- Must visit
MuCEM
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations is Marseille’s signature museum, combining major exhibitions with striking modern architecture on the waterfront.
Cheapest price
$195
Average price
$195
Fastest journey
13 h 45 m
Average duration
13 h 45 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
408 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Pontarlier to Marseille is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Pontarlier to Marseille will cost around $195 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $195.
It's difficult to get from Pontarlier to Marseille without transferring at least 2 times.
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Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Pontarlier to Marseille among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, and a flight costs an average of $167.
Distance: 253 miles (408 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$209 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $305 Average price | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 31m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Pontarlier to Marseille:
A bus is $135 (€110) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Pontarlier to Marseille costing on average $209 (€171).
A bus is $230 (€188) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Pontarlier to Marseille costing on average $305 (€249).
Other travel options to Marseille take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 10m.
Flight takes on average 6h 31m.
You'll arrive about 1h 22m sooner (4h 43m by train vs 6h 5m by car). Tickets start at around $209 (€171) compared to roughly $103 (€84) 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.
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 Pontarlier to Marseille run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $180 (€147) but you can travel from only $75 (€61) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:58, the last at 22:06. The fastest train covers the 253 miles (408 km) distance in 6h 47m.
Distance 253 miles (408 km) |
Average train duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $180 (€147) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 6h 47m |
First train 5:58 AM |
Last train 10:06 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Marseille — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Marseille trip today.
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations is Marseille’s signature museum, combining major exhibitions with striking modern architecture on the waterfront.
An art museum in a restored port health station, known for regional paintings and one of the best terrace views toward the Old Port and cathedral.
Marseille’s city history museum, covering the Greek founding of Massalia through modern times, with notable archaeological remains beside the site.
The historic Old Port remains the heart of Marseille, ideal for strolling, boat watching, and experiencing the city’s maritime atmosphere.
Marseille’s oldest quarter, full of narrow lanes, colorful façades, small squares, and street art, making it a favorite for photographers and walkers.
A scenic coastal road and promenade with sweeping Mediterranean views, especially popular for sunset walks and social-media photography.
Marseille’s iconic fish stew, traditionally made with several Mediterranean fish, shellfish, saffron, and served with rouille and toasted bread. It is the city’s most famous culinary specialty.
A Provençal platter centered on garlic mayonnaise, often served with cod, boiled vegetables, and eggs. It is a classic regional meal strongly associated with southern France.
Fried or baked chickpea flour cakes originating in Marseille, with a crisp exterior and soft center. They are a beloved local street food and aperitif snack.
An acclaimed seafood restaurant overlooking the sea, known for elegant Mediterranean cuisine and a special-occasion atmosphere.
A popular casual seafood spot loved for very fresh fish, daily specials, and a lively local atmosphere.
A celebrated Vallon des Auffes institution known for bouillabaisse and classic Marseille seafood in a picturesque harbor setting.
Moderate by French standards. Budget eats are manageable, but hotels and waterfront dining cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included. Locals may round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Small change is fine in cafes; round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Marseille Saint-Charles, Marseille -> Vieux-Port, Marseille
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Pontarlier to Marseille 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 Marseille, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Pontarlier to Marseille trains use the Pontarlier to Marseille Saint-Charles station pair, with some services arriving at Marseille-Blancarde. Use this guide to compare Pontarlier and Marseille train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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