Paris to Marseille by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €19
Route Overview
Travel from Paris to Marseille by TGV INOUI in as little as 3 hours and 4 minutes. Up to 24 high-speed trains operate daily between Paris Gare de Lyon and Marseille Saint-Charles, crossing the full length of southern France at speeds up to 320 km/h on the LGV Mediterranee.
TGV INOUI is the primary operator on this route, with some services stopping at Avignon TGV and Aix-en-Provence TGV along the way. Trenitalia also operates Frecciarossa services on this corridor, continuing to Nice or Milan.
Tickets start from €19 per person one way in 2nd Class. The route is popular year-round but especially busy during summer months and school holidays when travellers head to Provence and the Mediterranean coast. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically secures the best prices.
Train Operator
TGV INOUI
SNCF high-speed service using double-deck Duplex trainsets
Direct high-speed · 320 km/h max
Departure & Arrival Stations
Paris Gare de Lyon
- 12th arrondissement
- Lines 1, 14
- RER Lines A, D
Marseille Saint-Charles
- 1st arrondissement
- Metro 1, 2
- Tram T2, Bus 49, 521
Classes of Service
2nd Class
- 2+2 seating layout
- Free WiFi (TGV Connect)
- Power outlets at every seat
- Bar-buffet car access
1st Class
- 2+1 seating layout (wider seats)
- Free WiFi (TGV Connect)
- Power outlets at every seat
- Bar-buffet car access
- Quieter atmosphere
Tickets & Booking Tips
Starting Price
from €19 per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices typically range from €19 to €150+ depending on class, fare type, date and availability.
Book Early
Tickets are available Approximately 4 months in advance. Advance bookings typically offer the lowest fares.
Children & Youth
Children aged 4-11 get up to 50% discount. Youth aged 12-25 can access Carte Jeune discount card for additional savings. Children under 4 travel free on adult's lap. No separate seat or luggage allowance.
Luggage
2 bags (max 75x53x30 cm each) + 1 hand luggage per passenger
Good to Know
Gateway to Provence and the Cote d'Azur
Marseille Saint-Charles is the main gateway to the South of France. From here, regional TER trains connect to Cassis (25min), Toulon (50min), Aix-en-Provence (40min), and Arles (50min). Many travellers use this route as the first leg of a French Riviera trip.
Marseille Saint-Charles Is on a Hill
Marseille Saint-Charles station sits on a bluff above the city centre. A grand monumental staircase leads down to Boulevard d'Athenes and the Canebiere. The station has lifts and escalators for accessibility. Metro lines 1 and 2 connect directly from the station.
Avignon TGV -- A Popular Intermediate Stop
Many Paris-Marseille TGVs stop at Avignon TGV station, which is 5 km outside Avignon city centre (connected by shuttle bus). This makes it easy to visit the Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon as a day trip or stopover.
Summer Peak Season
The Paris-Marseille route is one of France's busiest during July and August, when millions head south for summer holidays. Trains can sell out weeks in advance during peak weekends. Book as early as possible for summer travel -- tickets open approximately 4 months ahead.
Trenitalia Frecciarossa Alternative
Since 2021, Trenitalia operates Frecciarossa 1000 trains on the Paris-Marseille corridor, often continuing to Nice or Genoa and Milan. These offer an alternative to TGV INOUI with 4 service classes including a premium Executive class.
OUIGO Budget Option
OUIGO also serves Paris-Marseille at lower prices (often from €19). OUIGO trains have more basic amenities -- no power sockets in Standard and strict baggage limits (1 small bag included, extra bags €5-€20 each). Departures may be from Marne-la-Vallee instead of Gare de Lyon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest direct TGV INOUI takes 3 hours and 4 minutes. Services with intermediate stops (Avignon TGV, Aix-en-Provence TGV) average around 3 hours and 38 minutes.
Prices start from approximately €19 per person one way in 2nd Class with a Prem's fare. Average prices range from €40-€90 depending on demand and how far in advance you book.
All TGV INOUI trains to Marseille depart from Paris Gare de Lyon in the 12th arrondissement, served by Metro lines 1 and 14, and RER A and D.
Yes, many Paris-Marseille TGVs stop at Avignon TGV. You can book separate tickets for Paris-Avignon and Avignon-Marseille to include a stopover. Avignon TGV station is 5 km from the city centre, connected by shuttle bus.
Yes, multiple daily non-stop TGV INOUI services connect Paris Gare de Lyon to Marseille Saint-Charles in approximately 3 hours. Other services may stop at Avignon TGV and/or Aix-en-Provence TGV.
Yes. Small pets (under 6 kg) travel in a carrier for €7. Larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must be leashed and muzzled. Guide dogs travel free of charge.