marseille cruise port to train station

• Access to Marseille Cruise Port
• Organize your stay
• Access and practical information

Find all the practical information to access the Marseille cruise port from the airport, the Saint-Charles train station and also with your personal vehicle. Are you stopping over in Marseille? We’ll tell you all about the free shuttle bus that takes you to the Joliette district.

Getting to the cruise port

From marseille provence airport, transfer organised by the cruise company.

Some cruise companies provide transfers from Marseille Provence Airport to the boarding terminal concerned ( contact your travel agency).

Taxi transfer

This is the fastest and most frequent route to the terminals from Marseille Provence Airport. More information on taxi transfers

Transfer by public transport

Warning! No direct connection between Marseille Provence Airport and the Cruise Terminals. The shuttle bus is direct between the airport and the train station. Travel time is 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. (up to 50 minutes during rush hour).

From Saint-Charles train station

By public transport.

Take the  Métro Line 2 (red) towards  “Gèze” and get off at the  “Joliette” stop. On the  Place de la Joliette, the bus n°35 T (which can be picked up  next The Docks Village), takes you near the Cruise ship, at the entrance of the Cruise Port  (Gate 4). The stop name is “Terminal Croisières” It takes between  600 m and 2,5 km when getting off the bus to reach the boarding platform. More information on public transport in Marseille. This train only runs on cruise days.

You arrive by car

→ The Grand Port Maritime de Marseille is located at exit n°5 on the  A55. (Gate 4 – La Calade – L’Estaque).

→ The Port de la Joliette (J4), at the foot of the  Cathédrale de la Major, is accessible by leaving the A55 motorway at exit n°4: La Joliette / Les Arnavaux / Arenc / Les Ports.

 Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal Parking (MPCT)

If you wish to leave your vehicle for the duration of the cruise, it will cost 14€ per vehicule and per 24-hour period. Package for more than 10 days per car and per cruise: 140 € TTC Payment by credit card or cash at the automatic cash desks located on the ground floor of the MPCT, in the luggage area. 2000 parking spaces are available and reservations are not required (spaces guaranteed). For further information: [email protected]

Shuttle to the cruise port

The Grand Port Maritime de Marseille has set up a free shuttle that runs every day that there are ships calling.

The timetable:

• from 9.20am to 5.20pm and a rotation every 20 minutes

It is intended for passengers in transit, embarking and disembarking.

/!\ To make sure that the free shuttle bus serving the cruise terminal is available, the Tourist Office advises passengers to contact us 2 or 3 days before their stopover in Marseille to make sure it is running. Because there is no 100% reliable rule.

Starting point at the cruise terminal (for transit passengers wishing to go to the city centre and disembarking passengers): from your cruise ship, follow the green line on the ground. Walk between 5 and 12 minutes towards the exit of Gate 4 of the port until you reach the well-marked stop. Starting point at Place de la Joliette (for passengers in transit returning to their ship and those embarking): it is located between the Terrasses du Port shopping centre and the maritime station. At 9 Quai du Lazaret. After the fastfood “Five Guys”. There is a large gate with white iron bars. You enter through the small gate while showing your ticket.

Accommodation near the port

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Cruise Port of Marseille | 12 Best Things To Do in Marseille, France

Welcome to the cruise port of Marseille, France! (Post updated: March 2024)

Marseille is the second most populated city in France and the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is a colorful and diverse city known for its magnificent architecture, unique culture, vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port), beaches, and a variety of historic landmarks. It is also a gateway to the popular cities of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and a breathtaking Calanques National Park. In this article, read about:

• Marseille cruise port (Marseille cruise terminal, getting around)
• Top 12 things to do in port Marseille (including Marseille shore excursions to Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Parc National des Calanques)

Visit also our cruise guides for Cannes , Villefranche , Ajaccio , Valencia , Barcelona , Cagliari ,   Palma de Mallorca

Cruise Port of Marseille

Officially called Marseille Fos Port , the port of Marseille is one of the leading ports in France and one of the major transit ports for cruises and ferries in the Mediterranean. It consists of two cruise ship terminals: La Joliette Cruise Port (operated by Port of Marseille Fos) and Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (operated by M.P.C.T).

1. Joliette cruise terminals

This cruise port is located near Place de la Joliette and within walking distance of the Vieux-Port de Marseille (Old Port), the main tourist district where the city’s main landmarks and attractions are located. La Joliette cruise terminal has several berths and is dedicated to small and medium-sized vessels including cruise ships, tender boats, cargo ships, mega yachts and ferries with lengths less than 200 m/565 ft.

Small cruise ships usually dock at J4 Terminal, however, the majority of the cruise vessels are too big to dock here, so they dock at MPCT (read more below). Joliette cruise port also serves ferries to Corsica, Sardinia and North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco).

2. MPCT (Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal)

This cruise ship terminal is also known as MPCC (Marseille Provence Cruise Center) or Môle Léon Gourret piers. MPCT is located in the industrial zone northwest of the Vieux-Port de Marseille, approximately 8 km/5 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the city center.

MPCT has six berths that can accommodate up to 6 cruise vessels at a time, regardless of the size. There are six cruise terminals (Terminals A, B, C, D, F, E) with modern cruise terminal buildings offering embarkation/disembarkation facilities, luggage drop-off, check-in areas, and large car parks. MPCT is both an embarkation port and a port of call. You will also find a cafeteria, a tourist information office point, and several ATMs.

The motorway A55 connects MPCT and the Vieux-Port de Marseille. To get to the cruise terminals from the city center, you need to drive along A55 and take Exit 5 (Sortie no 5) – Porte 4 (Gate 4) after a few kilometers. Porte 4 is the port entrance/exit and here you’ll find bus stops for bus lines 35, 36 and 36B (the nearest stop is “Terminal Croisières”). You have a few options to get to the Marseille city center from MPCT:

• The first option is to take bus 35 which leaves from the port exit (Porte 4). There is a considerable amount of walk to reach Porte 4 from the terminal buildings, from 800 m to 2 km, depending on where your ship docks. You can either take a taxi for a short drive or simply walk up to 20 minutes following the green line to reach it. Once you arrive at Porte 4, look for the “Terminal Croisières” bus stop and take the bus to the Joliette terminus. Once you arrive at Joliette, you can either take a 15-minute walk to the Vieux-Port de Marseille or catch a tram (line T2 or T3), bus, or metro line 2 to all points within the city center (tram and metro station are both located around 250 m from the Joliette terminus).
• Alternatively, the port of Marseille may offer a free shuttle bus service exclusively for cruise passengers. The shuttle bus runs approximately every 30 minutes between the Môle Léon Gourret (you’ll find the shuttle bus stop on the way to the port exit) and Joliette terminus, stopping at the vast Les Terrasses du Port shopping mall along the way. The schedule of these free shuttles may vary based on the season and the number of ships in port. You may encounter long queues on busy days. Cruise lines normally don’t advertise this option to the passengers to avoid their competitors (cruise lines tend to sell their shore excursions/paid shuttle buses).
• Cruise lines normally offer paid shuttle bus service to Marseille city center which may cost up to 20€ round trip depending on the cruise line. It takes around 20 minutes drive to reach Marseille downtown.
• Taxis are available in the terminal area. It is more convenient to share a taxi if you travel with a group than to buy individual shuttle bus tickets. The taxi costs roughly 20-30€ per vehicle one way.
• You can always book a shore excursion by your cruise line/independent tour operator if you opt for a guided option.

Getting Around Marseille Port

• The currency in Marseille France is EURO (€). Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available at the cruise terminal and in the city.
• Marseille Provence Airport (Aéroport Marseille Provence) is located around 20 km/12.5 miles (a 20-30 minute drive, depending on the traffic) from MPCT. The distance to the Joliette cruise terminal is 23 km/14 miles (a 20-25 minute drive). The distance from the airport to the Vieux-Port de Marseille is roughly 25 km/15.5 miles (25-30 minutes drive).
• Since MPCT is also a turnaround port (cruises start and end here), you may need a transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal . Some cruise lines offer transfer options for a fee. Alternatively, to get to MPCT from the airport you can take the airport’s shuttle bus to Marseille Saint-Charles station and then take public transport (metro line 2 to Joliette and then bus 35) or a taxi to the cruise terminal. However, this option is very time-consuming and complicated, and it’s better to arrange a private transfer or take a taxi directly from the airport. Book a private transfer to/from Marseille cruise port
• Public transport in Marseille (bus, tram, metro) is operated by RTM (Régie des transports métropolitains). The ticket purchased at the terminal costs 1.70€ and is valid for 1 hour of connection (including round trip) throughout the RTM network. However, keep in mind that you are limited to only one access to the metro. You can recharge the same ticket later, so make sure you keep it. There are other packages available which you can check online or with the tourist information office at the cruise terminal. Visit the official RTM website here https://www.rtm.fr/
• Marseille-Saint-Charles train station (Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles) is the main railway station in Marseille, located 8 km/5 miles (20 minutes drive) southeast of MPCT and around 2 km/1.2 miles (10 minutes drive) from Vieux-Port de Marseille and Joliette terminals. Trains in France are operated by SNCF (National Railway Network) and you can check the departures and fares on the official website https://www.sncf.com/en
• Petit Train de Marseille (Train Touristique de Marseille) is a little tourist train that allows you to have a commentated train ride through the city with stops at major tourist attractions. The trains depart from the Old Port (Vieux-Port de Marseille), at 174 Quai du Port. There are 3 different routes and the duration of each one is around 30-40 minutes. You can find all the necessary information on the official website https://petit-train-marseille.com/
• Colorbüs is a Marseille Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus that allows visitors to hop on and off at 25 stops in the city as many times as they want. There are a Red line, Blue line and Combined pass (Red+Blue) that cover all main Marseille attractions including the seaside and the city suburbs. Colorbüs Marseille also departs from the Vieux Port de Marseille (86 Quai du Port). Check out Colorbüs tours and tickets on Viator and Get Your Guide
• Marseille City Pass (24h, 48h and 72h) allows access to dozens of attractions, museums, Little Train Tour, boats, guided tours, unlimited public transport tickets, and more. Buy Marseille City Pass
• Explore Marseille tours and activities
• Rent a car in Marseille
• Check out the best hotels in Marseille

12 Best Things to Do in Cruise Port of Marseille

Before I share the best things to do in Marseille, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Marseille) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Vieux-Port de Marseille (Old Port)

The Old Port of Marseille is located at the bottom of the famous  Canebière , the main shopping street of Marseille. Guarded by two massive forts (Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean), the iconic Old Port is the oldest part of the city and the place where the history of Marseille began. Vibrant, colorful and bustling with people, the Old Port has been the beating heart of the city for centuries and is nowadays a symbol of Marseille.

Besides promenades packed with cafes, restaurants and shops, here you can find a fish market (Marché aux Poissons) on Quay des Belges, the picturesque Sainte Marie lighthouse , the 17th-century Baroque building of the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), a metro station, Colorbüs hop on hop off bus station, ferry boats, Petit Trains de Marseille and many other attractions.

If you are interested in the arts, history and culture of Marseille, in the surrounding streets, you’ll also find a few museums and churches including the Marseille History Museum ,  The Marseille Soap Museum  and others. Old Port is also one of the main places to eat in Marseille, so make sure you try out delicious local seafood specialties.

Check out Marseille Old Port tours and activities

2. Notre Dame de la Garde

Built in the 19th century on the foundations of an ancient fort on the top of the city’s highest hill, Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde (known as “la Bonne Mère” – “the Good Mother” among the local population) is the symbol of Marseille and the city’s most visited landmark.

The impressive Romano-Byzantine basilica is famous for its lavish interior and grand bell tower capped with the golden statue of the Virgin Mary. The church dominates the city skyline and can be seen from downtown. It is located at approximately 2.5 km/1.5 miles (a 35-minute walk) from the Old Port and you can reach it on foot (multiple stairs involved) or via bus (bus no. 60 stops in front of the basilica). Access to the church is free.

Explore Notre Dame de la Garde tours and activities

3. Le Panier (Marseille’s Old Town)

Le Panier neighborhood is Marseille’s Old Town, located just north of the Vieux-Port. The Panier is famous for its steep alleys, artistic ambiance, colorful murals, old and tall buildings, historic squares and hilly streets filled with authentic cafes, eateries and shops. Some of the major city landmarks are located in Le Panier such as:

• Marseille Cathedral – Also known as Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille and Cathédrale de la Major , this stunning cathedral built in the Byzantine and Roman Revival styles dates back to the early 19th century and is renowned for its magnificent interior lined with murals, mosaic and marble. The cathedral overlooks La Joliette cruise port.
• Vieille Charité (Centre de la Vieille Charité) – Situated in the heart of Le Panier, only 600 m from Marseille Cathedral, this exceptional building was designed by the Marseille-born architect Pierre Puget and built between 1671 and 1749. Originally built as an almshouse (a charitable housing for the city’s poor and beggars), this domed architectural gem today houses the Marseille International Poetry Centre, the Museum of Art of Africa, Oceania and Amerindia, research centers, art galleries, museums and a bookshop.
• Église Saint Laurent – The 12th-century church of Saint Laurent and the adjoining 17th-century chapel of Sainte-Catherine dominate La Joliette, Le Panier district and the Old Port from a hilltop.
• Mucem – Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean – A museum stands at the entrance to the Vieux-Port and offers an amazing insight into the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
• Musée Regards de Provence – This classic and modern art museum overlooks La Joliette wharves and is located across Mucem, next to Marseille Cathedral.
• Église Notre-Dame-des-Accoules – Another beautiful place of worship located right behind the City Hall, a few blocks away from the Vieux-Port.
• Place de Lenche – One of the most famous squares where you’ll find numerous eateries and cafes.

Check out Le Panier tours and activities

4. Vallon des Auffes

Located in the 7 th arrondissement of Marseille, 2.5 km/1.5 miles (a 30-minute walk) southwest of the Vieux Port, Vallon des Auffes is a small Provençal fishing village and a fishermen’s paradise. Nestled between two cliffs, at a stone’s throw from the Catalan beach, this charming village boasts picturesque fishermen’s huts and small traditional fishing boats scattered on both sides of Pont du Vallon des Auffes , a concrete arched bridge built in the 19th century, during the construction of the Corniche of President John F. Kennedy.

Vallon des Auffes is a true hidden gem of Marseille and if you are looking for a peaceful oasis and fresh fish specialties, this is the place to go!

Explore Vallon des Auffes tours and activities

5. Palais Longchamp

The breathtaking Palais Longchamp is located in the 4 th arrondissement of Marseille, roughly 2 km/1.2 miles (a 30-minute walk) east of the Vieux-Port. This impressive historical monument was constructed in the 19th century to bring water to the city and nowadays is home to the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Marseille, east wing of the palace) and Natural History Museum of Marseille (Muséum Histoire Naturel de Marseille, west wing).

The palace is surrounded by a wonderful park filled with animal sculptures and an imposing fountain with cascades (known as château d’eau or “water castle”). Palais Longchamp area is open to the public and is a true green oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

Check out Palais Longchamp tours and activities

6. Château d’If

The iconic Château d’If is a fortress and former prison famous for being one of the settings of Alexandre Dumas’ adventure novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Château d’If is located about 1.5 km/1 mile offshore from Marseille and 5.5 km/3.5 miles from the Vieux-Port. It is the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago known for being entirely fortified and centered around the “château”, a square, three-story building flanked by three towers with large gun embrasures.

The château was built in the 16th century for military and defensive purposes, however, it was mainly used as a dumping ground for political and religious detainees throughout the centuries. Today, Château d’If is a historic monument and a tourist attraction that can be visited by ferry from the Vieux-Port.

Check out Château d’If tours and activities

7. Park National des Calanques

The Calanques National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and those of you who seek breathtaking landscapes. Calanques are narrow, steep-walled inlets found along the Mediterranean coast and the most beautiful examples of this formation can be found in the Massif des Calanques, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department.

The Calanques of Marseille extends for 20 km/12 miles in length along the coast between Marseille and Cassis, culminating in Mont Puget. In this beautiful national park, you can admire unique flora and fauna, spectacular landscapes and dramatic cliffs overlooking mesmerizing turquoise waters. If you are an adventure seeker, there are many activities offered such as kayaking, rock climbing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and swimming among others!

The most popular coves are Calanque de Sormiou (the biggest calanque, known for rock climbing), Calanque de Sugiton (popular for hikers), Calanque de Morgiou, Calanque d’En-Vau and Calanque de Port-Miou (near Cassis). If you are taking a tour from the Marseille port (MPCT), you’ll reach the Calanques National Park in about 45 minutes drive (20 km/12 miles). If you are coming from Marseille downtown, it takes around 35 minutes drive (14 km/8.7 miles).

Explore Parc National des Calanques tours and activities

8. Frioul Islands

The Frioul Islands (Îles du Frioul) are a French archipelago located within the protected area of the Calanques National Park, about 4 km/2 miles off the coast of Marseille. Frioul archipelago is made up of four scenic islands including Pomègue, Ratonneau, Tiboulen, and If, where the legendary Château d’If is located.

The islands are home to endemic flora and fauna and boast a rich historic heritage with fortresses, ramparts, beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and a variety of restaurants and shops for tourists. L’île de Pomègues is connected to l’île de Ratonneau via a causeway and both islands can be visited on foot within a couple of hours.

There are ferry boat rides organized from Vieux-Port de Marseille. The ride takes 15 minutes each way and the boat disembarks passengers at Port du Frioul, from where you can explore the two islands on foot. While there, make sure you visit the beautiful coves (calanques) of Saint-Estève and Morgiret, as well as Calanque de la Crine, often considered the most beautiful cove of the archipelago.

Check out Frioul Island tours and activities

Located 27 km/17 miles (a 45-minute drive) east of Marseille, Cassis is a charming port town and the French Riviera’s popular tourist destination. This lovely town is known for its falaises (cliffs) and the Calanques (sheltered inlets), renowned wines, pebbly beaches, and a picturesque harbour filled with seafront cafes and restaurants.

While there, make sure you visit Cassis Market (Marché de Cassis), Plage de la Grande Mer , Plage du Bestouan , Cassis harbour and its wonderful calanques such as Calanque de Port-Miou .

Check out Cassis tours and activities

10. Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a university city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region situated 32 km/20 miles (a 40-minute drive) north of Marseille. The birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence has always been an inspiration for painters, writers and musicians who used to live and work in the city. Nowadays, you can visit the city’s numerous museums, art galleries, artists’ studios ( Atelier Cézanne ) or explore its historic monuments, fountains and squares.

One of the most lively places in the city is Cours Mirabeau , a beautiful tree-lined avenue where you’ll find cafes, eateries and the impressive, 19th-century Fontaine de la Rotonde with its extravagant sculptures. The city is divided into two parts: the new part called Quartier  Mazarin and the old, medieval part of the city with its narrow streets and the iconic Aix Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix-en-Provence) dating from the 12th century, one of the main city’s symbols.

Aix-en-Provence is a historic city with many cobblestone areas that are not wheelchair-friendly. Make sure you make comfortable shoes while exploring the city.

Check out Aix-en-Provence tours and activities

11. Avignon

The medieval city of Avignon is located roughly 100 km/62 miles (a 1h 15-minute drive) northwest of Marseille. Set on the Rhône River, Avignon is best known for being the seat of Catholic popes from 1309 to 1377. The historic center of Avignon, which includes the massive Palais des Papes ,  Avignon Cathedral and the famous Pont d’Avignon (The Bridge of Avignon), was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its outstanding architectural and historic value.

Besides a large number of historic monuments and landmarks, Avignon is also famous for Festival d’Avignon , an annual arts festival that attracts tourists and art lovers from all across Europe.

Explore Avignon tours and activities

12. Orange Vélodrome

Last but not least, if you are a football fan you can visit Stade Vélodrome, home to the Olympique de Marseille football club. This massive, multi-purpose stadium has been a venue for the 1938 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and is the largest club football ground in France, with a capacity of 67.394 spectators.

Stade Vélodrome is located 3.7 km/2.3 miles (a 10-minute drive) south of Vieux-Port de Marseille. Guided tours are available.

Visit also our cruise guides for  Malaga , Alicante , Ibiza , Naples , Florence (Livorno) , Rome (Civitavecchia) , Cinque Terre (La Spezia) , Palermo (Sicily)

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How to get there?

From the airport (Marseille-Provence) which is 30 km from Marseille center:

From the airport a shuttle bus will drive you to the railway station St-Charles (8,50€). From there, a taxi can lead you directly to your cruise terminal.

Be aware that the different cruise terminals of Marseille are pretty far apart, check with your cruise company which dock will be used.

Joliette cruise terminals dedicated to small and medium-size vessels. Close to town.

MPCT (Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal)  For most larger vessels.

By train: from the railway station St-Charles you can join easily your cruise terminal by taxi. For GPS users: Place de la Joliette, Marseille.

Although MPCT (Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal) is too far (8 km) to walk to center of Marseille and is not pedestrian-friendly. To get into town, take a taxi or the shuttle service (11 Euro) to and from the Vieux Port (the center of town). Or take City bus (RTM) no: 35, a 20 minute walk from the port, follow the green line on the ground. Get off at Joliette terminus and take bus 55 to the Old Port. (1.90 Euro, pay the driver)

Just outside the port gate there is a free shuttle to the city. Every 20 minutes. Cruise shuttles drive a little bit further to the city, but you have to pay. This one is free and the only thing is that you have to walk a little bit more. But it is worth it!

A taxi will cost about 17 Euro to the old port.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Marseilles France

Sightseeing:

The Vieux (old) Port is the hub of Marseilles, lined by its quays, filled with fishing boats and yachts, and surrounded by small streets teeming with seafood restaurants , cafés and shops. The Quai des Belges, at the end of the port, hosts a fish market every morning of the week.

The Vieux Port is the center of touristic Marseille. It is the main marina of the city and it is a good starting point for walks around the old city, along the shopping street "Canebiere" or to the church Notre Dame de la Garde .

South of La Canebière, bohemian cours Julien (known as the ‘cours Ju') sits on the site of the former central food market. These days it is the city's most youthful area, home to a varied collection of fashion boutiques, bookshops, terrace cafés and music venues.  

North of the Vieux Port is the hilly district of Le Panier, the oldest part of the city and traditionally the first stop for immigrants – and tourists. It's hard to resist its narrow streets, steep stairways and ancient, pastel-colored houses.

There is also a regular, smaller ferry that potters from one side of the Vieux Port to the other.  

Tourist information : 4 La Canebière and at the train station Gare St-Charles.  

The Abbaye de St-Victor (3 rue de l'Abbaye, 04 96 11 22 60), a fascinating double-decker church and once one of the most powerful abbeys in the South, is worth the climb. Another (steep) climb, via twisting streets and steps, will take you to the city's most famous landmark: Notre-Dame de la Garde, rue Fort du Sanctuaire, an extraordinary neo-Byzantine extravagance of a basilica.  

Tours Excursions Transportation:

There is no need to to take a cruise organized expensive shuttle into town.

The free shuttle service from the cruise port ends close (300m walk) where the " Petits Trains Touristiques " makes a circuit of the center of Marseille, with commentary. It starts from the end of the Old Port (Quai des Belges, where the Office de Tourisme is located) Train 1 - Notre-Dame de la Garde via Vieux Port and Abbaye de St-Victor - 50 min trip; Jan-Nov, from 10h; every 30 min during the summer. Train 2- Vieux Marseille, via Cathedrale, La Vieille Charite, Quartier du Panier - 40 min trip; Easter-Oct, from 10h15; every hour during the summer.

From 12h-14h the trains only run if there are at least 10 passengers.

You can also opt for the hop on/off services of Marseille Le Grand Tour which also starts at the same spot.

Taxis are also offering tours .

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

Aix-en-Provence : Take the shuttle bus to Old Port, walk or ride Métro to train station, then take a train to Aix-en-Provence (45 minutes, twice an hour, 9 Euro one way), Arles (1.5 hours), or Avignon (1 hour). Bus 50 also takes you from the train station to Aix-en-Provence, a 35 minute ride, approx. 6 Euro one way. Every 5 minutes or so. Tickets can be bought on the bus. Map of Aix-en-Provence.

The sun-bleached white turrets of Château d'If , the 16th-century island prison immortalized in Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, are nowadays populated by seagulls and salamanders rather than convicts. Ferries take about 20 minutes and leave every hour from the Vieux Port's quai de Belges – now officially re-named quai de la Fraternité.

Shopping and Food

The city's cuisine includes many typical dishes, the best known of which is bouillabaisse, a fish stew.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Local emergency number: 112  

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks in France stay open all day. The exceptions are the smaller shops and enterprises, which may close for lunch sometime between 12.30pm and 2pm. Basic hours of business are from 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday for the big shops and Tuesday to Saturday for smaller shops (some of the smaller shops may open on Monday afternoon). You can always find boulangeries and food shops that do stay open, however, on days when others close – on Sunday normally until noon.

Holidays in France

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Marseille in One Day: Cruise Port Guide

Lovely, lovely Marseille! The French port city basking in the glow of the Mediterranean sun. For those travellers lucky enough to arrive in town via cruise ship, even a day in Marseille from a cruise promises some wonderful memories. This guide is your henchman to the Marseille cruise port and what you need to see while in such little time in this Provencal beauty.

About Marseille

Remarkably diverse, this city, France’s oldest and its second-largest, blends the cultures that have made it what it is today, a historic seaport with a modern, vibrant vibe. Wandering about Marseille is a delight, from its celebrated old town, Le Panier, to its labyrinthine ancient port, Le Vieux Port, and its fascinating neighbourhood markets: old is mixed with new, traditions are vibrant while the modern beacon shines. Travellers to France will always find something special in Marseille.

A Guide to Marseille Cruise Terminal

The Marseille cruise port, whose official name is Môle Léon Gourret, is one of the busiest cruise liner arrival ports. Cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line all serve the port of Marseille. The cruise port terminal, for its part, has all the facilities needed in order to make the transit efficient.

Cruise Port Terminal Facilities

• Numerous Cruise Line Terminals: There are several terminals at the port servicing different cruise lines for a smooth and organised embarkation process.
• Passenger Services: Waiting areas, signs and ticket desks, toilets.
• Accessibility: The terminals are designed to be accessible for passengers with mobility challenges.

How to Get from Marseille Cruise Port to the City Centre

Now here’s something the cruise ships wont tell you: there is a FREE shuttle service available from the Marseille cruise terminal to the city centre.

Courtesy of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. This shuttle runs on days when a cruise ship is in port, usually from 9:20 am to 5:20 pm, every 20 minutes.

To meet the shuttles after getting off your cruise ship, follow the green line across the ground, which will take you to the exit from the cruise terminal. The walk, depending on where your ship docked, is 10 or 15 minutes. At the exit you’ll find an air-conditioned shuttle (free, for cruise passengers who have yet to venture further into the city by using the Metro, taxis, or on foot) that takes you another 15 minutes.

The shuttle brings you down right by the Les Terrasses du Port area, and right across the street from the La Joliette metro line station, which is suited for getting around town and linking with the other public transport solutions.

Book a Tour that Picks You Up at Marseille Cruise Port

A good way of enjoying the highlights of this city for those who want to avoid dealing with the local transport system is to go on a tour. Tours are a great way to ‘tick off’ the popular sights in a city and this one can be a real time-saver too: many of them pick you straight up from your ship.

Check out some of these interesting Marseille tours that will pick you up from your ship:

• E-Bike and Food Tour : Take a three-and-a-half-hour e-bike foodie tour to discover Marseille through its tastes and aromas, sampling traditional dishes and flavours.
• Aix-en-Provence & Cassis : a great way to sample the sights and sounds of Aix-en-Provence, a historic university town and cultural hotspot just 25 miles north of Marseille, which can easily be arranged from the port.
• Avignon & Pope’s Palace : an enchanting journey through the heart of Provence, featuring a walk through Avignon and its history as well as a wine-tasting in the nearby appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Closest Airport to Marseille Cruise Port

The Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the easiest to get to by far for those who start or end their cruise in Marseille. It’s located about a 20 to 30-minute drive away from the city centre by car.

Marseille Provence Airport handles a large number of international flights worldwide and domestic flights to other parts of France, making it as convenient for globe-trotting travellers as for local wanderers. It’s well-connected and able to deal with carrying masses of passengers smoothly, delivering them right from the heart of the terminal to your cruise ship and then back again.

Once you arrive at the airport, you have several ways to get to the cruise terminal: most cruise lines will offer a shuttle service for free or for a fee arrival directly to the pier. If not, then you can take a taxi, Uber or private transfer to the cruise terminal in a direct route.

More budget-friendly but slower would be to travel by public transport: take the shuttle bus from the airport to Vitrolles-Aéroport train station, then go by regional train to Marseille St-Charles train station. From St-Charles, connect to one of the local transport options that arrive at the cruise terminal.

How to get around Marseille

Travelling by public transportation in Marseille is easy and efficient, thanks to the extensive network operated by the transport company Régie des Transports de Marseille (RTM). The metro, tram and bus networks, as well as ferrys, link up most of Marseille’s neighbourhoods and suburbs.

If you’re seeking to get from one of the main tourist areas or shopping districts to another or simply want to go to a colourful neighbourhood , the Marseille Metro offers a practical option. The network follows two parallel lines, connecting the main points of interest: the Vieux Port (Old Port), Notre Dame du Mont Basilica, the Canebière shopping district, the beaches of Prado. The public service hours go from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Tram System

Marseille has a scenic system of trams, which provides a nice overview of the city. The system runs three lines: T1, T2 and T3. It operates every day between 5 a.m and 12:30 a.m. The T2 line is the most efficient one because almost all of the city’s landmarks are on it – Old Port, Canebière shopping district, and Joliette.

Excursions into the outlying areas far beyond the city centre can be done using Seàctï buses, Marseille’s extensive network of buses, with some 100 lines, plus night services: the city centre south and west are served by the metro (two lines) and the tram (three lines), but the bus network goes everywhere.

One day in Marseille Itinerary

1. start at the old port (vieux port).

Begin your exploration in the Old Port, Marseille’s beating heart, and the site where the city has always centered itself, from its founding by the Greeks in 600 BC. Though Vieux Port is today a pretty marina lined by handsome quaysides and punctuated by colourful fishing boats and grand yachts, it remains as much a hive of free trade and hybrid cultures as it ever was. Patisseries and pastel-coloured seafood restaurants spill out onto the water’s edge and fill the heady air with the aroma of bouillabaisse — the port’s flagship culinary dish. Cafes and bars offer simple vistas across the water to the island of Frioul and the city’s exquisite, impenetrable Calanques. To see Vieux Port teeming with fish in the morning sunlight, or bathed in golden light at dawn or sunset, is to experience the essence of Marseille. It is where the port reveals itself as pure history, in all its bumps and blooms: the city’s beating heart, its raw courtyard, and the beating source of its cultural identity.

2. Visit Notre Dame de la Garde

Make your way to Notre Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s iconic basilica, that crowns a limestone outcrop overlooking the city, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city below. Erected in the 19th century in the Romano-Byzantine style, the exteriors are adorned with mosaics, marble and murals in a breathtaking relic of otherworldliness and spirituality. Capping the basilica’s slender spire is a towering statue of the virgin Mary, whose watchful gaze is seen as a source of protection over the city’s sailors and fishermen. A visit to Notre Dame de la Garde brooks a unique balance of religious tranquility, historical depth and a mesmerising visual medley of the urban landscape, an experience not to be missed by anyone who embarks on Marseille.

3. Explore Le Panier District

Wander the labyrinthine streets of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest district. Often referred to as the heart and soul of Marseille, this neighbourhood is a veritable artery of history and culture. Perched atop a hill on the north end of the Vieux Port, this oldest of all the city’s quarters is a maze of winding streets and pastel-hued century-old buildings that reverberate with the echoes of Marseille past. The discovery of every alley feels like a surprise: an artisanal shop, a local gallery, a bustling café, a rooftop bar. The area has a certain bohemian flow thanks to the artistic community, but the ultimate reason to visit it is that real-life history is etched into every humble façade and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

5. Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant

Then, for lunch, have your daily fill of Marseille’s traditional Provençal cooking – why not a good old Bouillabaisse fish stew with the harbour at your feet?

For a delightful lunch in Marseille, you have a variety of excellent options. Some top recommendations include:

• La Cantine de Lynn : Known for its French and seafood menu, this restaurant is acclaimed for its welcoming ambiance and quality cuisine.
• Le Hippie Chic Café : Le Hippie Chic Café: blend of French and Mediterranean dishes Food/atmosphere very good.
• Le Bistro Du Panier: This place is differentiated for their American style of serving alongside the French dishes (known mainly for the wide range of burgers and also mouthwatering serve of Tiramisu)
• Cafe Bovo: Good for Mediterranean and French food, pasta and octopus are terrific.
• Grand Bar des Goudes : Yet another good French – and seafood – option. Lovely setting and the perfect spot for a peaceful lunch.

6. Walk Along La Corniche

In the afternoon, walk along La Corniche which borders the Mediterranean Sea and offers a stunning view over the sea and the city, plus cafés and beaches as well as the perfect promenade for a walk, running or sunbathing. The Corniche is not only an impressive promenade, in my opinion it’s one of the best features of Marseille, as it combines natural and urban beauty, and is unmissable when you visit Marseille.

7. Visit Palais Longchamp

Last but certainly not least, my favourite thing to do is visit the stunning Palais Longchamp. This colossal masterpiece of marble-clad architecture was built to celebrate the arrival of the Durance river water to Marseille thanks to the Canal de Marseille which allowed the city to no longer be deprived of water. The Palais Longchamp was designed by the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu who gave it a central square like structure topped by a water fountain surrounded by solemn colonnades leading to the two majestic buildings now occupied by the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle on both sides.

Travel Blogger

Hi! My name's Alicia and I'm a travel blogger and photographer from the UK. I love nothing more than travelling the world (so much so that I now do it full time!) to collect recommendations, itineraries and magical places to share with you.

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Transfer from Marseille train station to cruise port - Marseille Forum

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What is the best way to transfer to the cruise port from the Marseille train station. I have read online that some people say just grab a taxi. I am concerned that having to wait for multiple taxis will eat up a lot of our time. Especially when disembarking and we are waiting along with the other passengers. Are there any transfer services in Marseille? I have not been able to find any.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

5 replies to this topic

I'd look at Norwegian's website. I bet they have this organized for about 20 Euros per person. If not bus 35 takes you much of the way, but leaves a 20 minute walk to Gare St. Charles train station.

Hi Dorothy,

Anyway we can connect to share information?

Sounds like we are on the same cruise .

We're in "the same boat" and will probably take a taxi. Important to note that there are a lot of extra people in town for the Rugby World Cup. The best news is we have a late ship embarkation so it buys you a little extra time. Get more input from the FB group Norwegian Epic October 2-13! :-) https://www.facebook.com/groups/512575477385579

https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/organize-your-stay/practical-information/access-to-marseille-cruise-port/

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Marseille Hotels and Places to Stay

• Is Marseille Safe?
• Is there a free shuttle from the cruise port to the Vieux Port?

Book your transfer by calling : +33 665 159 925

• Marseille Provence Airport

Marseille Cruise Port

• Marseille Gare Saint-Charles
• Provence Private Tours
• Quote & Reservation

Find us directly at the docks of Marseille Cruise Port

Bridging the gap between your cruise and your stay in Marseille.

Marseille-Transfers transports you from the landing or the boarding of your ship.

We assure all your transfers from or towards Marseille Cruise Port. Our transfers link each exchange point such as Marseille Provence Airport, or even Marseille Gare Saint-Charles.

We also offer guided visits and tour services to our customers stopping at Marseille and willing to discover our region. All our drivers at Marseille-Transfers are multilingual : English-French at least with other languages on request. You will enjoy your stay in Marseille !

We collaborate closely with shipping and cruise companies to always be up to date on cruise schedules, for arrivals as well as departures. You have nothing to worry about but rest in our vehicles and enjoy your stay in Marseille. We take care of your entire trip.

Meeting & greeting at arrival

Marseille-Transfers has all the authorizations to enter the quays of marseille Cruise Port and meet you (or drop you) just in front of your ship.

As soon as you land from your boat, one of our qualified drivers will immediately assist you and take responsability of your stay in Marseille. He will be waiting for you next to the luggage retrieval area with a board showing your name on.

Marseille Cruise Port - Gate 4 (Porte 4)

Marseille has the largest seaport of the Mediterrean Sea. It extends over mon than 10 km in Marseille and 70 km for the entire constituency.

The boarding zone is located at Gate 4 (Porte 4), also called Cap Janet.

Beware, the Vieux-Port isn't near the cruise seaport : they are 8 km apart from each others. Marseille-Transfers offers this transferassure ce transfert afin de vous plonger directement après votre croisière dans le centre-ville de Marseille.

Our main transfers served

We carefully organize all our transfers to perfectly suit your schedules and coordinate all your trips on the right time.

• Marseille Cruise Port - Marseille Gare Saint-Charles : 8 km
• Marseille Cruise Port - Marseille Provence Airport : 19 km
• Marseille Cruise Port - Marseille Vieux-Port : 8 km

These distances are example of frequently served transfers. We serve any destination in the South of France. Thus, we have hourly unlimited-milage fares .

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Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

Marseille Cruise Port Info: Complete Visitors Guide

Marseille cruise port is a popular destination on the coast of the Mediterranean, in the South of France. We arrived in Marseille (pronounced mar-say ) after a river cruise in Provence and saw several large cruise ships lined up in the distance as we explored the various terrains along the Mediterranean waterfront.

Things to do in Marseille abound, and you don’t have to travel far from where cruise ships dock or where you reach the city center to see them. Though Marseille is the largest city in southern France, the main attractions are in a fairly compact and centrally located area. 

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Marseille Cruise Port Information

Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a great cruise ship port stop in the Mediterranean. We’ll share all the info you need to know about the Marseille cruise port so you’ll be a prepared visitor. We will thoroughly review how to get between the cruise port and the airport and how to get to the center of Marseille to sightsee.

There are several parts of the Marseille port. It is one of the largest ports in the world and certainly, as it’s called, a “gateway to southern Europe.” Millions of tons of goods come in and out of this port each year. And millions of cruise passengers as well. 

The port is easy to enter and exit, as long as you have valid identification that you’re a cruise passenger (like your cruise card or medallion ). The Marseille cruise port is a good starting point for excursions. Some excursions you can book yourself will even pick you up at the cruise port. 

If you arrive on a large cruise ship, using the free shuttle that transports cruise guests to the Joliette area is a good idea. This is where you can easily access the city’s public bus stops and tram stations.

If you arrive on a medium or small cruise ship, your ship will likely dock in La Joliette neighborhood. It's closer to town than the big cruise ship docking area is.

Parts of Marseille Cruise Port

The Marseille Cruise Port is known by many as the “Gateway to Southern Europe.” Its commercial port handles millions of tons of goods coming in and out of the area every year, along with welcoming over one million cruise guests annually. 

There are two public areas of the cruise port in Marseille, or “Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal.” They are next to each other. One area is where the large ships dock, and the other is where small cruise ships dock. 

Big cruise ships dock at “Gares du Môle Léon Gourret,” or the “Stations of Mole Leon Gourret.” Most major cruise lines arrive at Gate 4, or Port 4. 

The cruise line terminals here are further away from town, too far to walk to the city center in any reasonable amount of time. (The center of Marseille is nearly 6 miles from the port. It would take over an hour to walk, one way.)  

Next door to Môle Léon Gourret is La Joliette cruise port, where smaller ships dock. It is closer to the center of Marseille.

Transportation Around Marseille 

Public transport is really easy to use in Marseille. The metro, bus, and tram systems all have the same ticketing. If you are traveling using two of the modes of transportation instead of just one, like riding the bus and then having to switch to a tram, you have 59 minutes to use a ticket interchangeably. 

This means you don’t have to use two tickets for one journey – you only need to use one per person.

How to Get from Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal to the City Centre on Your Own

The cruise port isn’t in the city center, so if you want to explore Marseille on your own or sign up for a tour that isn’t offered by your cruise line (in other words, book a tour yourself, unassociated with your cruise line), then you’ll have to get to the heart of Marseille from where your cruise ship docks yourself. 

So how do you get to Marseille’s city center from the large cruise port area, Gares du Môle Léon Gourrett? It’s easy with the following options: 

• Hop on one of the free shuttle buses from the port to the Joliette area. Once you get there, you can navigate the city by foot or with public transportation, depending on your destination. 
• Take a taxi or Uber there the port for less than €20
• Sign up for a tour that picks you up at the cruise port terminal.

Using Public Transportation to Get to the Center of Marseille: Marseille Cruise Port Free Shuttle 

If you want to travel to the city center with public transportation, it will be a big help to utilize the free cruise shuttle provided by the Port of Marseille. It operates between the cruise port (Port 4) and La Joliette, traveling southeast along the waterfront to get to the city center. On the reverse journey, it heads northwest from the city center to cruise Port 4. 

If the shuttle’s end point by La Joliette isn’t where you want to go, you can walk or take trains, trams, or buses from there to get to your destination. 

Here are detailed instructions for how to do it after getting off your cruise ship at Gares du Môle Léon Gourret at the Marseille cruise port: 

• Disembark your cruise ship and follow the green line on the ground to reach the cruise terminal exit. It’s approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk, depending on your pace and where exactly your ship is docked. 
• From that exit, you need to find the free shuttle that the city of Marseille provides for cruise tourism to get further into the city. Fellow passengers will likely be looking for it too. The shuttle ride is approximately 15 minutes. 
• It travels from the cruise terminal to the Les Terrasses du Port area, near a shopping center. This area is across the street from the La Joliette metro line station.  

How to Find Marseille’s Free Cruise Shuttle and Operating Hours 

The shuttle operates between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, running every 30 minutes. You will see a sign indicating the shuttle times from the maritime station/cruise port area. 

If you’re trying to find the shuttle from the center of town going toward the cruise ships, you’ll find it near the shopping center at Les Terrasses du Port. It's by the white gate marked “Grand Port Maritime de Marseille.”

How to Get From the Cruise Port Area to the Center of Marseille with Public Transportation (without the Free Cruise Shuttle)

Suppose you just missed the shuttle and you don’t want to waste 30 minutes of precious time in Marseille waiting for the next one. You can take public transportation from the cruise port to the city center instead, or vice versa.

If you have wifi, we recommend opening Google maps and typing your destination in Marseille to see what route it takes. This is because the route suggestion will vary based on the time of day and your exact destination. 

• WiFi on up to 10 devices
• Lightweight and pocket-sized
• Works in popular port cities worldwide

For example, if you want to get to the Joliette area from the cruise port, you’ll walk to the exit by following the green line on the ground, then take tram 35 toward Joliette. You’ll ride 11 stops, which takes about 10 minutes and get off at La Joliette. 

The station names are clearly stated on the tram screens while you ride and are usually clearly announced. As long as you pay attention, you’ll easily know which stop is next.

Taxi or Uber to the Center of Marseille

If you take a taxi or Uber, we recommend making Marseille’s old port area, or historic “Vieux-Port” in French, your destination. It’s an area most tourists want to visit. 

Once you walk to the exit of the port area where a car can load passengers, it takes between 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Vieux Port area by Taxi or Uber. 

Book a Tour that Picks You Up at the Cruise Port

If you don’t want to deal with figuring out how to get around Marseille, but you still want to see the sights in town, you have great tour options you can book on your own. They will save you a ton of time and energy figuring things out on your own. 

Check out some of these interesting Marseille tours: 

• Marseille Small Group Segway Tour
• Half-Day Electric Bike Tour, which starts from the Cruise Terminal
• Private 4-hour tour of Marseille with optional pickup at Cruise Port, hotel or elsewhere
• Marseille Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Tour of Marseille with Cruise Port pickup at Gate (or Port) 3

Closest Airport to Marseille Cruise Terminal 

If you start or end your cruise in Marseille, France, you will want to fly into or out of the Marseille-Provence Airport (code MRS). The airport is a 20 to 30-minute drive by car from the center of the city, depending on traffic. The route between the airport and cruise terminals area is only approximately 20 minutes by car. 

When you see French road signs that say “Quai du Port,” you will know you’re close to one of the largest ports in France. 

Getting from the Marseille Provence Airport to the Cruise Terminal 

Your cruise may provide free transfers from the airport to the port or transfers for a fee. Be sure to check with your cruise line. 

If your cruise doesn’t provide transfers, it’s easy to get between the airport and Marseille cruise port with private transfers, like a taxi or Uber, or a private prearranged car. 

It’s also possible to travel between the cruise port and the airport on public transportation if you have the time. This will take about an hour versus 20 to 30 minutes in a car, but the cost savings could be worth it, depending on your budget. 

How to Get from the Marseille Airport to the City Center on Public Transportation

If you’re arriving at Marseille airport and want to get to the city center or cruise port, you must take a shuttle from the airport to get to the railway station, then take the train to the city. 

You take the airport shuttle bus (the cost is minimal at less than €2 per person, but it is not free) to Vitrolles-Aerport Marseilles Provence train station. The shuttle bus to get from the airport to the train station departs from airport bus platform number 5 in front of the terminal. Have some euros on hand to pay for your bus ticket. 

From Vitrolles-Aerport Marseilles Provence train station, you ride a regional train to get to Marseille St-Charles, Marseille’s main train station. 

From St-Charles, you transfer to a local underground metro train or above-ground tram to reach La Joliette. The options take the same amount of time. 

• Option 1: Take metro M2 towards Gèze, traveling two stops from St. Charles to La Joliette.
• Option 2: Take a tram from St. Charles train station to Joliette. Travel on the T2 Arenc Le Silo tram 8 stops to La Joliette. 

From La Joliette station, follow the instructions in this post to find the free shuttle bus service that goes from there to the cruise port.

Overview of How to Get from the Airport to Port with Public Transportation

To review, here’s how to get from the airport to the cruise port where large ships dock in Marseille, with public transportation: 

All this costs less than €11 per person. 

Total travel time is approximately an hour and 15 minutes, but don’t forget to account for time waiting for the next bus, train, or shuttle in between the various modes of transportation. 

How to Book Tickets from the Marseille Airport to the City Center on Public Transportation

We purchased our ticket for the bus from the airport to the first train station with cash. 

For the train ticket from Vitrolles-Aerport Marseilles Provence train station to Marseille St-Charles train station, we booked online with Trainline. 

We have found the easiest way to book train tickets in Europe is with Trainline. You can book the train from Vitrolles-Aerport Marseilles Provence train station to St-Charles on Trainline. 

Once you get to St-Charles train station, the easiest way to get the local train or tram tickets you need (it’s the same ticket system) is to simply go to a ticket machine at the station. You can choose to view the screen instructions in English, French, or several other languages. 

Trainline is the most comprehensive ticket booking app for Trains in Europe

It is the easiest way to simplify booking trains in Europe! The Trainline app is THE BEST , and prices are the same on Trainline as booking directly through the train companies' websites.

How to Get from Marseille Airport to the Cruise Port with a Private Transfer

You can always prearrange for a private transfer from the airport to the port or vice versa. Book online for ease of reservation and arrangements. The ride should take around 20 minutes.

Marseille Cruise Port FAQs

We’re happy to answer the most common questions we have seen about Marseille cruise port. If you have questions that are not answered here, please add a comment at the end of the post to ask! We’re always happy to help. 

How far is Marseille’s city center from the cruise port? 

Generally speaking, it’s approximately 12 minutes by car to Marseille’s city center (which we’re considering Vieux-Port de Marseille, the historic old port). That’s 7.8 km or 7.85 miles.

Public transportation to the city center will take about 45 minutes, but the city provides a free shuttle bus service every 30 minutes from the cruise ports to the city center. We share that information below. 

How do you get from Marseille cruise port to the city center? Can you walk from the cruise terminal to the city center? 

You can get there by car, shuttle, or public transportation (bus and trains). But it would take you about an hour and a half to walk! Thankfully, the transportation options are really easy. 

Is Marseille a walkable city? 

Marseille is walkable, yes. But it’s also really large, so we were grateful for their easy-to-navigate public transportation when we were there. We used public transportation to get to more places in our limited time. 

We also signed up for a guided tour to see all the hits and learn about the city’s history in a few hours, with a local who best knew how to navigate the streets efficiently. 

What is interesting about Marseille? 

When we arrived in Marseille, we admit we were a little undecided about it. It’s not outwardly beautiful if the day isn’t sunny and bright (it was a cloudy overcast day when we visited). And we were at a loss for what to do there besides walk around, eat and drink. 

But we’re so glad we signed up for a walking tour because, through our guide, we were able to learn about the city’s history and what makes it unique in Europe, starting with it being the oldest city in France. 

Marseille’s tourist attractions make it interesting, and those attractions are interesting because they’re ingrained in the city’s story. It’s on the Mediterranean coast, there’s a huge gorgeous basilica at the top of a towering hill that looks out to the city, boats line the old harbor, cruise ships bring over 1M people to the city each year, and it’s a hub to good going in and out of Europe, every day. 

What are the key historical sites and things to do in Marseille? 

You’ll most certainly want to make good use of your free time in Marseille but seeing some historic buildings, churches, and neighborhoods. Maybe you’ll even want to try some local food. 

Did you know that Marseille is the oldest city in France, that it has Roman ruins, or that there’s a neighborhood of artists who help fill the streets with cool murals?

Here are some of the key things to see and do in Marseille: 

• Le Vieux Port : The historic old port of Marseille, with a morning fish market. The area has plenty of dining and some shopping. 
• La Canebière : The city’s historic avenue from the 17th century that connects to Vieux-Port Marseille.
• Le Panier : Oldest neighborhood in France, now well known for its artist community. 
• Notre Dame de la Garde: Visit the basilica on the hill overlooking the city with incredible panoramic views.
• Palais Longchamp : Picturesque fountain in central Marseille. 
• Marseille’s famous bouillabaisse fish stew : Try it during a walking food tour.
• Cathédrale La Major : Breathtaking cathedral in Marseille’s La Joillette neighborhood.

Marseille Tour Options

Book a Marseille group or private tour

Hotels to Stay in Near Marseille Cruise Port

Most of Marseille's hotels are not near the cruise port because it’s partially a working, industrial area. The best thing to do is to look for hotels that are between the cruise port and the Joliette area.

Then you can take the free shuttle from that neighborhood to the port for your cruise embarkation or use it after you disembark to spend time in central Marseille.

Conclusion for Marseille Cruise Port

Cruise passengers from cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Oceania, Costa Cruises, and more will appreciate the transportation that allows them easy access all over the city of Marseille. Whether you have a few hours in the Marseille cruise port, an overnight, or extend your trip before or after your cruise, you’ll find this Mediterranean Sea city is a fun seasonal destination.

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10 comments.

What a useful article! Very structured, detailed and extremely helpful on how to get to the city centre and main landmarks. Thank you so much 🙂

Thank you so much for taking the time to say so, Adriana. We are SO appreciative of your comment! – Mikkel + Dan

Thank you very much for the very good article and will be very useful for our visit to Marseille in September when the cruise ships visit this city.

So glad to hear it was helpful, Dinh!

Do you know what port Oceania Riviera docks at? I can find the cruise schedule but doesn’t list the port.

It’s best to contact Oceania about it because they’ll have the official information for your exact sailing. Hope that helps, Gina!

Thanks for the info, visiting on Tuesday with a cruise

Have the best time, Andrea!

Thank you. Very informative. Looking forward to our trip in July.

So glad to hear that, Cam! Thanks for your comment.

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• France Ports

Marseille Train Station to Cruise Port. How far?

By dougt1957 , October 23, 2009 in France Ports

Recommended Posts

We are taking a cruise out of Marseille on Oceania next May. We are planning on spending a few nights in Paris and then taking the train to Marseille on the day of departure. Has anyone done this? I was wondering how far it is from the train station to the cruise port, and if taxis are available. The station looks close to the port on google maps. Trains are plentiful and arrive pretty much all day according to RailEurope. Any advice as to how long it will take once we get to Marseille to get to the ship? Thanks.

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Now there is a smaller problem:

your ship is smaller and might berth directly at the Old Port: which means maybe you can go by subway.

So ask your cruise line if you berth at

La Joliette

Marseille Provence Cruise Center

Instructions are here:

http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/practical-information/cruises/join-your-cruise/

This picture is taken from our ship while we were berthing at MPCC.

So you see the Cathédrale de la grande Major???

Just in front is the Cruise Terminal for smaller ships. It might be that you may berth there.

See this map:

http://www.marseille-port.fr/plans/plan_est.pdf

In the West of the map: MPCC

In the East of the map: La Joliette

In the North of the map: Gare SNCF Saint Charles, where the Paris-bound trains arrive and leave.

• 3 weeks later...

The train station looks closer on the map than it actually is. And it's not the greatest area to be walking through with a suitcase. There is also a metro that you can take from the train station to the port. But depending on where your ship is docked, you may have to get a port shuttle from the port entrance to your ship's berth. It's much easier to catch a taxi...follow the signs in the train station to go downstairs for the taxi stand. A taxi will take you directly to your ship and will cost about 15 euros although they may charge a bit extra for your luggage.

Not necessarily true when it comes to the Metro. Depending on the pier that is used, the Metro can be way beyond reasonable walking distance. A taxi to the train station does make the most sense in this port. Another option is to take the cruise shuttle bus into town which will drop you at the old port area. From there, it takes about 15 min to walk to the train station or it would be possible to use the Metro or a local bus.

• 2 years later...

It is an easy cab ride from St. Charles Station to either cruise port. The one farther up the coast, called Mole, is 5 miles or 8 km. Joliette is even closer, being just north of the mouth of the old harbour (Canadian spelling!).

We did the train (TGV) Paris to Marseille, then a short (inexpensive) taxi ride to the ship. There is a line of waiting taxis at the station, no need to book a transfer. You should book your train tickets online raileurope.com, great restful 3hr. trip. Depending on where your hotel is, and the amount of luggage you have, it is very easy to get to the Gare de Lyon station by Metro.

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The Man in Seat 61

A brief station guide

Marseille st charles.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, marseille's main station:  location map.

Marseille has one main central railway station, called Marseille St Charles.  It's a terminus, with 14 dead-end platforms lettered A to N from right to left as you stand on the concourse and look towards them.  The station has all the usual facilities, ticket office, waiting room, shops, food kiosks.

Luggage storage

The station has a staffed left luggage office, outsourced to La Bag Mobile, www.bagmobile.fr .  Walk off the platform and across the concourse.  At the back of the main concourse, go down the escalators or steps towards the metro (there's also a lift).  At the bottom of the escalator on level 0, turn right and walk out of the exit door marked with the vertical arrow in the photo below, past Starbucks to La Bag Mobile.  See here for opening times & prices .  Photo courtesy of Barry Parks .

Getting around

It's a 1.4 km 17-minute walk from the station to the Vieux Port.  Personally, I have always simply walked it.  See city map .

Metro ...  Marseille has two metro lines, see www.rtm.fr .  Metro line 1 can take you from Marseille St Charles station to the Vieux Port in just 2 stops.

Ferries ...  For schedules and online ticket for the local ferries from Marseille Vieux Port to the Chateau d'If and the island of Frioul, see www.frioul-if-express.com .

Inexpensive hotels with good reviews just outside Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles & Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles .

If you're staying longer, go for a hotel closer to or at the Vieux Port.  The Grand Hotel Beauvau is a good choice, I've used it myself, ask for a room overlooking the Vieux Port.  If you want somewhere special, try the Intercontinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu , set in a historic 18th century building in the historic quarter of Marseille, 400m from the Vieux Port with views across the Eglise Notre Dame.

Visiting Marseille

Marseille is a fabulous place to spend a few days, plenty to see from the Vieux Port to the Eglise Notre Dame de la Garde to the infamous Chateau d'If on it's island out in the bay, France's own 17th century Alcatraz.  There are plenty of good seafood restaurants in the old town, too.  If you can manage a stopover, do so...

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Port of Marseille

Guide to Cruise Ports and Terminals

Marseille Cruise Port

There are two cruise ports in Marseille France:

• La Joliette Cruise Port (for small ships and tender boats)
• Cruise Porte 4 (handles most ships)

La Joliette Cruise Port is located near Marseille's "Old Port" in the city centre.  If your cruise ship anchors offshore, this is where you'll arrive.

Cruise Porte 4 is located several kilometers northwest of downtown Marseille. There is a modern terminal complex located at the facility.

Public Transportation

Port shuttle.

A paid shuttle service is run by the cruise lines from Cruise Porte 4 to Marseille's Old Port.  Buses depart approximately every 20 minutes.

Bus/Metro Service

The Marseille metro connects the Old Port to the Marseille Train Station.

Train Station

The Marseille Train Station is a 20 minute walk from the Old Port.  Trains depart every 20 or 30 minutes for the picturesque towns of Aix-en-Provence and Cassis.

Visitor Information

Marseille france.

Top tourist attractions in Marseille include the Old Port (Vieux Port) and Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica.

Access the Marseille Visitor's Guide for comprehensive tourist information.

Cassis France

The fishing village of Cassis is a lovely Mediterranean community located east of Marseille.  It features a sandy beach and some great restaurants.

Visit the Cassis Vacation Guide for more information.

Aix-en-Provence, France

Aix-en-Provence is a picturesque community north of Marseille that is famous for its markets.  Learn more about "Aix" at aix-en-provence.ca .

Map of Marseille Cruise Port

View map of La Joliette Cruise Port

View map of Cruise Porte 4

France Currency

The official currency of France is the euro.

Weather in Marseille France

Marseille enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate.  Average daily temperatures in Celsius are as follows:

Free Wifi Service

Free Wifi is available at the main cruise terminal at Cruise Porte 4.

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Marseille Cruise Port

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Where is the cruise port of  Marseille

Marseille is the largest port in France, in 2019 the passenger traffic of the cruise terminal amounted to 1.75 million people. Marseille is the second largest city in France. The port of Marseille stretches along the northern coast of the city and includes ferry terminals, cargo terminals, dry docks and cruise line terminals. 

We are interested in the pier Môle Léon Gourret – there are the cruise terminals of Marseille. Large cruise ships are moored here. This is a view from a height.

The nearest building (purple and white coloring) is the new MarseilleProvence Cruise Terminal(MPCT), followed by parking and other buildings. The long red building at the entrance to the pier is the older cruise terminal Terminal 19. It is very far from the cruise terminals to the center of Marseille, about 8 kilometers. The distance between the exit from the port and the nearest bus stop is about one kilometer from Terminal 19 and about 2 kilometers from MPCT.

Boarding the ship at the cruise port of Marseille

How to get from marseille airport to cruise port , how to get from saint-charles train station to the cruise port .

Free shuttle buses in the port of Marseille

How to get from cruise ships to the center of Marseille 

1) cruise line transfer, 3) public transport .

Luggage at the port of Marseille

Parking at the port of marseille.

• Up to 45 minutes = free 
• From 45 minutes to 1 hour = € 2 
• From 1 to 9 hours = € 0.30 / 15 minutes
• From 9 to 12 hours = € 0.20 / 15 minutes
• Day from: € 14. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do in marseille cruise port.

• Stroll around the Vieux Port
• Eat Bouillabaisse
• Visit the oldest district in Marseille, Le Panier
• Visit Marseille Cathedral
• Visit Palais Longchamp, the oldest museum in Marseille

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48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Marseille

Top Things to Do

Best Beaches

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Food to Try in Marseille

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Marseille Provence Airport Guide

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Public Transportation

Getting Around Marseille: Guide to Public Transportation

Robert Mullan / Getty Images

While it's one of France's largest cities in terms of population, Marseille is relatively easy to navigate. The Mediterranean hub has a much less complex and sprawling public transportation system than Paris does, with just a few metro, tram, and bus lines that are generally efficient and reliable. At the same time, the city can feel a bit daunting for first-time visitors, as it comprises several neighborhoods and areas that can be difficult to access without a car. Before your trip to the ancient port city, familiarize yourself with public transport options, and consider buying a pass to make getting around and exploring Marseille easier and more economical.

How to Ride the Metro

The Marseille Metro (subway) system is one of the best ways to travel between popular tourist attractions, shopping areas, and some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Marseille.

Made up of only two lines that traverse the city center and certain outer districts, the Metro serves popular sites and areas including the Vieux Port (Old Port), Notre Dame du Mont Basilica and viewpoint, Canebière shopping district, and Prado beaches district. We recommend using one or both lines when you're exploring the city's centermost districts and sites, and to enjoy an afternoon out in the surf and sun.

Hours of Operation: The Metro operates daily between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.

Fares: Tickets for the Metro can be used on buses and tramways. A ticket purchased at a train station costs 1.60 euros for the first purchase and 1.50 euros for subsequent trips. (The ticket costs 1.90 euros on the bus.) One ticket is valid for a free transfer within an hour, but the ticket must be validated upon transfer. Two-trip passes cost 3.10 euros and 10-trip passes cost 13.50 euros.

Routes: The two lines serve a total of 30 stations, including the following popular areas and attractions:

• Line 1: Running mostly east to west, this line serves 18 stations, including the Vieux Port (Old Port)/ Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), Marseille Saint-Charles train station, Canebière shopping district (at the Reformés stop), and Cinq Avenues district (which harbors sites such as the Natural History Museum and Museum of Fine Arts).
• Line 2: Running north to south, this line serves 12 stations, including the Rond Pont du Prado (offering access to the Prado beaches area), Notre Dame du Mont and Cours Julien district, and the Noailles stop (for access to the popular Marché des Capucins food market). This line also stops at the St-Charles train station.

How to Ride the Tram

Marseille's tram system is more extensive than its subway, and can offer another good way to get around the city once you familiarize yourself with how it works. One advantage of taking the tram is that you'll see how places connect above ground and get a better sense of the city as a whole.

There are a total of three tram lines (T1, T2, and T3). These operate daily from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Line T2 is probably your best bet for seeing popular attractions, including the Old Port, Canebière shopping district, Cinq Avenues (museum district), and Joliette (near the Terrasses du Port Shopping Centre on the waterfront).

Other Practical Tips

• Be extremely cautious when navigating by foot around trams and their tracks. Make sure to only cross busy intersections used by trams after looking both ways, and watch out for signals that a tram will soon be crossing.
• Accessibility: All trams in Marseille (as well as most buses) are accessible to passengers with wheelchairs, and are either fitted with ramps or level access points.

How to Ride the Bus

While it may be unnecessary to use Marseille's bus system, it may be useful in certain cases. This is particularly true if you want to take a day trip to areas that extend beyond the Metro and tram system, including many of the city's beaches and the Calanques National Park. There are more than 100 different bus lines (including night services), which can be a bit tricky for visitors unfamiliar with the city to navigate. If you think you may need to travel by bus, you can check the Marseille Transport Authority (RTM) website for an overview of lines and schedules (in French only). If in doubt, use Google Maps or another navigation app to plot your trip.

Marseille Ferry Boat

The Ferry Boat is a fun, inexpensive, and quick way to shuttle across the Old Port (Vieux Port), from the Quai du Port (Mayor's Office) to the Place Aux Huiles on the other side. This is also a good way to get a closer look at some of the prettier boats moored in the harbor. It's operated by local transport authority RTM.

How to Buy and Use Tickets

Ticket machines can be found at most metro (subway) and tramway stations, and are also sold at various points around the city. Bus tickets can be purchased onboard from drivers.

Tickets are also sold at tourist information offices, train (rail) stations including Saint-Charles, and tabacs (tobacco dispensers/convenience stores).

Make sure to validate your metro, tram, or bus tickets/passes before each ride by placing them on the orange digital readers. They are valid for an hour after validation and you can make as many transfers between buses, trams, and metro stations as you wish during this period. You may be subject to fines if you do not follow these guidelines.

For more details and advice on how to get around the city, visit the Marseille Tourist Office website .

Car Rentals

Renting a car isn't generally necessary if you plan to focus most of your attention on areas around the city center. However, if you wish to embark on several day trips to destinations such as the Calanques National Park , Cassis, or other regional highlights, driving is probably the easiest way to go. If you do decide to rent a car, we recommend that you avoid the center if possible, and carefully study French driving laws in advance.

Taking Public Transportation To and From the Airport

From Marseille-Provence Airport, there are a couple of ways to get to the city center using public transportation. You may board a bus from the airport to the Marseille Saint-Charles train station; the trip takes roughly 25 minutes and tickets can be booked online .

Alternatively, you can take a free shuttle from the airport to the Vitrolles-Aéroport train station, then another train to the Marseille city center. Free shuttles depart 10 to 15 minutes from the bus station, platform 5, and the trip takes around 5 minutes. The train onward takes roughly 20 minutes.

Tips for Getting Around Marseille

• If you want to enjoy a bit of Marseille nightlife, the Metro operates until 1 a.m. Night buses are also available, but can be tricky for tourists to use, and may pose potential safety issues in certain areas. Consider taking a taxi back to your hotel if it's too far away on foot, or you have any doubts about personal safety.
• Taxi rides are not generally recommended outside of certain airport transfers or late-night transport, since heavy traffic in the city center can considerably inflate fares and travel times. An exception might be if you plan a single day trip outside the public transportation network's reach, but don't wish to rent a car to get there.
• In the spring and summer, we recommend navigating the city center and Vieux Port area on foot as much as you feel comfortable with. If you're staying near the center, this can also be the most time-efficient way to get around—but do make sure you wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and bring along a bottle of water on hot days.
• Even in our digital world, it's always a good idea to have a print map of the city on hand in case your phone battery dies.
• The city center is not considered especially bike-friendly, although efforts are currently underway to install more dedicated bike paths. In the summer, cycling around the beach areas (such as the Plages du Prado) can be very pleasant. A city bike rental scheme exists, but be aware that helmet rentals are not on offer.
• Consider purchasing the Marseille City Pass , which offers unlimited trips on city public transportation lines, discounted entry to several museums and attractions, a ride on Le Petit Train (an old-fashioned tourist rail line), and other perks. You can choose between cards that are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours (special rates for children).

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• France Ports

Marseille Train Station to Cruise Port. How far?

By dougt1957 , October 23, 2009 in France Ports

Recommended Posts

We are taking a cruise out of Marseille on Oceania next May. We are planning on spending a few nights in Paris and then taking the train to Marseille on the day of departure. Has anyone done this? I was wondering how far it is from the train station to the cruise port, and if taxis are available. The station looks close to the port on google maps. Trains are plentiful and arrive pretty much all day according to RailEurope. Any advice as to how long it will take once we get to Marseille to get to the ship? Thanks.

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Share on other sites.

Now there is a smaller problem:

your ship is smaller and might berth directly at the Old Port: which means maybe you can go by subway.

So ask your cruise line if you berth at

La Joliette

Marseille Provence Cruise Center

Instructions are here:

http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/practical-information/cruises/join-your-cruise/

This picture is taken from our ship while we were berthing at MPCC.

So you see the Cathédrale de la grande Major???

Just in front is the Cruise Terminal for smaller ships. It might be that you may berth there.

See this map:

http://www.marseille-port.fr/plans/plan_est.pdf

In the West of the map: MPCC

In the East of the map: La Joliette

In the North of the map: Gare SNCF Saint Charles, where the Paris-bound trains arrive and leave.

• 3 weeks later...

The train station looks closer on the map than it actually is. And it's not the greatest area to be walking through with a suitcase. There is also a metro that you can take from the train station to the port. But depending on where your ship is docked, you may have to get a port shuttle from the port entrance to your ship's berth. It's much easier to catch a taxi...follow the signs in the train station to go downstairs for the taxi stand. A taxi will take you directly to your ship and will cost about 15 euros although they may charge a bit extra for your luggage.

Not necessarily true when it comes to the Metro. Depending on the pier that is used, the Metro can be way beyond reasonable walking distance. A taxi to the train station does make the most sense in this port. Another option is to take the cruise shuttle bus into town which will drop you at the old port area. From there, it takes about 15 min to walk to the train station or it would be possible to use the Metro or a local bus.

• 2 years later...

It is an easy cab ride from St. Charles Station to either cruise port. The one farther up the coast, called Mole, is 5 miles or 8 km. Joliette is even closer, being just north of the mouth of the old harbour (Canadian spelling!).

We did the train (TGV) Paris to Marseille, then a short (inexpensive) taxi ride to the ship. There is a line of waiting taxis at the station, no need to book a transfer. You should book your train tickets online raileurope.com, great restful 3hr. trip. Depending on where your hotel is, and the amount of luggage you have, it is very easy to get to the Gare de Lyon station by Metro.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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• Western Europe - Azores - Canary Islands Cruise Ports

Le Havre-Paris (France)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Western Europe - Azores - Canary Islands

Local Time 2024-04-24 12:43

Port Le Havre-Paris cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Le Havre-Paris, France. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Le Havre (cruise port to Paris City) is a major port city located approx 200 km (130 mi) from France's capital. The port is on Europe's Atlantic coast and on the English Channel. The city has total area approx 47 km2 (18 mi2) and population around 240,000 (metro around 33,000).

Port Le Havre is France's second-largest commercial seaport (after Marseille /on the Mediterranean Sea) in terms of overall cargo tonnage but is ranked the country's largest containership port. It is popular as cruise port of call, especially on Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com).

Statistical data shows a constantly increasing number of cruise ship calls - 70 (in 2010), 97 (2011), 107 (2012), 124 (2013), 129 (2016, handled 332,515 passengers), 129 (2017, handled 397,552 pax), 145 (2018, handled 145 ship calls/including 40 roundtrips, ~418,000 pax).

For 2019 were scheduled 135 cruise ship calls (including 31 turnarounds/homeport calls on roundtrips) by 49 different vessels (from 20 cruise brands) and were handled 350,439 cruisers. Season 2019 featured 4x 3-ship days and 18x 2-ship days. Season's river cruise traffic increased from 112 riverboat calls with 14,000 tourists (2018) to 133 riverboat calls with 17,000 tourists (2019).

For season 2020 were booked 139 ocean cruise ship berthings. The Port plans to increase its cruise shipping traffic from the current 0,35-0,4 million passengers to 0,5M (by the year 2025) and to 0,6M (by 2030).

Next are listed several popular cities located in close proximity to Le Havre, with the travel distances and driving times (by car or taxi).

• Honfleur - 20 km / 13 mi (30 min)
• Rouen - 90 km / 55 mi (70 min)
• Bayeux - 125 km / 80 mi (90 min)
• Omaha Beach/Normandy landings' War Memorial - 145 km / 90 mi (100 min)
• Paris - 205 km / 125 mi (130 min)

Port Le Havre

Port Le Havre (officially "Grand Port Maritime du Havre", locode FRLEH) consists of a series of canal-like docks. Canal de Tancarville and Grand Canal du Havre connect Le Havre to Seine River.

The port operator is a state-owned agency created in October 2008 (replacing "Port Autonome du Havre"). The company manages all port facilities and developments. Le Havre's Harbour Office manages the shipping traffic providing forecasts, control, navigation and berthing assistance, radio connections, radar coverage, data, information. The Harbor Office also manages all vessel arrivals and departures.

Cargo ships transporting dangerous goods or marine vessels with LOA length over 70 m (230 ft) must be assisted by local pilots. As a gateway to the congested Northern European waterways (English Channel and North Sea), Port Le Havre provides pilotage assistance in these waters too.

Port Le Havre is also important for ship repairs and ferry services (between France and England and Ireland). Regularly scheduled cruiseferries link to Portsmouth (England UK) - by DFDS Seaways , and to Rosslare Europort (Ireland) - by IRISH FERRIES .

Main cargoes shipped through the port via tankers, bulk cargo carriers and container carriers (boxships) include crude oil, refined oil, gasoil, cereals, animal feed, coal, cement, general cargo, TEU-containers.

Le Havre Marina provides berthing for luxury yachts and pleasure boats without any tidal restrictions. Its current capacity is 1160 (mooring rings). The Marina's docking facility provides electricity and water supplies. In 2012 was inaugurated a second boat marina (Port Vauban) with capacity 500 (moorings rings). In addition to the new Marina was built Docks Vauban (commercial center) and Les Bains Des Docks (recreational complex with swimming pools). The new yacht marina is in downtown and close to the railway station, as well as to A29 highway (part of European Route E44). A29 connects the Port with A26 highway (at St Quentin) and also has junctions with autoroutes A13, A131, A16, A28, A1.

Le Havre was France's first containership port. Its infrastructure includes 3 sets of containerized cargo terminals and around 6,5 km (5 mi) long quays (docks).

• European Container Terminal has wharf length of 887 m (2910 ft) and is equipped with two post-Panamax gantry cranes, 18 carriers and one LHM 550 - Liebherr (mobile crane (max load 100 tons). The wharf's max draft is 14,3 m (47 ft) - constant level. The terminal's ground slots can serve up to 7800 TEUs (containers), while the blockstow can stock 2400 TEUs.
• Americas Container Terminal has wharf length of 484 m (1588 ft) length and is equipped with four post-Panamax gantry cranes (3 with 18 carriers and 1 with 20 carriers). The wharf's draft is 14,5 m (low tide). Each crane returns a productivity of 22 TEU-containers per hour. Terminal's ground slots can serve up to 3400 TEUs.
• Atlantic Container Terminal has wharf length of 800 m (2625 ft) and is equipped with four Post-Panamax gantry cranes (max load 60 tons), 18 carriers.
• The privately-owned Normandy Container Terminal covers an area approx 80 hectares and consists of two quays (named Asia, and Osaka). The terminal is served by five Post-Panamax gantry cranes.
• Ocean Terminal (Bougainville Quay) is a public facility covering a total area of 40 hectares. Quay's length is 1666 m (5466 ft) with max draft 13 m (43 ft) - constant level. It has seven gantry cranes plus one with max load 100 tons.
• "Port 2000" consists of two terminals (named France, and Oceana) and the Le Havre Wharf.

The Port also serves RoRo vessels of all types and sizes. Port's railway network facilitates freight cargo transportation connecting Le Havre to all parts of Europe. Port's river waterway network connects with the Paris metro region.

In November 2019, the joint venture company GMP-PortSynergy Group (DP World Dubai and CMA-CGM 's Terminal Link / port-operator companies) was awarded a 34-year concession to build and operate Le Havre Port 2000's new container terminal berths 11 and 12 (total quayside length 700 m / 23000 ft, land area 42 hectares). The new GMP container terminal added ~1 million TEUs to the Port's annual cargo capacity. The concession included a 2-year pre-construction period, 2-year period for engineering works and a 30-year operational period (thru 2053).

In December 2020, HLH (Haropa Ports Le Havre) launched the company's shore power program prioritizing cruise ships docking at terminals located close to the city. The project (scheduled for completion in 2023) also targets river cruises and consists of deploying (along Seine River) a network of 78 new riverboat terminals (to total 91 terminals) to allow distribution of water and shoreside electricity to the boats. Among the alternative marine fuels targeted by Haropa Ports are LNG (liquified natural gas/supplied via barges and trucks), CNG (compressed natural gas/by trucks) and HS (hydrogen/by trucks). HAROPA (Ports de Paris Seine-Normandie) announced the following main objectives set for 2020-2025:

• 50 MW photovoltaic electricity generation (by 2025)
• reducing fuel consumption - 15% (by 2025), 40% (by 2040)
• all port equipment to use eco fuels or electricity (by 2040)
• increased supply of alternative fuels to passenger ships and riverboats

In September 2025 are scheduled for inauguration two new cruise terminals at Pointe de Floride (three buildings with 3x berths and a shared wharf/quayside). The new cruise facility has a park area (with a vegetated walkway, sports facilities, restaurants, an Amphitheater) and is designed to be multi-purpose, also hosting cultural and social events during no-ship days. Marine works on the ~EUR 100 million project started in 2022 (when also "GIP Le Havre Croisieres" was created), with construction works starting in 2024-Q2. Combined, the new terminals have usable area 15000 m2 (161,460 ft2) and max daily capacity 13500 tourists. The new terminals have roofs covered with solar power installations and are also fitted with shore power capabilities .

By 2030, Le Havre expects to reach annual cruise passenger capacity ~600,000 (+45%).

In February 2024, HAROPA PORT initiated an infrastructure development for high-voltage power supply system at Le Havre cruise terminal. The project (Florida Point) includes installations at the Port's all three quays, with each outlet having a max capacity of 13 MW (30 MW total/combined). The contract was signed with a consortium comprising two subsidiaries of Vinci SA (1899-founded as Societe Generale d'Enterprises) - VINCI Energies (1984-founded) and VINCI Construction (2000-founded).

• Before the construction works, Enedis SA (2002-founded) was contracted (for EUR 5,6 million) to facilitate the Port's connection to the city's power grid (a 3-km/2-mi long underground network), including 3x 20 kV cables, and an additional transformer (40MVA EHV/HV) at the distribution substation, representing an investment of EUR 5.6 million.
• Hangar 13 (at Florida Point) was adapted to accommodate high-voltage electricity distribution and conversion systems (to serve the moored vessels), covering an area of ~1200 m2 (12917 ft2).
• An underground cable network was installed to connect a total of 5 power outlets to ships.
• Currently, Pierre Callet Quay's electrification is scheduled for completion in 2025. The shore-power systems of the other two cruise docks (Roger Meunier Quay and Joannes Couvert Quay) will be operational in 2025-Q4 and 2026-Q6, respectively.

The Florida Point project (budgeted EUR 32 million) was partially financed by the French government (EUR 13,6M) and by RFCS/Research Fund for Coal and Steel (EUR 0,9M).

Le Havre-Paris cruise terminal

Le Havre cruise port's current passenger facility (Terminal 12) is located at Florida Tip and has 2 docks - Roger Meunier Pier and Pierre Callet Pier. Terminal 12 was last upgraded in 2018. Port Le Havre currently has one cruise terminal (5 buildings), berthing capacity of 4 mega-liners simultaneously and annual passenger volume 350,000-400,000.

Adjacent to the Cruise Terminal is the Ferry Terminal.

Next are listed the above map's GPS coordinates for the Port's cruise- and ferry-related points.

• Cruise Terminal N 49° 28' 54.13", E 0° 6' 32.25"
• Ferry Terminal N 49° 29' 6.03", E 0° 7' 0.60"
• Bus Station N 49° 29′ 31.15″, E 00° 07′ 34.58″
• Train Station N 49° 29' 33.37", E 0° 7' 31.87"
• Espace Coty (shuttle bus stop) N 49° 29' 45.52", E 0° 6' 40.98"
• Le Volcan (shuttle bus stop) N 49° 29' 26.00", E 0° 6' 25.00"

Next cruise port map shows all the nearby located tourists sites/attractions.

Next are listed the sites' GPS coordinates.

• Malraux Museum N 49° 29' 5.74", E 0° 6' 9.65"
• Notre-Dame Cathedral and Museum N 49° 29' 12.08", E 0° 6' 25.92"
• Natural History Museum N 49° 29' 15.41", E 0° 6' 32.65"
• Espace Andre Graillot N 49° 29' 5.34", E 0° 6' 22.14"
• Shipowner’s House N 49° 29' 12.65", E 0° 6' 45.70"
• Saint-François District N 49° 29' 16.06", E 0° 6' 45.98"
• Footbridge (la Bourse) N 49° 29' 23.12", E 0° 6' 45.32"
• Hotel de Ville & Appartement Temoin N 49° 29' 30.30", E 0° 6' 27.77"
• Halles Centrales (central market) N 49° 29' 27.51", E 0° 6' 16.50"
• St Joseph’s Church N 49° 29' 27.46", E 0° 6' 4.21"
• Square Saint-Roch Park N 49° 29' 39.15", E 0° 6' 6.30"
• EM Normandie Business School N 49° 29' 21.31", E 0° 6' 14.38"
• College Raoul Dufy N 49° 29' 26.40", E 0° 6' 10.93"

(NEW) Pointe de Floride cruise terminals

In late-July 2022, the Le Havre Port Authority and the Le Havre Seine Metropole Urban Community announced a 2-year port development project (2023-2025) for GIP Le Havre Croisieres, with works starting in 2023-Q4.

By the "Cruise Vision" project budgeted EUR 90 million (~USD 92M / GBP 77M), at Pointe de Floride's waterfront will be constructed 2 new passenger terminals (replacing existing port facilities/hangars).

The new terminals are at South Quay, where the existing hangars were renovated and expanded. The North Terminal (opposite downtown, UNESCO-listed) also benefited from the developments. The project also includes new landscaped Promenade and roof-covered parking zones.

Preparation works started in 2022, including quay stabilization/renovation, the construction of new defenses and covered gangways (with a middle podium for reducing the incline caused by tides).

Terminal 1 has capacity to handle ships with max LOA length 330 m / 1083 ft. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are the renovated hangars (12 and 13). Both buildings facilitate passenger services like check-in, control, reception, pre-boarding, as well as technical and administrative/management.

All new cruise terminals have photovoltaic roofs (covered with solar-power installations) and fitted with dockside electricity ( shore-to-ship power ) supply systems installed on the 3 quays. The delivered shore-power electricity is 10 mW (per berth).

Terminal 2 (max 6000 passengers) and Terminal 3 (max 1000 passengers) are at Quai Pierre Callet (length 530 m, depth 12 m). Quai Joannes Couvert (length 500 m, depth 12 m) will undergo refurbishment and integration. They are slated for inauguration in September 2025.

Terminal 1 (max 3500 passengers) at Quai Roger Meunier (length 470 m, depth 9 m) is scheduled for completion and inauguration in January 2026.

The power supply for the new cruise facilities is a mix of 60% nuclear, 29% renewable, and 6% energy from gas sources.

(OLD) Cruise Terminal 12

During the 2018-2019 refurbishment of Terminal 12, the building was also seriously expanded - from 600 to 2400 m2 (6460 to 25830 ft2). At Pierre Caillet Pier (6 lines) and Roger Meunier Pier (4 lines) were installed metal detecting archways (for control of hand luggage). A greenway (voie verte) was created linking downtown with the passenger terminal. Cars now benefit from separate lanes.

The Port's waterfront also underwent a total renovation and its infrastructure was redesigned to link the Esplanade (beach promenade) to the port area. Shorepower and water supply stations were set up on Quai de Marseille (port for river cruise ships).

Le Havre cruise terminal is just 2,3 km (1,5 mi) from downtown, or at ~20-30-min walking distance. As sometimes walking through the Port is forbidden (to pedestrians), passengers must check with the cruise ship company or terminal's tourist office.

At the terminal are available public buses or cruise company-provided shuttle buses (usually at fee). Bus shuttles drop passengers off at Le Vulcan (entertainment complex) or at Espace Coty (shopping mall). Car rentals at the cruise terminal are often for self-guided touring to Honfleur . Trains to Rouen are another self-touring option from Le Havre.

The closest bus and train stations are approx 2 km / 1,5 mi from the cruise terminal. To visit Paris City (approx 220 km / 135 mi), passengers can catch a train from Gare St Lazare Station (travel time ~2 hours). Bus travel time to Paris is 2,5-3 hours.

The closest airport is Le Havre-Octeville (8 km / 5 mi). At Terminal 12, cruise tourists are welcomed by local hostesses. Terminal 12's facilities include check-ins, information touch-screen kiosks, free WI-FI, free tourist info brochures, car and bus touring services, luggage storage, taxi rank, car rental, parking, souvenir shops.

• St Joseph: located on the south side of Avenue Foch. The church is modern made of steel and concrete. Its tower is 106-meter tall and offers breathtaking views.
• Museums: one of the most popular museums is the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It houses rich paintings collections from the 16th century to the present. The other populat museum is the Musée de l’Ancien Havre. There you can find historical materials for the town and the seafaring. Both are located on Boulevard J.F. Kennedy.
• Ste Honorine de Graville: the church houses the Black Madonna and sculpture museum. The works are from the period 12th-16th century.
• The Louvre: the world’s largest and most diverse collection of paintings, decorative objects and paintings. Probably you will need a lifetime to discover all. The most popular attraction of Paris.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: no trip is complete without visiting this architectural gothic marvel. The cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It was built more than a century.
• Eiffel Tower: the iron towel dates from 1889. It was constructed by Gustave Eiffel for the World Exposition.

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