Marseille is a big, sprawling port city, and getting around it requires a mix of modes. The RTM (Régie des Transports Métropolitains) runs two metro lines, a small tram network and a comprehensive bus system. But Marseille has one transport gem that no other major French city can claim: the iconic Ferry Boat, which crosses the Vieux-Port in two minutes and is part of the public transport system. Here is how it all fits together.
The metro
Marseille has two metro lines, both running from approximately 05:00 to 21:00 on weekdays, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Line M1 (blue) runs from La Rose in the north to La Fourragère in the east, passing through the city centre via Castellane — the main interchange hub — and the Vieux-Port area. If you arrive by TGV at Saint-Charles station, line M1 gives you direct access to the city centre in minutes.
- Line M2 (red) runs from Bougainville in the north to Sainte-Marguerite Dromel in the south, also passing through Castellane. The two lines share a central section and split apart to serve different parts of the city.
The metro is clean and efficient, though the network is relatively small by the standards of a city of Marseille's size. Many parts of the city, including much of the coastal road and the northern neighbourhoods, are served by bus rather than metro. Saint-Charles station — Marseille's main rail terminus and the arrival point for TGV trains from Paris — sits on line M1, making it easy to connect on arrival.
The tram
Marseille has a modern tram network with three lines (T1, T2 and T3), connecting the city centre with the northern and eastern districts. The tram is particularly useful for reaching:
- The Joliette area and the newer La Joliette business and cultural district, north of the Vieux-Port.
- The Arenc neighbourhood near the port.
- The university campus at Saint-Charles (via T3).
Trams run at regular intervals during the day and accept the same RTM tickets as the metro and bus.
The Ferry Boat — Marseille's most unusual transport link
The Ferry Boat du Vieux-Port is one of the city's most endearing curiosities: a small, manually operated flat-bottomed ferry that crosses the Vieux-Port harbour mouth in barely two minutes, connecting the Hôtel de Ville quay on the north bank with the Place aux Huiles on the south. It has been running in some form since the nineteenth century.
Practically, it provides a genuinely useful shortcut that saves the considerable walk around the harbour. It runs during daytime hours (roughly 07:00–19:00 on weekdays, shorter hours on weekends) and is covered by a standard RTM ticket — no special ticket needed. It carries pedestrians and cyclists, not cars. Locals use it as part of their daily commute; tourists often discover it by accident and are charmed.
The Ferry Boat does not run at night and is closed on some public holidays. If you miss it, the walk around the harbour to reach the other side is around 20 minutes. The south bank is where you find access to Notre-Dame de la Garde (by bus) and the Corniche seafront road.
Buses
RTM operates a large bus network filling in the gaps the metro and tram leave. For visitors, the most relevant routes include services along the Corniche (the coastal road south of the Vieux-Port), up to Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and to the Calanques entry points — though the Calanques buses can get very crowded in summer and booking a timed entry to the national park is mandatory for some access points. The bus numbering system is not always intuitive; the RTM journey planner or app helps considerably.
Night bus services (Réseau Fluobus) operate from around 21:30 until around 00:30, extending cover into the evening after the metro stops. Taxis and rideshares take over for very late journeys.
Tickets and passes
RTM uses a unified ticket valid across metro, tram, bus and the Ferry Boat. Options include:
- Single ticket: valid for one journey with connections within 60 minutes — you can change between bus, tram and metro (but not re-enter the metro through turnstiles after exiting).
- Carnet of 10 tickets: cheaper per-journey than buying singles; the most economical choice for a multi-day stay.
- Day pass: unlimited travel for a calendar day — particularly worthwhile on a busy sightseeing day.
Tickets are available from metro station machines, at the RTM boutique near the Vieux-Port, and at many tabac shops. Tram and bus drivers do not sell tickets; always buy in advance or use the machines at stops.
Marseille–Provence Airport
Marseille's international airport is at Marignane, about 25 km north-west of the city. The main link is the Navette Aéroport (shuttle bus), which runs between the airport and Saint-Charles station roughly every 15–20 minutes. Journey time is around 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets are bought separately from RTM city tickets. There is no direct metro or train link; the shuttle is the standard option for most travellers.
Getting to and from the islands
The Frioul archipelago and the island of If (with the Château d'If) are served by private ferry companies from the Vieux-Port, operating under concession. These island ferries are not part of the RTM network and require separate tickets purchased at the Vieux-Port embarkation point. They are popular in summer; arrive early or check departure times in advance.
Practical tips
- Validate your ticket on buses and trams when you board. On the metro, turnstiles handle validation. Inspectors operate on all modes.
- The Vieux-Port metro stop (line M1) is the most convenient base for exploring the city centre and old town.
- For Notre-Dame de la Garde, bus 60 climbs up from the Vieux-Port area — a much easier option than the steep walk up.
- Summer in Marseille is hot; metro and tram are air-conditioned, making them preferable to buses on warm days.
- If you are arriving or departing from Marseille by train, the TGV from Paris takes around three hours and the Saint-Charles station metro connection is immediate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ferry Boat free in Marseille?
No — but it accepts the standard RTM ticket, the same one used on the metro and trams. If you already have a day pass or a valid ticket with connection time remaining, you can use it at no extra cost.
How do I get from Marseille airport to the city centre?
The Navette Aéroport shuttle bus is the main option, running every 15–20 minutes to Gare Saint-Charles in around 25–30 minutes. Tickets are separate from RTM city transit tickets.
Do RTM tickets cover the Calanques buses?
RTM buses serving Calanques access points use standard RTM tickets. However, entry to parts of the Calanques National Park requires a separate timed reservation in peak season — book this in advance through the park's own booking system.
Can I reach Château d'If by public transport?
You need a private ferry from the Vieux-Port, which is not part of the RTM public transport network. Tickets are sold at the quay and online; ferries run seasonally.
Sources and further reading:
- Network maps, timetables and tickets: RTM (Régie des Transports Métropolitains) official website.
- Airport shuttle: Navette Marseille Provence Aéroport.