Marseille Provence Airport transfer
This page explains private transfers from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to the towns, villages and ports of Provence, from Aix-en-Provence and Cassis to Avignon, the Marseille cruise terminal and the longer runs east to Saint-Tropez and Cannes.
- Airport code
- MRS
- City
- Marseille
- Route guides
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HotelTaxi books each ride with a local transfer company that works at MRS. You reserve online or in a WhatsApp chat, the full price is shown before you confirm, and a driver meets you in arrivals holding a sign with your name.
Where is Marseille Provence Airport?
MRS is not in Marseille itself. It lies at Marignane, on the south-eastern shore of the Étang de Berre, a large saltwater lagoon north-west of the city.
This position is useful for Provence. Aix-en-Provence is closer to the airport than central Marseille in driving time, Avignon is reached by motorway to the north, and Cassis and the Calanques sit on the far, south-eastern side of the Marseille metropolitan area.
Drive times from MRS to popular destinations
- Marseille cruise port
- 20 km, usually 25–32 minutes through the northern harbour districts to the cruise terminals.
- Aix-en-Provence
- 28 km, usually 34–43 minutes on a toll-free road past the Aix TGV station. Old town, fountains, country houses.
- Cassis
- 55 km, usually 54–68 minutes around Marseille and down to a small fishing port beside the Calanques.
- Avignon
- 87 km, usually 71–89 minutes north on the motorway to the walled city of the popes.
- Saint-Tropez and Cannes
- 144 km and 175 km, each roughly two to two and a half hours east on the motorway network of the Var.
Meeting your driver at arrivals
The terminal at MRS is divided into halls, and the hall you land in depends on your airline. Add your flight number to the booking so the local provider can follow your arrival time and adjust if the flight is early or late.
The driver waits in the arrivals area with a name sign. The exact meeting point inside the hall is confirmed with you by phone or WhatsApp before landing or once you have collected your luggage. The price you agreed stays the same if the flight is delayed or the motorway is busy.
Which vehicle suits a Provence trip?
A standard car is fine for one to three people with normal suitcases. Families and groups of up to about seven usually choose a minivan, and larger groups can ask for a bigger vehicle.
Mention bicycles, golf bags or diving gear when you book. Cyclists come for the climbs around Mont Ventoux and the Luberon, golfers for courses around Aix, and divers for the coast near Cassis and La Ciotat. Child seats can be requested in the booking as well.
Seasons and traffic around Marseille
The main travel season runs from April to October. Spring suits walking and markets, July brings lavender in the Provençal countryside and the Avignon festival, and August is the busiest month on every road to the coast.
Weekday rush hours around Marseille and Aix, and Saturday changeover traffic towards the Var in high summer, can stretch the drive beyond the usual range.
Planning the ride back to the airport
Work back from your departure time. Plan to be at MRS around two hours before a European flight and about three hours before a long-haul one, then add the drive time and some margin for traffic.
In practice that means leaving Aix-en-Provence around three hours before a European departure and Cassis or Avignon about three and a half hours before. From Saint-Tropez or Cannes, allow four and a half hours or more in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Marseille Provence Airport from Marseille city centre?
The airport is at Marignane, north-west of the city, and the cruise terminals are about 20 km away by road. The Old Port and southern districts are further, and traffic on the city motorways varies a lot by time of day.
Is MRS a good airport for Cannes or Saint-Tropez?
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is much closer to Cannes and also closer to Saint-Tropez. Flying into Marseille makes sense if your flight connection works better or you are combining the coast with a stay in Provence, but plan for a drive of two hours or more.
Can I book a transfer for a late-night arrival?
Yes. Transfers are arranged for the scheduled arrival time of your flight, including late evening landings, and the provider follows the flight if it is delayed. The price does not change because of the delay.
Do I need a minivan for a family of four?
Four people with large suitcases rarely fit comfortably in a standard car. A minivan gives room for luggage, pushchairs and child seats, which matters on longer drives such as Avignon or the Riviera.
Can the driver stop on the way, for example in Aix?
The transfer is a private ride from the airport to your address. If you want a stop, mention it when booking so it can be included in the agreed arrangement rather than requested on the day.