Marseille Railway

Marseille Saint-Charles Station is not only the key transport hub of Provence but also an outstanding architectural monument located on a hilltop.

Navigation here is intuitive for passengers thanks to the U-shape of the building: all platforms are arranged parallel to each other and end in a common transverse hall. The main entrance is located on the Square Narvik side, while escalators leading to the lower levels are provided for transfer to city transport (metro and buses). It is important to remember that access to TGV high-speed train tracks may require passing through ticket gates.

To plan your journey or clarify information regarding services, please use the following contact details:

• Official website: gares-sncf.com (look for the Marseille Saint-Charles section).
• Information hotline: 3635 (SNCF unified line, call costs depend on the operator).
• Address: Square Narvik, 13232 Marseille, France.
• Opening hours: the station is open daily from 04:30 to 01:00 (until 01:30 on Fridays).
• Luggage storage: located on Platform A, open daily from 08:15 to 21:00.
• Accessibility: Accès Plus assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (booking 48 hours before travel is recommended).

You can reach Marseille Saint-Charles Station quickly from anywhere in the city, as it is the heart of the transport network. The most convenient method is the metro: lines M1 and M2 intersect here, and the station is located directly beneath the terminal.

For those arriving from Marseille-Provence Airport, a direct shuttle bus (Navette Aéroport) operates, taking you to the bus station adjacent to the railway station in approximately 25–30 minutes.

If you are in the Old Port (Vieux-Port) area, you can walk to the station in 15–20 minutes by climbing the famous monumental staircase. Taxis are also always available, dropping passengers off at the entrance on Square Narvik.

Saint-Charles Station offers travellers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait. In the main hall, there are ticket counters and numerous machines for self-service ticket purchase. Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises, requiring a simple registration.

Passengers can make use of waiting areas equipped with power sockets for charging mobile devices. The terminal features paid toilets, automatic luggage storage lockers, and a lost and found office. For citizens with reduced mobility, lifts, ramps, and a dedicated Accès Plus assistance desk are provided.

It is easy to find a place for a snack within the station and its surroundings. For those in a hurry, popular chains such as McDonald’s, Brioche Dorée, and Paul bakeries operate in the main hall. Here you can buy a fresh sandwich, pastries, and takeaway coffee; the average bill will be 8–12 euros.

If time permits, you can visit establishments with seating that offer French cuisine. Additionally, right at the foot of the station staircase, on Boulevard d'Athènes, there are numerous city cafés and brasseries where you can have lunch in a more relaxed atmosphere.

The history of the station began in 1848, when it became the terminus of the Paris–Lyon–Marseille line. Initially, it was a purely functional structure, but as Marseille transformed into the "Gateway to the East", the station expanded. The famous monumental staircase, which has become a symbol of the city, was built later—in the 1920s—to connect the elevated area with the city centre.

The station acquired its modern look during a large-scale reconstruction at the beginning of the 21st century, timed to coincide with the launch of the TGV Méditerranée high-speed train line. In 2001, a spacious new hall (Halle Honnorat) was opened, which significantly increased capacity and added modern comfort to the historic building.

To ensure your journey goes smoothly, it is recommended to arrive at the station at least 20–30 minutes before departure, especially for TGV services where ticket checks may take place before accessing the platform. Watch the information screens closely: the platform number is usually announced 15–20 minutes before departure.

Do not forget about safety: never leave your belongings unattended, as stations often attract pickpockets. If you have a paper ticket without a specific seat assignment, ensure you validate it in the yellow machine before boarding. Please note that the station closes at night (from 01:00 to 04:30), so staying overnight in the waiting hall is not possible.