Grenoble to Marseille bus

Buses from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira

Travelers journeying by bus to Marseille-Spira from Grenoble can expect the 190-mile (306-km) trip to take anywhere from about 4h and 30min to almost 12h depending on the transfers that are designated on the bus ticket selected. Passengers will need to expect at least one transfer with most buses from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira; however, the bus companies that run the route do offer a limited number of direct options each week. Departures are available mostly during the day, with a few departing later in the night.Upon arriving in Marseille-Spira, head to the Old Port—with quays on three sides and broad boardwalks offering outdoor seating at the many cafés and fish restaurants, it’s a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon.

How long is the journey by bus from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira?

While there are quite a few options for buses from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira each week, passengers should take note that most options include at least one transfer; the journey can take between about 6h and just over 11h 30min for these trips. There are a small number of direct options each week and these typically run about 4h and 30min, including one stop in Aix-en-Provence. There are no non-stop bus services that run the route from Grenoble to the coastal city of Marseille-Spira.

How many buses are there from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira?

During early winter months there are about seven weekly services, with about two some days, and none other days; this includes around three direct options, with remaining services having transfers. In February, frequency increases to around 20 routes. Some days have multiple buses from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira leaving simultaneously during peak hours—durations vary greatly, so pay attention to the transfer indicated. Most other services are off-peak. Depending on the daily services, the first departure may be around 1:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m. or 2:40 p.m. The latest departure each week is around 10:15 p.m. If you require a shorter trip, it's important to book your bus ticket well in advance.

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira?

Departure bus station: Gare de Gremoble is the bus station from which passengers traveling via bus from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira will depart. The station sits next to the SNCF Train Station. From the city center, the Gare de Grenoble is a .7-mile (1.1-km) walk, which takes about 15min. Alternatively, there are taxis or car services available, which take approximately 8min, or the C1 city bus run by M, which can reach the station in about 10min. Travelers should arrive at the departure point at least 15min prior to departure. While at Gare de Grenoble, there are facilities to accommodate travelers, including indoor seating, screens displaying departure times and vending machines.

Arrival bus station: The Marseille Airport or the Gare St. Charles are where passengers arriving in Marseille-Spira will be dropped off. From the airport, travelers can grab a taxi to take them the roughly 17 miles (27km) to the city center in about 30min. SNCF also runs a TER train, which takes approximately 45min, and the LER buses operated by Vou! take just under 1h. From the bus station it is about 1 mile (1.5 km) to the city center, which is a 20min walk, 12min taxi ride or 8min via the RTM. At both drop-off locations, the facilities offered to travelers include restrooms, cafés and restaurants.

Which bus companies travel from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira?

There are two bus companies that provide regular service from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira each week: FlixBus and BlaBlaBus. While FlixBus offers the only direct routes, which are operated a few times a week, BlaBlaBus has a more robust schedule on days that it runs services, offering as many as up to seven buses from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira in a single morning. However, BlaBlaBus’s journey options all include at least one transfer, some of which are several hours long, so passengers are encouraged to carefully review options before booking their bus ticket. Some FlixBus services also include a transfer.

FlixBus Grenoble to Marseille-Spira

Flixbus gives travelers several bus options each week. While there are typically one-to-two daily departures, there are a few days each week when no services are scheduled. A late night service that is sometimes available departs around 1:10 a.m.; however, a more frequently scheduled early morning service departs around 5:00 a.m. and runs about 6h 30min, including a transfer. Afternoon departures usually leave around 2:40 p.m. and run direct in about 4h 35min, with one stop along the way. FlixBus operates services during the week, at weekends and on some major holidays; however, if anticipating travel on holidays, passengers are encouraged to consult the Omio website for specific availability. All buses operated by FlixBus are the standard passenger bus type and depart from Gare de Grenoble, then arrive at Gare St. Charles. The bus company’s ticket policy does allow for tickets to be refunded up to 30 days in advance of the departure date. A fee is applied for changes made within 30 days of the departure. Passengers should take note that the bus ticket they purchase is valid only for the selected bus.

BlaBlaBus Grenoble to Marseille-Spira

A second bus company that provides service from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira is BlaBlaBus. All buses operated by BlaBlaBus depart from Gare de Grenoble and arrive at either Marseille Airport or Gare St. Charles. There are a few days a week when the bus company may provide up-to seven journey options for passengers, all departing from Gare de Grenoble around 9:10 a.m. and arriving in Marseille at various points throughout the afternoon (from about 3:15 p.m.) and evening (until about 8:50 p.m.). Arrival times depend upon the transfer. With journeys taking between about 5h to about 11h 40min, passengers will want to review the transfers carefully before booking a bus ticket. Services are available during the week and at weekends, but schedules may be reduced during national holidays. Passengers can expect a standard passenger bus type and a transfer on all routes. BlaBlaBus ticket policy allows passengers to refunded or changed their ticket up to 30min prior departure for a voucher. Tickets are non-refundable.

Grenoble to Marseille-Spira Bus: Services on board

Both FlixBus and BlaBlaBus offer similar onboard services. With each company, passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, which allows them to surf the internet, check emails and news, and keep up-to-date with social media. Prior to boarding the bus, it will be important for travelers to review the luggage allowances; individuals who want to bring a bicycle will find that BlaBlaBus only allows folded bicycles that are contained—the item will count as a checked bag. FlixBus also counts bicycles as a checked item; however, bicycles do not need to be folded, but there are only five bicycle spots available on each bus. Strollers are allowed on, and qualify as a special luggage item. Bags checked with either bus company cannot exceed 50 lbs (23 kg). Passengers with reduced mobility who use a wheelchair, but are able to get on and off the bus independently, may store their wheelchair in the luggage compartment for free. Alternatively, there are two wheelchair accessible spots on the bus. Due to limited availability, the spots should be requested upon booking. Also, while service animals are permitted for passengers who require them, neither bus company allows pets. Bathroom facilities are available on all buses from Grenoble to Marseille-Spira.