Marseille's Dual Airport System: Fact Or Fiction?

Marseille Airport, also known as Marseille Provence Airport, is located 27km from Marseille, France. It is the fifth busiest airport in France and has two terminals, Terminal 1 (MP1) and Terminal 2 (MP2). Terminal 1 is used for international flights, while Terminal 2 caters to low-cost airlines. The terminals are within walking distance of each other and both have information desks to assist travellers. Various forms of transportation are available to and from the airport, including buses, trains, taxis, and car rentals.

Marseille Provence Airport is the only airport in Marseille

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the only airport in Marseille. It is located 25-27km (15-17 miles) northwest of Marseille, in the town of Marignane. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the centre of Marseille.

Marseille Provence Airport is France's fifth-largest airport and a regional hub for Air France. It is also the third-largest airport in France for cargo traffic. The airport is served by 35 national and low-cost airlines, connecting Marseille to over 100 destinations across France, Europe, and the world.

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 (MP1) and Terminal 2 (MP2), which are within walking distance of each other. Terminal 1 is primarily for international flights, while Terminal 2 caters to low-cost airlines serving European destinations.

Marseille Provence Airport offers various transportation options to and from the airport, including shuttle buses, trains, taxis, and car rentals. The airport also features a range of dining and shopping options, as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations.

The airport is located 25-27km from central Marseille

Marseille Provence Airport is located 25-27km from central Marseille. The airport is situated in Marignane, north-west of the city, and is accessible via the A7 motorway, which is the southern part of the 'Autoroute du Soleil'. It takes approximately 20-35 minutes to travel to the city centre from the airport, depending on your mode of transport.

The airport is served by the Vitrolles Marseille Provence Airport rail station on the TER network, and a public bus runs between the airport and the station. A free shuttle bus also operates between the airport and the railway station. From the Vitrolles station, you can take a train to Marseille-Saint Charles. These shuttles depart approximately every 15 minutes, and there are several trains daily to Marseille.

Marseille Provence Airport is France's fifth-largest airport and a regional hub for Air France. It handles the third-largest cargo traffic in the country and is the fifth busiest in terms of passenger traffic. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 (MP1) and Terminal 2 (MP2), which are within walking distance of each other. Terminal 1 has a capacity of 12 million passengers per year and has been recently renovated, while Terminal 2 was opened in 2006 as Europe's first terminal dedicated to low-cost flights.

The airport offers various ground transportation options, including taxis, airport shuttle buses, public buses, and car rentals. The taxi rank is located in front of Terminal 1, and a ride to the city centre costs around €55. Shuttle buses to the city centre depart from the airport every ten minutes during peak times, and the journey usually takes no more than 30 minutes.

It has two terminals, Terminal 1 (MP1) and Terminal 2 (MP2)

Marseille Provence Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (MP1) and Terminal 2 (MP2). Terminal 1 is mainly for international flights, while Terminal 2 is dedicated to low-cost airlines serving European destinations. The terminals are within walking distance of each other and are both built on two levels.

Terminal 1 is divided into two areas: Hall A and Hall B. Departures are located on the second floor, while arrivals and baggage claim are on the ground floor. Terminal 1 has a modern appearance and a capacity of 12 million passengers per year. In 2024, it underwent a €200 million renovation to create a landscaped space in front of the terminal and reduce car and taxi congestion. The project merged the two separate areas of Terminal 1 (formerly known as Halls A and B) into one unified space. The check-in zone is designed to reflect the regional identity of Provence, with ochre flagstones and Mediterranean greenery.

Terminal 2, which opened in 2006, was the first terminal in Europe dedicated solely to low-cost flights. It is located in an adjacent shed previously used for freight. Ryanair has a strong presence in Terminal 2, along with several other low-cost carriers. The internal areas of Terminal 2 are decorated in bright colours, including shades of puce, orange, and lime green. Compared to Terminal 1, the services in Terminal 2 are more basic. Passengers need to carry their own hold baggage to the drop-off point as trolleys are not available. The departure gates area does not have air conditioning or heating, which can be uncomfortable during extreme temperatures.

Terminal 2 is dedicated to low-cost flights

Marseille Provence Airport, located 25-27km northwest of Marseille, consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 (MP1) and Terminal 2 (MP2). Terminal 2 is dedicated to low-cost flights, with most international flights departing from Terminal 1.

Terminal 2, formerly known as mp2, was opened in 2006 and was the first terminal in Europe dedicated exclusively to low-cost airlines. Ryanair has a strong presence at Terminal 2, but several other low-cost carriers also operate from there.

Compared to Terminal 1, Terminal 2 has more basic services. For instance, passengers must carry their own hold baggage to the drop-off point as no trolleys are available. The departure gates area lacks air conditioning or heating, which can be uncomfortable during extreme temperatures. However, improvements have been made to the security check area and departure lounge, which now offers more seating. There is also a larger snack bar, duty-free shop, souvenir shop, and newsagent.

If you have a long wait before your flight and want to escape the potentially uncomfortable conditions in Terminal 2, you can head to the nearby Terminal 1, which offers more amenities. It is just a three-minute walk from Terminal 2, and screens displaying Terminal 2 flights are available so you can easily keep an eye on your flight.

The airport is served by taxis, trains, buses and car rental services

Marseille Provence Airport is served by a variety of transport options, including taxis, trains, buses, and car rental services.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at Marseille Airport, with several companies offering private driver services for travellers. These companies provide transportation to various destinations, including nearby cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Nîmes, as well as seaside resorts like Cassis and La Ciotat. The private drivers can be contacted by telephone or through online reservation systems, ensuring efficient and flexible service for travellers.

Trains

The airport is connected to the Vitrolles - Aéroport Marseille Provence (VAMP) train station, which is served by up to 73 TER trains daily, operating from 6:24 a.m. to 10:03 p.m. Additionally, the lebus+ 13 provides a shuttle service between the airport and the train station 365 days a year, with tickets available for purchase on board or at vending machines.

Buses

Buses also serve Marseille Airport, providing connections to various destinations. Bus services include the LER/ZOU 50 - Navettes Blanches, which connects to the Toulon bus station, and other routes to cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Manosque, and Fréjus.

Car Rental

Car rental is a popular option at Marseille Airport, with approximately 11 companies offering their services. The rental car counters are conveniently located near the terminal building, allowing easy access to amenities such as restrooms, shopping, and restaurants. Renting a car can be cost-effective, especially when travelling to the city centre, as there are no direct public transportation options available. The process of renting and returning cars is straightforward, with signage directing renters to the appropriate locations. However, it is recommended to book at least two days in advance to obtain a below-average price.

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