Marseille Airport: A Traveler's First Impression

what is the marseille airport like

Marseille Provence Airport is one of the largest airports in France, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, bakeries, retail stores, automobile rentals, luggage services, currency exchanges, and high-speed Wi-Fi. It is comprised of two terminals, with Terminal 1 catering mostly to international flights and Terminal 2 catering to low-cost airlines. The airport has received mixed reviews, with some praising the modern and spacious design of Terminal 1, while others have criticised the lack of seating and unorganised queuing system in Terminal 2. The airport is located about 14 miles from Marseille and is accessible by shuttle bus, taxi, train, or car rental.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Marseille Provence Airport
Airport Code MRS
Location Marignane, about 14 miles from Marseille
Ranking 5th busiest French airport by passenger traffic; 3rd largest for cargo traffic; 2nd largest regional airport in France
Terminals 2
Airlines Served by more than 170 airlines operated by more than 30 companies
Destinations Direct connections to 128 destinations in 36 countries
Transport to the city Shuttle buses, taxis, public buses, train, rental cars
Dining Options Cafes, fast food outlets, bars, restaurants, including international chains like Starbucks and Burger King
Shopping Retail stores, boutiques, global brands like Calvin Klein, Benefit Cosmetics, Victoria's Secret, etc.
Other Amenities High-speed Wi-Fi, luggage service, currency exchange
Operating Hours 24/7

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Terminal 1 is modern, spacious, and efficient, with plenty of seating

Terminal 1 of Marseille Provence Airport is a modern, spacious, and efficient space with plenty of seating. The airport is the fifth busiest in France in terms of passenger traffic and the second largest for cargo traffic. It is served by more than 170 airlines and connects directly to 128 destinations in 36 countries. The airport offers a wide range of amenities and services, including restaurants, retail stores, automobile rentals, luggage services, currency exchanges, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Terminal 1 caters mostly to international flights, while Terminal 2 operates flights for low-cost airlines. The two terminals are within walking distance of each other, and passengers can easily transfer between them. Terminal 1 offers a variety of dining options, including cafes, fast food outlets, and restaurants. There is a Starbucks located in Terminal 1, Halls A and B, as well as a Burger King in Terminal 1, Hall A. Other dining options in Terminal 1 include Class' Croute in Hall B and La Cure Gourmande, which offers local goods.

The airport also has a selection of shops, including global brands such as Calvin Klein, Benefit Cosmetics, and Victoria's Secret. For those seeking local products, Air de Provence in Terminal 2 features a variety of boutiques. The airport is served by the Vitrolles Marseille Provence Airport rail station on the TER network, and shuttle buses, taxis, and rental cars are available for transport to and from the airport.

Marseille Provence Airport operates 24/7, although specific facilities within the airport may have different operating hours. It is recommended to arrive early, especially for international flights, to avoid long queues and potential delays. The airport is located about 14 miles from Marseille and serves as a gateway to the beautiful Provence region, known for its villages, vineyards, lavender fields, and food markets.

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Terminal 2 is criticised for its lack of seating, poor queuing systems, and stressful environment

Marseille Provence Airport is one of the largest airports in France, serving as a hub for both domestic and international flights. It is the fifth busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger traffic and the second largest for cargo traffic. The airport consists of two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving mostly international flights and Terminal 2 catering exclusively to low-cost airlines.

While the airport offers various amenities, Terminal 2 has received significant criticism for its lack of seating. Passengers have complained about the inadequate number of seats, resulting in discomfort and inconvenience. The terminal's design and aesthetic have also been described as unpleasant, with concrete floors and walls, creating an overall negative experience for travellers.

In addition to the seating issue, Terminal 2 has been criticised for its poor queuing systems. Passengers have reported a lack of clear directions and proper queue management, resulting in confusion and delays. The process of checking in and dropping off baggage has also been described as inefficient, with passengers having to walk their bags to another location for scanning and loading. The security staff's attitude has been characterised as rude and abrupt, further adding to the overall stressful environment.

The contrast between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is stark, with Terminal 1 being praised for its modern, spacious, and efficient facilities. This has led to a perception of a "two-class system" within the airport, with Terminal 2 falling significantly short in terms of comfort and functionality. The issues with Terminal 2 can make the travelling experience challenging and unpleasant for passengers, especially those with families and small children.

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The airport is accessible by shuttle bus, taxi, or rental car

Marseille Provence Airport is located about 14 miles from Marseille, serving the Mediterranean coast of France and beyond. It is the fifth busiest airport in France in terms of passenger traffic and the country's third-biggest for cargo traffic. The airport is located 27 kilometres away from the city centre of Marseille and is accessible by shuttle bus, taxi, or rental car.

Shuttle buses run between the airport and the city. Each shuttle has its own route, so it is important to know your destination. The most popular destination is Saint Charles railway station. The shuttle bus ride takes between 30 and 50 minutes, and tickets can be purchased online, at the ticket office, from vending machines, or from the driver outside ticket office opening hours.

Taxis are readily available at Marseille Provence Airport, with approximately 80-86 cabs at the taxi rank in front of Terminal 1. Taxis operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and fares between the airport and the city centre typically range from €70 to €100, depending on the time of day and luggage.

For travellers seeking more independence, renting a car is also an option. Marseille Airport is located in a beautiful area, Provence, which is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. It boasts charming villages, lush vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, and vibrant food markets.

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The airport is located 27km from the city centre

Marseille Provence Airport is located about 27 kilometres from the city centre of Marseille. It is the fifth busiest airport in France by passenger traffic and the third largest for cargo traffic. The airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, offering a wide range of amenities and services to passengers.

There are several transportation options available to get from the airport to the city centre. These include taxis, airport shuttles, public buses, and rental cars. The airport shuttle bus runs seven days a week, from 4:10 am to 1:30 am, with a departure every 10 minutes during rush hour. The journey time between the airport and the city centre is between 30 and 50 minutes.

Taxis are also readily available at the airport, with a taxi rank located in front of Terminal 1. The fare between the airport and the city centre is typically around €70-€80 during the day and €90-€100 at night, with slight variations depending on luggage and the day of the week.

For travellers who prefer more independence, renting a car is also an option. Marseille Airport is located in Provence, a beautiful area known for its charming villages, vineyards, and lavender fields. Exploring the region by car can be a perfect way to discover the local attractions and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Additionally, it is possible to take a train to Marseille city centre. Travellers can take a bus from the airport to Vitrolles train station, which operates 57 round trips daily and takes about five minutes. From there, passengers can take a T.E.R train to Marseille Saint Charles station, a journey of approximately 20 minutes.

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The airport is served by over 170 airlines, connecting to 128 destinations in 36 countries

Marseille Provence Airport is a bustling aviation hub, ranked as the fifth busiest airport in France for passenger traffic and the second largest for cargo operations. The airport proudly serves as a gateway to Provence and beyond, connecting travellers to an extensive network of destinations spanning Europe and beyond.

The airport's reach is impressive, with over 170 airlines offering their services. These diverse carriers provide connections to 128 unique destinations, ensuring travellers can explore 36 countries across the globe. Such an extensive range of options underlines the airport's significance as a pivotal aviation hub.

The airport's two terminals, conveniently located within walking distance of each other, efficiently manage this vast array of flights. Terminal 1 primarily handles international flights, providing a modern and spacious environment for travellers embarking on overseas journeys. In contrast, Terminal 2 caters specifically to low-cost airlines, offering economical travel options within Europe.

The range of amenities and services at Marseille Provence Airport caters to the diverse needs of its passengers. From automobile rentals to currency exchange services, travellers can conveniently prepare for their onward journeys. The airport also boasts an array of dining options, including cafes, fast-food outlets, and restaurants, ensuring that travellers can savour a variety of culinary delights before their flights.

The airport's strategic location, about 14 miles from Marseille, enhances its appeal. Travellers can easily access the airport and continue their journeys to the city centre or explore the beautiful Provence region, renowned for its charming villages, lush vineyards, and fragrant lavender fields. Marseille Provence Airport truly serves as a dynamic gateway to a wealth of destinations and experiences.

Frequently asked questions

You can get to the city centre from Marseille Provence Airport by shuttle bus, taxi, train, or rental car. The airport is located 14 miles (27 kilometres) from the city centre.

Marseille Provence Airport has a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and duty-free stores. There are also lounges at the airport where you can relax.

The airport is usually busiest during morning and evening rush hours, as well as on weekends.

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