How to take a rail journey from Marseille to Paris

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Marseille to Paris by train

You can only take high speed trains from Marseille to Paris, but both the regular TGV InOui services and low-cost, but more basic, Ouigo services share the route.
It's particularly worthwhile to click on the Train Guides below so that you can compare the two train services.
However, if you need to arrive at a specific time you will often have to take one train service or the other.
The Ouigo services can plug gaps between the TGV InOui departures

Routes you can take to go from Marseille to Paris

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Option 1: taking the regular InOui trains
Travel Time (approx)

3hr 20min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

Mon - Thursday = 13 x trains per day
Friday = 12 x trains
Saturday = 9 x trains
Sunday = 13 x trains

Up to three additional departures per day will be available from March 26th.


Is the journey from Marseille to Paris direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, though 95% of the journey is on a high-speed line.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Marseille to Paris?
Avignon and Lyon*
*= These trains from Paris to Marseille bypass Lyon.


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Paris Gare De Lyon from Marseille-St Charles on this journey option?


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links to the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Marseille-St Charles to Paris Gare De Lyon on this journey option


How easy is it to travel to the station in Marseille?
It is connected from the city centre and harbor area by the Marseille Metro - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighborhood


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Marseille to Paris trains?
Up to 6 months in advance, but it varies according to when / if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information.


What are the child ticket terms for these Marseille to Paris trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
Children aged 4-11 pay half fare


Does the ticket for these Marseille to Paris trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Marseille to Paris trains?
Yes - See the rail pass guide for France for info on the multiple booking options.


Is catering available on the Marseille to Paris trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

Route Information

Option 2: Save money by taking the more basic Ouigo services
Travel Time (approx)

3hr 24 min - 3hr 38min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

3 x trains per day


Is the journey from Marseille to Paris direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, though 95% of the journey is on a high-speed line.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Marseille to Paris?
Avignon and Lyon*
*= These trains from Paris to Marseille bypass Lyon.


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Paris Gare De Lyon from Marseille-St Charles on this journey option?
Before 11:20 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links to the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Marseille-St Charles to Paris Gare De Lyon on this journey option
Before 17:35 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel to the station in Marseille?
It is connected from the city centre and harbor area by the Marseille Metro - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighborhood


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Marseille to Paris trains?
Up to 9 months in advance, but it varies according to when / if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information.


What are the child ticket terms for these Marseille to Paris trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
A price of €8 is charged for children aged 11 and under.


Does the ticket for these Marseille to Paris trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Marseille to Paris trains?
Rail passes are not valid on Ouigo services.


Is catering available on the Marseille to Paris trains on this journey option?
No
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

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