Updated in October 2026.
The short answer
The simplest way is the TER regional train: 45 minutes on average, with a train every 15 minutes at peak hours. A bus (line 50) also links the Saint-Charles coach station in Marseille with the center of Aix. By car, Aix is 32 km (20 miles) away on the A51 motorway.
Marseille to Aix-en-Provence by train, by bus and by car
By train
The TER stops at Aix-en-Provence station, in the city center and about 2 minutes from the Cours Mirabeau according to the Aix tourist office. As of October 2026, the rail operator reports more than 60 trains a day in each direction and a full-price one-way ticket of €10.90. Check the TER Sud page for Marseille to Aix the day you travel.
The trap is the second station. Aix TGV is 15 km (9 miles) from the city center, and a shuttle bus to the Aix coach station runs every 30 minutes. For a day trip, the regular TER to the city-center station avoids that extra leg.
By bus from the Saint-Charles coach station
Line 50 runs between the Saint-Charles coach station in Marseille and the center of Aix, and the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropole says it uses reserved lanes on the motorway. The Aix coach station is at 6 boulevard Coq, near the train station. Check lametropolemobilite.fr for the timetable and fare on your day.
By car, and where to park
The tourist office puts Aix 40 minutes from the Port of Marseille; motorway traffic can change that. On weekdays, avoid 8 to 9 a.m. and the time after 5 p.m. on the A51. It counts 5,810 underground parking spaces in the center. The simpler option is a park-and-ride lot at the edge of town: as of October 2026, the Metropole charges a flat €3.50 a day, covering parking and a round-trip city bus ride for everyone in the car. On Sundays, only some lots are open, such as Arena and Krypton.
How much time do you need in Aix-en-Provence?
At 45 minutes on average each way, the TER means about an hour and a half of travel for the round trip, plus the walks to and from the stations. From a cruise ship, add the time to reach the station and leave a margin for the way back. For comparison, our 4-hour tour spends 2 hours 30 minutes in the medieval quarter, with 45 minutes of driving each way.
Aix en Provence, city of fountains and art
In this cultural and artistic haven with wonderful scents wafting from the lively morning markets, we’ll visit the Old Town, St. Sauveur Cathedral and one of Cezanne’s favorite hilltop painting spots. While wandering through the Old Town, famous for its 17th and 18th century architecture, fountains and squares, we’ll taste some local specialties such as calissons, biscuits and nougats thanks to our Provence Day Tours.
We’ll stroll through its narrow alleys steeped in history, pass by its numerous fountains, sculptures and classified monuments. We’ll also visit one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, located on the ancient Roman road and built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Apollo. You’ll see an ancient baptistery from the sixth century and its medieval cloisters.
Cezanne and Aix-en-Provence
Cezanne, the famous painter considered as the father of modern art, is the emblem of Aix-en-Provence. For Cezanne lovers, we’ll be happy to take you to visit the hill on which he painted one of his favorite subjects, Mont Sainte Victoire.
Along the way, we’ll stop at the lovely garden, the ruins of the roman baths on which Aix-en-Provence was founded. We will also visit the Hôtel de Caumont Art Center, the newly restored private mansion turned into an exhibition hall, and an auditorium which features the life of Cézanne, an 18th century dining room, café and a typical French garden.
You can do some shopping and buy the famous calissons of Aix-en-Provence.
The prestigious Aix-Marseille University with its large, international student population gives vitality and ingenuity to the city. There are many events throughout the year such as the classical music festival, opera, ballet and art expositions.
There are a multitude of outdoors markets which display daily the local fruit and vegetables and weekly antiques and flowers.
Provence Day Tours will leave you with unforgettable memories of this magnificent Provençal city!
MORNING or AFTERNOON ?
Provence Amazing Tours offers this tour mornings from 9:00 to 1:00 and afternoons from 1:30 to 5:30.
Marseille to Aix-en-Provence with a local guide
Our Aix-en-Provence half-day tour from Marseille lasts 4 hours for 1 to 8 guests in an 8-seat minivan, with a local guide. You can also join the tour at Place de la Rotonde, in front of the statue of Paul Cézanne, opposite the tourist office, at the stop of the tourist train. The route passes Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, with a tasting of calissons. Tolls, insurance, taxes and fuel are included, and water is on board.
The minivan replaces the choice between train, bus and car. For another day trip, read our guides to Cassis and Avignon, or see all our tours.
Questions about getting to Aix-en-Provence
How much is a taxi or an Uber from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence?
We found no published rate for this trip, so we do not quote one. The Marseille Provence Airport taxi page says its taxis charge kilometer-based rates set by prefectoral order. Ask the taxi company or the driver for the price before you leave, and check the fare in the app before you book a ride-hailing car. The fares you can read in advance are the TER at €10.90 one way (as of October 2026) and €3.50 a day for a park-and-ride lot.
What is the closest airport to Aix-en-Provence, France?
Marseille Provence Airport, 25 km (16 miles) from the center of Aix. The airport bus line A2 runs every 25 to 30 minutes and reaches the Aix coach station in about 30 minutes in normal traffic. As of October 2026, the first bus from the airport leaves at 5:35 a.m. and the last regular one at 11:05 p.m. Taxis wait in front of Terminal 1 around the clock.