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Marseille to Cannes by train
How to travel by train from Marseille to Cannes on the regular train services operated by SNCF
There is only a 'classic' conventional railway line between Marseille and Cannes, 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 Cannes
Journey Summary
2hr 6min - 2hr 15min (approx)
Daily
Travel Information
Final Destination: Nice (or Menton)
All trains also call at: Toulon and St Raphael-Valescure
Most trains also call at calls at: Les Arcs-Draguignan
Between Marseille and Canness 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.
Though there are fewer trains operated by SNCF between Marseille and Cannes 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.
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
When looking up this journey select 'Cannes' as the destination and not 'Cannes - la boca' - that's a different station in the suburbs away from the town centre.
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 Online:
If you're booking ahead, the discounted 'Prems' 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 instead.
Using rail passes:
Rail pass users should take the TER trains, there is no point in paying the rail pass reservation fees on the TGV trains, when there is such a small difference in journey times.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| SNCF Connect | * |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
Good to Know
An advantage of taking the TER trains on this scenic route, is that seat reservations aren't an option on these trains, so you're free to choose a seat when you board.
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 Cannes.
Take a TGV and your reserved seat 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.
Journey description:
There are some fabulous views of the Cote d'Azur.
Particularly between Marseille and Toulon....
and from St Raphael to Antibes...
All of the images and video were captured from the right of the train
This is a journey on which it is worth choosing Upper Deck seats.
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