Marseille is the cruise port for Provence and the busiest cruise port in France. Ships dock at one of six terminals, A through F, in the large commercial port north of the Vieux Port. Berths can change at short notice, so note your terminal letter. This page covers the port, maps and meeting locations, general port information, and how to get to the city and the airport.
Marseille, on the Mediterranean coast in the south of France. Cruise ships use the large commercial port north of the old town and the Vieux Port.
Where ships dock
Ships dock alongside the quay at one of six terminals, A through F, so no tendering is required. Some berths have a terminal building and some do not. Berths can change at short notice, so check your daily program on the morning of arrival.
Where you meet your private driver or guide
As soon as you step off your ship. Your driver or guide will be holding a sign with your name on it. From there it is a short walk of a few minutes to the parking lot where the vehicle is waiting.
Video Flyover of the Marseille Cruise Port
This aerial flyover shows the Marseille cruise terminals, where ships dock along the quay, and where drivers and guides meet passengers.
Aerial imagery: Google Earth
Marseille Cruise Port Location
Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal, Mole Leon Gourret, 13002 Marseille, France
About Marseille Cruise Port
Marseille is a large, busy commercial port, and the busiest cruise port in France. Most large ships dock at the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal, one of six cruise terminals in the port.
How the Port Is Laid Out
The port has six cruise terminals, A through F, spread along a long stretch of quays north of the city center.
Some berths have a full terminal building, while others are open quays where passengers step straight off the ship.
Berths can change at short notice. Your daily program lists your terminal letter on the morning of arrival, so note it before you leave the ship.
Ships dock alongside the quay, so no tendering is required.
From the terminal, a green line on the ground leads to the Gate 4 exit, a walk of about 5 to 12 minutes depending on your berth.
Distance to the City
The Vieux Port is a short drive from the terminals, roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on your berth and traffic.
Walking is not practical from most berths, since the port is large and the cruise quays are inside a working commercial area.
Marseille Saint-Charles train station is in the city center. From the port, take Metro Line 2 to Joliette or a taxi.
The Port Shuttle
The port authority runs a free shuttle on days when ships are in port, for passengers in transit, embarking or disembarking.
In the city, the shuttle stop is at Place de la Joliette, between the Terrasses du Port shopping center and the maritime station, at 9 Quai du Lazaret.
Your cruise line can explain how the shuttle works for your berth.
Marseille Airport
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is about 17 miles (27km) northwest of the port, roughly 30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
There is no direct public transport link between the airport and the cruise terminals. A taxi is the fastest and most frequent option.
The cruise terminals are inside a large working port, so most passengers need transport to reach the Vieux Port or destinations in Provence. Timetables change, so confirm current details before you travel.
Free Port Shuttle
The port authority runs a free shuttle on days when ships are in port.
The city stop is at Place de la Joliette, at 9 Quai du Lazaret, between the Terrasses du Port shopping center and the maritime station.
From Joliette you continue by metro, bus, taxi or on foot.
Metro and Bus
Bus 35T runs between Place de la Joliette and the Terminal Croisieres stop near Gate 4. It runs only on cruise days.
Metro Line 2 (red) stops at Joliette and connects to Marseille Saint-Charles station.
From Place de la Joliette to the Vieux Port, buses 55 and 82 take about 10 to 15 minutes. Bus 83 runs from in front of the MuCEM.
Check the return times so that you are back at your ship with time to spare.
Taxi
A taxi stand is at Place de la Joliette.
A taxi to the Vieux Port takes about 10 minutes from the Joliette stand, depending on traffic.
Taxis are the fastest option between the cruise terminals and Marseille Provence Airport.
Walking
From Place de la Joliette, the Vieux Port is about a 25 minute walk.
Inside the port, follow the green line on the ground from the terminal to the Gate 4 exit, a walk of about 5 to 12 minutes.
About Marseille and the Surrounding Area
Marseille is the second largest city in France and the gateway to Provence. The city itself rewards a port day, and Cassis, Aix-en-Provence and the Roman towns of Provence are all within reach.
A Brief History
Marseille was founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors as the colony of Massalia, making it the oldest city in France.
For centuries it has been the main French port on the Mediterranean, linking France with North Africa and the Middle East.
Le Panier, the hillside neighborhood above the Vieux Port, is the oldest part of the city.
Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit
The Vieux Port, the old harbor at the heart of the city, with a morning fish market on the quay.
Notre-Dame de la Garde, the 19th century hilltop basilica crowned by a golden statue, with views over the city and islands.
Le Panier, the oldest neighborhood, with narrow lanes, painted walls and small squares.
MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, opened in 2013 beside the historic Fort Saint-Jean.
The Frioul Islands, reached by boat from the Vieux Port, including the island fortress of the Chateau d'If made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo.
Planning Your Time
Marseille, Cassis and Aix-en-Provence are each within about an hour of the port, which suits a shorter day ashore.
Avignon, the Pont du Gard, Les Baux, Arles and the Luberon are farther out and need a full day, so check your ship's all aboard time before you plan.
Notre-Dame de la Garde sits on a steep hill. Bus 60 or the tourist train climb to the top for those who prefer not to walk.
The currency is the euro, and cards are widely accepted.
Nearby Destinations
Cassis, a small fishing harbor beside the Calanques, the limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets of the Calanques National Park.
Aix-en-Provence, known for its fountains, markets and the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau.
Avignon, home of the medieval Palace of the Popes, and the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence, with Roman monuments and a hilltop village above the Alpilles.
The hilltop villages of the Luberon and the vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do drivers and guides meet passengers at the Marseille cruise port?
Drivers and guides usually wait right at the ship, holding a sign with the passenger or group name. From there it is a short walk of a few minutes to the parking area where vehicles wait.
Which terminal will my ship use?
The Marseille cruise port has six terminals, A through F, and your ship may dock at any of them. Your daily program lists the terminal letter, and berths can change at short notice.
Will my ship dock at a terminal building?
Not always. Some berths have a full terminal building, while others are open quays where passengers step straight off the ship.
What if my ship changes its docking location?
Ships can change docking locations at the last minute. Check your daily program on the morning of arrival, and note your terminal letter before you leave the ship.
Is Marseille a tender port?
No. Ships dock alongside the quay, so no tendering is required.
Is there a free shuttle from the cruise port in Marseille?
Yes. The port authority runs a free shuttle on days when ships are in port. The city stop is at Place de la Joliette, at 9 Quai du Lazaret.
How far is the Marseille cruise port from the Vieux Port?
The Vieux Port is roughly 15 to 25 minutes by car depending on your berth and traffic. A taxi from the Joliette stand takes about 10 minutes.
Is Marseille walkable from the cruise port?
Not from most berths, because the cruise quays are inside a large working port. From Place de la Joliette the Vieux Port is about a 25 minute walk.
How do I get from the cruise port to the city center?
Bus 35T runs on cruise days between the Terminal Croisieres stop near Gate 4 and Place de la Joliette. From there Metro Line 2 connects to Marseille Saint-Charles station, and buses 55 and 82 go to the Vieux Port.
How far is Marseille Airport from the cruise port?
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is about 17 miles (27km) from the port, roughly 30 minutes by car depending on traffic. There is no direct public transport link to the cruise terminals, and a taxi is the fastest option.
What are the green lines on the ground at the port?
A green line on the ground leads from the terminal to the Gate 4 exit. The walk takes about 5 to 12 minutes depending on your berth.
