Train service
SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.
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Ouigo
Ouigo is SNCF’s low-cost train service offering affordable high-speed travel in France, Spain, and Belgium with simplified onboard amenities.
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Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
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Omio
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Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Taking the train from Paris to Marseille is one of the most practical intercity journeys in France. High-speed services cover around 742 kilometres in as little as 3 hours 4 minutes, with trains running throughout the day from early morning until around 21:00. The main choice is TGV INOUI (more comfortable, always from Paris Gare de Lyon) versus OUIGO (cheaper, but with a departure station catch worth knowing before you book).
- Fastest journey: 3 hours 4 minutes on TGV INOUI
- Daily trains: up to 24 per day on SNCF services (TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Intercités de Nuit), plus 4 additional daily Trenitalia Frecciarossa services sold separately
- TGV INOUI: from around €19 when booked well in advance; same-day tickets typically cost significantly more
- OUIGO (budget): from €16 for adults, €8 for children under 12; some departures from Paris Gare de Lyon, others from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy
- Overnight option: Intercités de Nuit from Paris Austerlitz to Marseille Blancarde, approximately 9 to 10 hours; couchette berths from around €29
TGV INOUI departs from Paris Gare de Lyon, includes free Wi-Fi and a café-bar, and offers Standard and First Class seating. OUIGO is cheaper, but some services depart from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (the Disneyland Paris station), which is roughly 40 minutes from central Paris by RER A. If your OUIGO train leaves from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy, factor in that extra journey time and the RER A fare before treating the headline price as the full cost.
Marseille is a city on the Mediterranean with a concentrated centre that rewards a couple of days. The Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the MuCEM museum, Le Panier district, Château d’If, Catalans and Prado beaches, and the Calanques National Park are all within reach. Two to three days covers the highlights comfortably.
Quick comparison
| Service | Journey time | Typical frequency | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| TGV INOUI (fastest) | 3h 04m to around 3h 35m | 14 to 15 per day | Around €19 advance |
| OUIGO (budget) | Around 3h 20m to 3h 42m | 3 to 4 per day | From €16 adults, €8 children |
| Trenitalia Frecciarossa | Around 3h 20m to 3h 50m | 4 per day | Varies by booking date |
| Intercités de Nuit | Around 9 to 10 hours | Limited | Couchette from around €29 |
TGV INOUI and most OUIGO services depart from Paris Gare de Lyon. Some OUIGO trains also leave from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy and Charles de Gaulle Airport. The overnight Intercités de Nuit departs from Paris Austerlitz. All high-speed day trains arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles; the overnight train arrives at Marseille Blancarde.
Train ticket classes and types
Standard class
Standard class on TGV INOUI has foldable tables, power outlets, reading lights, and free Wi-Fi. Le Bistro café-bar (carriage 4 or 14) is open throughout the journey. Not all seats are included in the lowest fare tiers, and some fares do not allow free seat selection, so check when booking if a particular seat matters to you.
Standard class is the right default for most travellers. The price gap over OUIGO narrows when your OUIGO service departs from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy rather than Gare de Lyon, once you add the RER A fare and 40-minute transfer.
First class
First class on TGV INOUI has wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter carriage. On busy same-day departures the gap to Standard can narrow, so compare prices before defaulting to Standard. Business Première passengers and Grand Voyageur loyalty card holders can use the Grand Voyageur lounge at Paris Gare de Lyon before departure.
OUIGO budget service
OUIGO is SNCF’s budget high-speed brand. Fares start from €16 for adults and €8 for children under 12, with one class of service.
The base fare includes one piece of hand luggage. OUIGO Plus costs €9 per adult and is free for children under 12; it adds seat selection, extra luggage allowance, and priority boarding. Add it before boarding, not at the station.
| OUIGO add-on | Cost |
|---|---|
| OUIGO Plus (seat selection, extra luggage, priority boarding) | €9 per adult; free for children under 12 |
| Pet transport | €10 |
| Bike (folded or dismantled, in storage bag) | From €5 |
OUIGO tickets are managed entirely via the OUIGO app or website. You cannot collect them at station ticket machines or third-party terminals. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; the gate closes 5 minutes before the train leaves.
Check which Paris station your specific booking departs from. Most OUIGO services leave from Gare de Lyon, but some depart from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (RER A, around 35 to 40 minutes from central Paris) or Charles de Gaulle Airport. The cheaper headline fare looks less attractive once you add the transfer.
Wi-Fi on OUIGO is not free. OUIFI (Wi-Fi) and OUIFUN (the entertainment portal) are available at extra cost.
Trenitalia Frecciarossa
Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa runs 4 direct services daily between Paris Gare de Lyon and Marseille Saint-Charles, with a stop at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV. Journey times range from around 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes. Class options include Standard, Business, Executive, and Club Executive. Check fares directly with Trenitalia or via resellers.
Rail passes (Interrail and Eurail)
Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on TGV INOUI services on this route. Do not board a TGV INOUI with only your pass. The pass covers the base fare, but you still need to book and pay for a separate seat reservation before travel. Book the reservation on SNCF Connect or through your pass provider’s website, and do it early on popular dates: reservation availability can tighten quickly.
The route by high speed
The Paris to Marseille route runs almost entirely on the LGV Sud-Est dedicated high-speed line, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h. For most of the journey the train crosses flat countryside fast. The final 30 to 40 minutes through Provence, as the train approaches Marseille, is the most rewarding stretch to watch. The honest answer to “is it scenic?” is mostly no, until the end.
Train operators on the Paris to Marseille route
SNCF runs the route through two brands: TGV INOUI (around 14 to 15 direct services on weekdays, slightly fewer on Saturdays) and OUIGO (3 to 4 daily services). SNCF counts up to 24 services per day across its network on this corridor. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa adds 4 further daily services sold through Trenitalia and resellers. The Intercités de Nuit covers the overnight option.
TGV INOUI
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 3h 04m (fastest); up to around 3h 35m with intermediate stops |
| Daily schedule | First departure around 06:03; last around 21:00 |
| Departure station | Paris Gare de Lyon |
| Arrival station | Marseille Saint-Charles |
| Wi-Fi | Free on board |
| Café-bar | Le Bistro (carriage 4 or 14) |
| Power outlets | Yes |
| Luggage | Up to 2 bags (max 70x90x50 cm each) plus 1 carry-on (max 40x30x15 cm) |
OUIGO
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Journey time | Around 3h 20m to 3h 42m |
| Daily frequency | 3 to 4 services |
| Departure station | Paris Gare de Lyon (some services from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy or CDG) |
| Arrival station | Marseille Saint-Charles |
| Wi-Fi | OUIFI, available at extra cost |
| Luggage | 1 carry-on included; extra via OUIGO Plus (€9) |
Intercités de Nuit (overnight)
The Intercités de Nuit runs from Paris Austerlitz and arrives at Marseille Blancarde, not at Marseille Saint-Charles. The journey takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. Couchette berths start from around €29. From Marseille Blancarde, local trains connect to Marseille Saint-Charles in under 10 minutes, so factor that into your plans if you need the main terminus.
On-board amenities
TGV INOUI
TGV INOUI trains have adjustable seats, fold-down tables, power sockets at most seats, and an at-seat trolley service. Le Bistro café-bar is in carriage 4 or 14 and is open throughout the journey. First class has more spacious seating, a quieter environment, and priority boarding.
Bikes travel for €10. Folded or dismantled bikes (maximum 130×90 cm in a case or bag) count as luggage; non-foldable bikes need a reserved bike space, booked at the time of purchase. Pets travel in a carrier (maximum 45x30x25 cm) for €10. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free on all SNCF trains.
Passengers with reduced mobility can request help through SNCF’s Accès Plus service. Contact Accès Plus at least 48 hours before departure to arrange station-level assistance to your seat.
OUIGO
OUIGO trains have good legroom and hand luggage storage. Power sockets are available at many seats. There is no café-bar on French high-speed OUIGO trains; the at-seat snack service only runs on OUIGO Classique (slower) services. Wi-Fi (OUIFI) costs extra. Pets and bikes must be added as options at booking (€10 for a pet; from €5 for a folded or dismantled bike). Passengers with reduced mobility can request the Assist’enGare service.
Children under 12 pay a fixed €8 fare on high-speed OUIGO services. OUIGO Plus is free for children under 12.
How to book and what tickets cost
Where to buy
Book TGV INOUI tickets on SNCF Connect (website or app) or at SNCF station desks and self-service terminals. SNCF Connect also sells Intercités de Nuit tickets and some OUIGO fares.
OUIGO tickets must be booked and managed via the OUIGO website or app. You cannot collect them at station machines or third-party terminals.
For Trenitalia Frecciarossa services, book directly with Trenitalia or via resellers such as Trainline, Rail Europe, or Omio. SNCF’s phone line is 3635.
For TGV INOUI tickets, modifications and refunds are allowed up to 3 days before departure. SNCF Connect offers a price freeze option when available. Check refund conditions carefully when buying cheaper non-exchangeable fares.
Ticket prices
Walk-up fares on this route are expensive: a same-day ticket averages around €163, which is why booking early makes such a significant difference. The prices below assume advance booking.
| Service | Starting price | Booking window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OUIGO Basic | From €16 (adults); €8 (children under 12) | Up to 9 months ahead | One class; no seat selection by default; OUIGO app only |
| OUIGO Plus | Base fare + €9 per adult (free for children under 12) | Up to 9 months ahead | Adds seat selection, extra luggage, priority boarding |
| TGV INOUI Standard | From around €19 advance; higher on busy dates | Up to 4 months ahead | Free Wi-Fi, café-bar, Standard-class seating |
| TGV INOUI First Class | Varies | Up to 4 months ahead | Wider seats, quieter carriage |
| Intercités de Nuit (couchette) | From around €29 | Varies | Arrives Marseille Blancarde, not Saint-Charles |
Prices vary by date, demand, and how early you book.
Children and families
On TGV INOUI, children under 12 travel at half the adult fare. Children under 4 travel free when seated on a parent’s lap. On OUIGO, children under 12 pay a fixed €8 fare for high-speed services, and OUIGO Plus is free for children under 12.
Extra services
| Extra service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pet travel (OUIGO) | €10 |
| Bike (OUIGO, folded/bagged) | From €5 |
| Bike (TGV INOUI) | €10 |
| Extra luggage add-on | Check current OUIGO fees at booking |
Train times and routes
Direct high-speed services
TGV INOUI services run from around 06:03 to around 21:00 from Paris Gare de Lyon, with around 14 to 15 daily departures on weekdays. The schedule varies slightly by day, so check SNCF Connect for exact departure times when you know your travel date.
Services with stops
| Operator | Stops | Approximate journey time |
|---|---|---|
| OUIGO | Avignon TGV, Aix-en-Provence TGV | Around 3h 30m to 3h 42m |
| TGV INOUI | Lyon Part-Dieu, Avignon TGV (selected services) | Around 3h 30m to 3h 35m |
| Trenitalia Frecciarossa | Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV | Around 3h 20m to 3h 50m |
These services also make useful stops for Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.
The overnight train
The Intercités de Nuit departs from Paris Austerlitz (not Gare de Lyon) and arrives at Marseille Blancarde after approximately 9 to 10 hours. Marseille Blancarde is a local station, not the main terminus; a connecting train to Marseille Saint-Charles takes under 10 minutes. Couchette berths start from around €29. Book early if you want a couchette, as berths tend to sell out well before the departure date.
How to save money
Book in advance
TGV INOUI tickets go on sale up to 4 months before departure. OUIGO tickets open up to 9 months ahead, with the lowest fares available at the time of release. The cheapest fares on both services typically go in the first weeks after they appear, so booking as early as you can gives you the best pick of prices and seats.
Travel mid-week
| Day | Starting price | Peak price |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | €25 | €109 |
| Tuesday | €29 | €89 |
| Wednesday | €29 | €89 |
| Thursday | €29 | €85 |
| Friday | €39 | €102 |
| Saturday | €29 | €99 |
| Sunday | €35 | €109 |
Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday typically come in 25 to 40% cheaper than Friday or Sunday. Mondays and Sundays average the highest prices.
Discount cards
The SNCF Carte Avantage (previously the Advantage Card) gives around 30% off TGV INOUI fares year-round, including for a travel companion. If you use this route more than a couple of times a year, the card is worth the cost.
Set a price alert
SNCF Connect lets you set fare alerts on specific routes. For OUIGO, go directly to the OUIGO website when booking opens for your date; the lowest fares move fast.
Planning your trip
Stations
Most day trains leave from Paris Gare de Lyon (Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris). The station is served by Metro lines 1 and 14 (line 14 connects directly to Orly Airport) and RER lines A and D. From central Paris it is around 15 to 20 minutes by metro.
Some OUIGO services depart from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (RER A, around 35 to 40 minutes from central Paris) or from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The overnight Intercités de Nuit departs from Paris Austerlitz.
Day trains arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles, around 2 kilometres from the Old Port. The station is open daily from 04:30 to 01:05 (until 01:30 on Fridays). Metro lines M1 and M2 serve the station.
- Old Port: around 21 minutes on foot, or around 16 minutes by Metro line M1
- Notre-Dame de la Garde: under 30 minutes by public transport
- Catalans beach: around 24 minutes via Metro line M1 then bus 83
- International buses (Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus) and airport shuttles also serve the station
If you arrive on the overnight Intercités de Nuit, your train stops at Marseille Blancarde, not Saint-Charles. The connecting train to Saint-Charles takes under 10 minutes.
Schedule overview
- First train from Paris: around 06:03
- Last train from Paris: around 21:00
- Fastest journey: 3 hours 4 minutes
- Typical range for high-speed day trains: 3h 04m to 3h 42m
- Total daily trains: up to 24 SNCF services plus 4 Trenitalia Frecciarossa
Booking timeline
- TGV INOUI: on sale up to 4 months before departure
- OUIGO: on sale up to 9 months before departure
Before you travel
Luggage allowances by operator:
- TGV INOUI: 2 items (max 70x90x50 cm each) plus 1 carry-on (max 40x30x15 cm)
- OUIGO: 1 carry-on included; extra luggage via OUIGO Plus (€9 per adult)
Pre-departure checklist:
- Arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure (the OUIGO gate closes 5 minutes before)
- Have your digital or printed ticket and ID ready
- For OUIGO, download the app before you leave; you cannot collect OUIGO tickets at the station
- Check the departure platform at least 20 minutes before; use the SNCF Connect app for live updates
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Paris to Marseille train take?
The fastest TGV INOUI trains complete the route in 3 hours 4 minutes. OUIGO high-speed services typically take around 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 42 minutes depending on stops. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa runs in approximately 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes, with a stop at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV. The overnight Intercités de Nuit takes approximately 9 to 10 hours.
How much does a Paris to Marseille train ticket cost?
TGV INOUI advance fares start from around €19 when booked well in advance; the same journey bought on the day averages around €163. OUIGO fares start from €16 for adults and €8 for children under 12. Adding OUIGO Plus costs €9 per adult and is free for children under 12. Book TGV INOUI tickets up to 4 months ahead and OUIGO up to 9 months ahead to access the lowest fares.
How many trains run daily between Paris and Marseille?
SNCF operates up to 24 trains daily on this route, covering TGV INOUI, OUIGO, and the overnight Intercités de Nuit. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa runs 4 additional daily services sold separately. Direct TGV INOUI trains account for around 14 to 15 departures on weekdays.
Can I use an Interrail or Eurail pass on the Paris to Marseille route?
Yes, both Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on TGV INOUI services between Paris and Marseille. Do not board with only your pass: a separate seat reservation is mandatory and must be booked and paid for in advance. Book the reservation on SNCF Connect or through your pass provider’s website.
Is there a night train from Paris to Marseille?
Yes. The Intercités de Nuit overnight service runs from Paris Austerlitz and arrives at Marseille Blancarde after approximately 9 to 10 hours. Note that Marseille Blancarde is a local station, not the main Marseille Saint-Charles terminus; a connecting local train takes under 10 minutes. Couchette berths are available from around €29 and should be booked early as they sell out.
Do all OUIGO trains from Paris leave from a central station?
No. Most OUIGO services depart from Paris Gare de Lyon, but some leave from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (the Disneyland Paris station, around 35 to 40 minutes from central Paris by RER A) or Charles de Gaulle Airport. Always check which station your specific booking departs from before you travel, as the transfer time and RER A fare can affect the overall cost of a budget ticket.
Is the train from Paris to Marseille scenic?
For most of the route, no: the train runs on a dedicated high-speed line at up to 320 km/h through flat countryside. The most rewarding section is the final 30 to 40 minutes through Provence as the train approaches Marseille.
