- Must visit
Musée de l'Absinthe
Specialized museum on absinthe production and culture, explaining the drink’s role in Pontarlier’s identity through objects and displays.
Cheapest price
$0.00
Average price
$104
Fastest journey
4 h 59 m
Average duration
5 h
Trains per day
2
Distance
408 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Marseille to Pontarlier is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
It's difficult to get from Marseille to Pontarlier without transferring at least 2 times.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Marseille to Pontarlier among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $70. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 253 miles (408 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$137 Average price | $76 Average price Cheapest | $216 Average price | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 15m Average total duration 9h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Marseille to Pontarlier:
A bus is $61 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Marseille to Pontarlier costing on average $137.
A bus is $140 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Marseille to Pontarlier costing on average $216.
Other travel options to Pontarlier take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 20m.
Flight takes on average 9h 15m.
You'll arrive about 53m sooner (4h 58m by train vs 5h 51m by car). Tickets start at around $137 compared to roughly $103 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Marseille to Pontarlier trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:36 AM Marseille | 5h01 | 12:37 PM Pontarlier | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 2:36 PM Marseille | 4h59 | 7:35 PM Pontarlier | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Marseille to Pontarlier run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $98 but you can travel from only $70 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 253 miles (408 km) distance in 4h 59m.
Distance 253 miles (408 km) |
Average train duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $98 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 4h 59m |
First train 5:57 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Pontarlier — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontarlier trip today.
Specialized museum on absinthe production and culture, explaining the drink’s role in Pontarlier’s identity through objects and displays.
Main local museum presenting Pontarlier history, archaeology, art, and absinthe heritage in a practical central location.
Museum inside the famous fort with prison, military, and resistance history; combines strong storytelling with a dramatic setting.
Wooded mountain lookout reached from nearby roads and trails, valued for expansive panoramas and fresh-air hiking close to Pontarlier.
Central square lined with historic buildings and shops, ideal for orienting yourself and seeing everyday life in Pontarlier.
Main commercial street through the old center, good for a walk between monuments, local stores, and classic town architecture.
Anise-flavoured spirit historically linked to Pontarlier, once France’s absinthe capital. It is the town’s signature drink and a key part of local heritage.
A strong anise aperitif from the Pontarlier distillery tradition. It reflects the region’s long history of herbal spirits in the Jura mountains.
Cooked Mont d’Or cheese baked in its spruce box until molten, then served with potatoes and charcuterie. A winter classic in nearby Haut-Doubs.
Established restaurant serving refined French cuisine with regional products in a more polished, classic dining setting.
Traditional brasserie in central Pontarlier known for regional plates, hearty portions and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Casual venue appreciated for generous Franco-Italian dishes and an easy-going atmosphere suited to families and groups.
Moderate for France. Hotels and meals are usually cheaper than Paris; local transit is limited, and cross-border demand can raise prices on busy weekends.
Service is included in restaurant bills in France. Locals may round up or leave €1-5 for good service. Taxis are often rounded up; cafes may get small change.
Official public transport app
Pontarlier station -> Place d'Arçon, Pontarlier
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Marseille to Pontarlier by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Pontarlier, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Marseille to Pontarlier trains use the Marseille Saint-Charles to Pontarlier station pair. Use this guide to compare Marseille and Pontarlier train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Marseille Saint-Charles has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffe San Carlo, DAKAO, Espressamente Illy, EXKi, McDonald's, Monop'Daily, Starbucks, Casa Di Pasta, Chatime, PAUL
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located between track M and the bus station at the Honnorat exit.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 18:00. Information desks are located on level -1 of the station, entrances via the station or via Bd Bourdet.
Luggage storage is the lockers are located on Boulevard Bourdet, on level 0 of the station. Service is provided by La Bag Mobile.
Available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Accès Plus is a service offered to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility who need assistance at the station. For more information email [email protected] or call +33 890640650.
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Marseille-Saint Charles, Holiday Inn Express Marseille-Saint Charles, Hotel Les Bords De Me.
Marseille-Blancarde is 2 km from Marseille city centre. Public transport options include:
Marseille-Blancarde has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Café de la Banque, La Table de l'Ours
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Marseille-Blancarde. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is available at Marseille-Blancarde. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Marseille-Blancarde: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Marseille-Blancarde: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Marseille-Blancarde.
Nearby hotels include Kyriad Marseille Blancarde Timone, Ibis Marseille Timone, Hotel Azur.
Pontarlier has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Grill Comtois, La Table de Gustave
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Pontarlier. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Pontarlier. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontarlier: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pontarlier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontarlier.
Nearby hotels include Hôtel Saint-Pierre, Campanile Pontarlier, Ibis Pontarlier.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need