When traveling to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille Provence Airport (not the city), the bus is your best bet. It’s fast, affordable, and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way from the airport to the heart of Aix-en-Provence.
Arriving at the Airport
Gather Your Belongings
- After landing, grab your carry-on luggage and disembark the plane.
- Head to the baggage claim area to retrieve any checked bags.
Find the Ticket Office
- Once you have all your belongings, locate the ticket office situated between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3-4.
Purchasing Your Bus Ticket
- At the ticket office, buy your ticket to Aix-en-Provence city center. The cost is just over €8.20 per person.
Locating Your Bus Stop
- After securing your ticket, find your designated bus stop. Look for signs indicating “Destination: Aix-en-Provence.”
Boarding the Bus
Stowing Luggage and Taking a Seat
- Before boarding, stow your luggage in the designated area.
- Climb aboard the bus, find a comfortable seat, and settle in for the journey. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes.
Arriving in Aix-en-Provence
Disembarking at the Bus Station
- When you reach the Aix-en-Provence Bus Station, exit the bus.
- You’ll pass by the Aix-en-Provence bus ticket office as you leave the station.
Reaching the City Center
- From the bus station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the city center or your hotel.
Bus Schedule and Frequency
Buses depart from the airport at :05 and :35 past the hour, starting at 5:35 am and running until 11:05 pm. For a complete schedule, click here.
Helpful Tips
- In the baggage claim area, you’ll find a handy map displaying various surrounding cities, along with information on how to reach each one and the estimated travel time.
- The bus also makes a stop at the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station before reaching the city center.
Why Choose the Bus?
Taking the bus from Marseille Provence Airport to Aix-en-Provence is not only the quickest and most affordable option but also the most convenient. Here’s why:
Cost-Effective
At just over €8.20 per person, the bus is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi or renting a car. You’ll save money without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.
Time-Saving
With a travel time of approximately 30 minutes, the bus gets you to Aix-en-Provence quickly. You won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with traffic, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride.
Frequent Departures
Buses leave the airport every 30 minutes from early morning until late at night, ensuring that you won’t have to wait long for your ride. This frequent service makes it easy to plan your travel around your flight’s arrival time.
Easy to Navigate
The step-by-step guide above makes it simple to find your way from the airport to the bus and ultimately to the city center. Even if you’ve never visited Aix-en-Provence before, you’ll have no trouble navigating the process.
Exploring Aix-en-Provence
Once you’ve arrived in the city center, you’re ready to start exploring all that Aix-en-Provence has to offer. This charming city is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. Here are a few must-see attractions:
Cours Mirabeau
This wide, tree-lined avenue is the heart of Aix-en-Provence. Lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, it’s the perfect place to people-watch and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Old Town
The narrow, winding streets of Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town are filled with historic buildings, charming squares, and hidden gems. Don’t miss the Place d’Albertas, a beautiful square with a central fountain and stunning 18th-century architecture.
Markets
Aix-en-Provence is famous for its markets, which offer everything from fresh produce and local specialties to handcrafted goods and antiques. The Place Richelme market is a must-visit for foodies, while the Place des Prêcheurs market is perfect for browsing unique souvenirs.
Museums and Galleries
The city is home to several excellent museums and galleries, including the Musée Granet, which features an impressive collection of art from the 16th to the 20th century, and the Fondation Vasarely, dedicated to the works of the famous Op Art artist Victor Vasarely.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To ensure that you have the best possible experience in Aix-en-Provence, consider these tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely do a lot of walking while exploring the city.
- Try local specialties like calissons (almond-shaped candies) and navettes (boat-shaped cookies) at one of the city’s many patisseries.
- Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants along the Cours Mirabeau or in the Old Town.
- If you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to attend one of the many festivals that take place in Aix-en-Provence, such as the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, a world-renowned opera festival.
By following this guide and taking the bus from Marseille Provence Airport, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and stress-free visit to Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city, and don’t forget to savor every moment of your journey.
