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Marseille to Antibes by train
How to travel by train from Marseille to Antibes
There is only a 'classic' conventional railway line between Marseille and Antibes, so both the TGV and TER trains between the two locations share the exact same route.
The TGV trains are faster because they make fewer station calls and if you book in advance online they can can be cheaper too.
Though when booking tickets last minute at the station, the TER trains become the cheaper option and users of Eurail and InterRail passes can also save money by travelling on them.
However, despite the two train services which operate on this route, there are fewer departures overall than you might expect.
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Routes
From Marseille-Saint-Charles to Antibes
Journey Summary
2hr 20min - 2hr 25min (approx)
Daily
Travel Information
Final Destination: Nice (or Menton)
All trains also call at: Toulon; St Raphael-Valescure and Cannes
Most trains also call at calls at: Les Arcs-Draguignan
Between Marseille and Antibes the French national operator SNCF provides a mix of TGV InOui trains and TER services
There is little difference in journey time between the two services, as there is no high speed line between these locations.
The TER trains are typically around 5 mins slower because they call at more stations.
TER trains:
Mon - Thurs = 7 x trains per day
Friday = 8 x trains
Saturday = 7 x trains
Sunday = 9x trains
TGV trains:
6 x trains per day
Tickets
Book early and save: Yes (on the TGV trains)
Online booking usually open: 6 months ahead
Booking Online:
If you're booking ahead, the discounted 'Prems' (Exchangeable - Conditions Apply) tickets for the TGV trains will be cheaper than those for the TER trains
So when booking in advance, and if the departure times suit, target the TGV trains, they're faster, usually cheaper, more comfortable and seat reservations will automatically be included when booking.
In contrast to the TGVs the TER trains have a fixed price, so you won't save by booking the TER trains online.
Booking at the station:
If you will be booking last minute at the station, you may as well as book tickets for the next train to depart, irrespective of which type of train will be providing the service.
Tickets for the TER trains will be around €3 cheaper, but there is little point in avoiding the TGV trains and hanging back for the next TER service to instead.
Using rail passes:
Rail pass users should take the TER trains and thereby avoid paying any rail pass reservation fees, taking the TGV trains becomes the comparatively expensive option, when there is such a small difference in journey times.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| SNCF Connect | * | |
| Rail Europe | * |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
Good to Know
Though there are fewer trains operated by SNCF between Marseille and Antibes than you might expect.
During the day the TER trains typically depart at two hourly intervals, so when no TGV trains are scheduled within these intervals there can be lengthy intervals between trains.
For example, there is a two hour gap between departures on these TGV or TER trains from around 09:57 to 11:57.
So even if you will be booking tickets last minute at the station, definitely look up the departure times on SNCF Connect, before heading off to Marseille St Charles.
Journey description:
An advantage of taking the TER trains on this scenic route, is that because seat reservations aren't an option on these trains, you're free to choose a seat when you board.
So if you'll be taking a TER train, our advice is to be at Marseille St-Charles in time for when the voie (platform/track number) is confirmed.
Then when you board, head up to the upper deck and sit on the right of the train (when facing the direction of travel).
Do that and you'll be able to take in the wonderful views of the Cote D'Azur between Marseille and Toulon;
and from St Raphael to Antibes...
If you take a TGV your mandatory reservation may be on the left of the train; and if it is you won't be able to see the best of the views from your seat.
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