Car Hire at Marseille Airport

Airport travel guide

Located on the Mediterranean coast, France’s second city, Marseille, is equal parts busy, industrial metropolis and beloved tourist destination. But while the city has its fair share of things to see and do, there are a number of equally interesting destinations just a short drive away. Here are four great ideas for a day-trip from Marseille:

• Aix-en-Provence. A picturesque, historic city just a 30-minute drive north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is a great place to visit. Famous for its fountains and the Cours Mirabeau thoroughfare, Aix-en-Provence is best enjoyed by simply taking a long stroll through its scenic city centre, although there are also a number of specific landmarks like Aix Cathedral and Cloisters and a brasserie once frequented by Paul Cezanne and Ernest Hemingway. A spa town since the time of the Romans, Aix is also famous for its thermal springs.
• Camargue. Encompassing the area of the delta where both arms of the Rhone meet the Mediterranean Sea, Camargue is a protected wetland and a regional park. With a network of hiking trails and a number of watchtowers, the area is a great place to observe different species of wading birds, as well as the feral Camargue horses. Located 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Marseille, Camargue takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach by car.
• Arles. Located inland (although quite close to the sea) and therefore somewhat different in atmosphere than many of its coastal counterparts, the city of Arles attracts thousands of tourists every year. Some come for the impressive Roman sites that rank among the best in all of France, others to explore the legacy of Vincent Van Gogh who spent a considerable time living and painting in the city, and yet others for Rencontres d'Arles, a famous photography festival that takes place every summer. Located some 90 km (55 miles) west of Marseille, Arles can be reached by car in about an hour and 20 minutes.
• Alpilles. Although located on the coast, Marseille is only a relatively short drive away from the Alps — the majestic Ecrins and Mercantour National Parks are only about a three-hour drive from the city. But while some travellers might find these two destinations a bit too far to visit as a day trip, the much closer Alpilles Regional Park provides an alternative for the mountain lovers. Although the summits here are significantly lower, the area nonetheless offers steep paths, scenic olive groves, and a chance to see highland birds like the Egyptian vulture. Located about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Marseille, Alpilles can be reached in about one hour.

Top international routes

• Paris
• Algiers
• Tunis
• Ajaccio
• London
• Bastia
• Madrid
• Nantes

Main airlines

Ryanair, Volotea, easyJet, Air France, Air Algerie, and Aigle Azur

Terminals

The Main Terminal (MP1 or T1) consists of Halls 1, 3 and 4, while Terminal MP2 is much smaller. The terminals and halls are close to each other, and you can easily walk between them.

Location

Marseille airport is about 27 km (17 miles) from downtown Marseille. Motorways D20, D9, A7, and A55 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of hire car

• Small cars - starting at £19 per day
• Medium cars - starting at £24 per day
• SUVs - starting at £39 per day
• Large cars - starting at £29 per day
• Premium cars - starting at £83 per day
• Station wagons - starting at £41 per day
• People Carriers - starting at £38 per day
• Convertibles - starting at £55 per day

Car hire desks

Most are inside the main terminal building.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many cozy cafeterias, brasseries, and restaurants, as well as stores, shops selling local handicrafts, and duty-free outlets for passengers leaving the EU. There are also several ATMs, a currency exchange, a first aid station, baby changing facilities, and showers. A left luggage service is on the ground floor of Hall 1 and is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest petrol station

Total petrol station is located at 2 Aéroport de Marseille-Provence, within the Marseille Airport territory. It’s open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on workdays and from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends. There are many other petrol stations nearby and on the way to Marseille.

Popular one-way hires

• Barcelona (487 km / 302 mi)
• Nice (199 km / 124 mi)
• Milan (518 km / 322 mi)
• Paris (756 km / 470 mi)
• Venice (769 km / 478 mi)
• Toulon (88 km / 55 mi)
• Cannes (175 km / 109 mi)
• Nimes (122 km / 76 mi)