Living Essentials Marseille Tips for Tenants

Public transport in Marseille: a complete guide of the RTM network

Alexandre

December 8, 2025

Public transport in Marseille: a complete guide of the RTM network

Public transport in Marseille is easier than it seems. Thanks to the network operated by the Régie des Transports Métropolitains (RTM), you can rely on a combination of metro, tramway, buses and even maritime shuttles. It’s the perfect way to explore the city, its neighborhoods, its beaches, or reach nearby towns. This guide gives you all the essential information to travel easily, quickly and affordably.

The different means of public transport in Marseille

Metro: fast, frequent, practical

Marseille has 2 metro lines, named M1 and M2.
The metro covers around 29 stations across a network of approximately 20–22 km.
Key stations include Saint-Charles (the main railway hub), Castellane, Vieux-Port, La Timone, La Blancarde, etc.
Both lines intersect at Saint-Charles and Castellane, making transfers simple and efficient.
The metro is ideal for quickly crossing the city, avoiding traffic, and reaching the center or surrounding districts in no time.

Tramway: connecting central districts

Marseille’s tram network includes 3 lines (T1, T2, T3).
It covers around 15–16 km, with about thirty stations throughout the city.
The tramway serves areas such as Noailles, Les Caillols, Arenc, Castellane and La Blancarde — perfect for reaching neighborhoods close to the city center.
The tram is a great complement to the metro: convenient for intermediate trips between districts, or when the metro doesn’t serve your departure or arrival point.

Buses: the most extensive network

The RTM bus network includes nearly 93 lines (urban and suburban).
Buses serve not only Marseille but also some neighboring municipalities and areas less accessible by metro/tram.
They are often the only option to reach the hills, Prado beaches, more remote neighborhoods, or nearby towns.
Some lines offer extended evening or weekend service, and there are night services depending on the route (Fluobus / Noctambus).

Maritime shuttles / Ferry boat: crossing the port and the coastline

In addition to land transport, the RTM offers maritime shuttles — the “ferry-boat” — especially for crossing the port or reaching coastal points.
A practical option near the port, saving time and offering a scenic ride on the water instead of by bus or car.

RTM tickets, fares and passes

Tickets, short-term passes and cards

RTM offers single tickets as well as 24h and 72h passes valid on the entire network (metro, tram, bus, ferry).
These are ideal for a short stay or occasional travel.
For frequent travel, a rechargeable card or a weekly/monthly pass is often more cost-effective. Contactless payment is available in some stations.

Subscriptions & benefits

Subscriptions exist for residents, students, workers, etc., significantly reducing the cost per trip if you use the network regularly.
Since 2025, the metropolitan authority has introduced free public transport for children under 11 and seniors aged 65 and over — which may also apply to some RTM services.

Ticket validation

Once validated, a ticket allows transfers between metro, tram and bus within a set time period (usually ~60 minutes), without paying for a new journey.
Important: if you change transport mode (metro → bus, metro → tram, etc.), don’t forget to validate again upon boarding.

Network map: lines, stations, connections

Here is an overview of Marseille’s transport network to help you find your way around:

The metro (M1 & M2) runs north-south and east-west: ideal to go from La Rose to Sainte-Marguerite or from La Fourragère to the city center.
The tramway complements the metro: connecting neighborhoods not served by underground lines, including Arenc, La Blancarde and Castellane.
Buses fill the gaps: beaches, hills, suburban areas and nearby municipalities — excellent coverage for urban and peri-urban mobility.
Maritime shuttles / ferry-boats provide additional connections along the port and coastline.
For travelers arriving by plane or train, the network allows easy access to the city center or to their accommodation.

By combining all these modes, you get near total interconnection across the metropolitan area. Thanks to this complementary network, driving a car is often unnecessary — and sometimes inconvenient due to traffic and parking.

public-transport-marseille

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the transport operating hours in Marseille?
The metro generally runs very early in the morning (~4:50 a.m.) until around 12:30 a.m.
Buses and trams run from morning until late evening, with some late-night services depending on the line.

What is the price of a transport ticket?
The single ticket is affordable. 24h/72h passes or subscriptions are often more cost-effective if you plan to travel frequently or stay several days.

How can I buy a subscription or an RTM card?
You can buy tickets, cards and subscriptions from station ticket machines, station counters (such as Saint-Charles), or from RTM customer service points. Contactless payment is increasingly available.

Which lines serve my neighborhood / the historic center?
The metro serves most major central districts and strategic areas (Saint-Charles, Vieux-Port, Castellane…). The tramway and buses complete the coverage to more remote districts. Combining modes makes it easy to find a route that fits your needs.

Are there ferry-boats or maritime shuttles in Marseille?
Yes — the RTM offers maritime connections for crossing the port or reaching coastal points. A great option to enjoy the city’s maritime setting.

Conclusion

The public transport in Marseille, operated by the RTM, offers complete, flexible and accessible mobility. You can reach almost any part of the city as well as surrounding towns. Depending on your needs, combining metro, tram, bus or ferry-boat will always provide a convenient travel option.

Be sure to check the official RTM maps and schedules before you travel, to plan your journey. With this guide, you’re ready to explore Marseille stress-free and with ease.