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Aix-en-Provence TGV Railway Station

About the Station

Aix-en-Provence TGV Railway Station. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Aix-en-Provence TGV Station (Gare d'Aix-en-Provence TGV) is a modern high-speed railway terminal located approximately 15 kilometres southwest of the Aix-en-Provence city centre. Opened in 2001, the station is distinguished by its futuristic architecture and serves as a vital hub for travellers heading to Provence, Marseille, or Paris. Thanks to its location on the LGV Méditerranée line, trains here reach high speeds, significantly reducing travel time between the north and south of France.

It is important for passengers to know that this station is not located in the city centre. The building features two levels: the upper level (Passerelle) with waiting lounges and shops, and the lower level with platforms. Navigation is intuitive, with signage available in both French and English throughout. Escalators and lifts are used to access the trains.

CityAix-en-Provence
CountryFrance
TypeRailway station

Contact Information

  • Official Website: garesetconnexions.sncf (Aix-en-Provence TGV section)
  • Helpline: 3635 (single SNCF number, toll charges apply)
  • Address: Route de la Calade, RD 9, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 05:00 to 00:45 (timings may vary on public holidays)
  • Luggage Storage: No automatic lockers available (it is recommended to verify the availability of this service at the information desk due to Vigipirate security measures)
  • Accessibility: Accès Plus service to assist passengers with reduced mobility (booking required 48 hours prior to travel)

How to Get There

Reaching Aix-en-Provence TGV station from the city centre on foot is not possible due to the distance (about 15 km). The main mode of transport is by road.

Shuttle Bus (Navette): The most popular and budget-friendly option. Route No. 40 runs between the city bus station (Gare Routière) and the TGV station every 15–30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes. This bus also continues further to Marseille Provence Airport.

Taxi: The taxi rank is located directly at the terminal exit (on the Parvis Sud side). A trip to the city centre will take about 20 minutes, with fares ranging from 30 to 50 Euros depending on the time of day.

Car: The station is situated near the D9 road. Several car parks are provided for drivers (P1, P2, P3, P12), catering to both short stops (Drop-off) and long-term vehicle storage.

Services and Amenities

Aix-en-Provence TGV station offers a standard range of services for a comfortable wait. The main hall (Concourse) houses ticket counters and self-service kiosks for purchasing and printing tickets. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises (network _SNCF_WIFI_INOUI).

For passenger convenience, the following are provided:

  • Waiting areas with seating and power outlets for charging devices.
  • Restrooms (paid and free zones).
  • Photo booths and document printing machines.
  • ATMs.
  • Accueil zone (Information desk).
  • Specialised escort services for people with disabilities.

Where to Eat

The selection of dining establishments at the station is limited but sufficient for a quick bite before your journey. The main outlets are located in the main hall on the upper level.

Here you can find a bakery from the Paul chain or a café such as Trib's, offering fresh sandwiches, pastries, salads, and hot coffee. This is an excellent option for breakfast or a lunch "on the go". The average cost for a coffee and croissant is around 5–7 Euros.

Additionally, vending machines with water, soft drinks, and snacks are installed on the platforms and in the waiting rooms. There are no full-service fine dining restaurants within the station premises, and the immediate vicinity (walking distance) consists only of car parks and natural landscapes, so it is best to arrange a substantial meal in the city beforehand.

Station History

The history of Aix-en-Provence TGV station is inextricably linked to the development of the high-speed rail network in France. It was opened in 2001 as part of the launch of the LGV Méditerranée line, connecting Valence and Marseille. This event radically changed the transport accessibility of the region, reducing the travel time to Paris to 3 hours.

The station building was designed by architects Jean-Marie Duthilleul and Étienne Tricaud (AREP agency). The structure resembles an aircraft wing or a wave, blending harmoniously into the landscape of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. A distinctive feature of the architecture is the use of glass and metal, ensuring plenty of natural light inside the terminal. The station has become a symbol of the modernisation of Provence while maintaining respect for the surrounding nature.

Passenger Tips

The main advice for tourists: do not confuse the stations! The city has an old station, Gare d'Aix-en-Provence Centre (for regional TER trains), and the new Aix-en-Provence TGV (for high-speed trains). Check your ticket before setting off.

Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. If you are travelling with the low-cost carrier Ouigo, ticket and luggage checks begin early, and boarding closes 5–10 minutes prior to departure. Do not forget to label your luggage with tags containing your name — this is a mandatory security requirement in France. If you have an old-style paper ticket, it must be validated in the yellow machine before entering the platform.

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