Accessible daily from 05:00 to 21:00; Priority Pass and membership programs accepted. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
ibis Styles Marseille Provence Airport is five minutes from arrivals, with a free shuttle (06:00–23:15), soundproofed air-conditioned rooms, colorful industrial design, non-smoking environment, terrace, bar, pool and reduced-rate parking. The on-site restaurant operates weekdays with weekend snacks available. Ideal for layovers or business stays just off the A7 motorway. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
A quiet rest zone on Hall A’s second floor features carpeted benches, individual power outlets and soft lighting for brief naps. Airport staff can direct travelers there. Note that VIP lounges close at night with a four-hour maximum stay and overnight camping is prohibited; bring a travel pillow for comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals. Simply connect to “MRS-Free-WiFi” and accept the terms of service for browsing, streaming or work. Pay-per-use and membership lounges also provide dedicated high-speed networks for uninterrupted productivity or entertainment before your flight.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourist SIM cards from Orange, Bouygues, SFR and Lebara are sold at the Relay store in the arrivals hall (07:00–20:00). Packages include 10–20 GB data with EU roaming. No on-site eSIM sales — order an eSIM online before travel. No ID is required for prepaid tourist SIMs; major credit cards are accepted. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A 24/7 taxi rank outside Terminal 1 serves Marseille and surrounding areas. Daytime fares to the city centre are about €50, rising to €60 at night for the 30-minute, 27 km ride. Drivers accept cash and credit cards. Pre-booked private transfers and app-based services offer meet-and-greet options.

Train: A free shuttle bus links the terminal to Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence station. TER services run every 20 minutes, reaching Marseille Saint-Charles in about 23 minutes. Tickets cost approximately €6.20 plus a €1.20 shuttle supplement. Schedules vary; check timetables before departure (more info).

Bus: Regional buses (lines L10 and 51) connect the airport with Marseille Saint-Charles station and downtown stops. A one-way ticket costs €10 and the journey takes around 30 minutes. Services run every 30 minutes from about 05:45 to 21:30. Tickets are purchased on board by cash or contactless payment (more info).

Shuttle: A free intra-airport shuttle runs every 10 minutes between terminals 1, 2 and the train station from 05:00 to 23:00. Many nearby hotels provide their own free or paid shuttle services — check with reception. Private airport shuttles to central Marseille can be reserved online for door-to-door convenience.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget) have desks in the arrivals hall; off-airport sites require a short shuttle ride. Advance online booking ensures vehicle availability. A valid driver’s licence, credit card and proof of insurance are required. Fleets include economy, family, SUV and electric models. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: MRS offers short-term (P1) and long-term (P2, P3) surface lots adjacent to the terminals, covered garages (P4) and budget options (P5). Rates start at €4.80 per hour in P1, with daily caps around €36. Valet parking at Terminal 1 and online reservation options provide guaranteed spaces and discounted rates.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A left-luggage office in Terminal 1 (Hall A, ground floor) operates daily from 05:00 to 19:00, charging €15 per item per day. Alternatively, Bag Mobile near the terminal offers secure storage, wrapping and delivery services. City-based providers like Radical Storage and Stasher offer lockers from around €5 per bag per day. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks