Travelling To Aix-en-provence

Aix-en-Provence is a very accessible town. It can be reached by air, car, bus or train. The main airport for the region, Marseille Provence, is located about 16 miles outside of Aix and has excellent facilities and transport links. The train network is excellent with the journey from Paris to Aix taking only 3 hours. Buses are commonly used to travel around the region, although there are many coach services that will take you around France. Driving is safe in France unlike in many European countries.

By car

Cars in France drive on the right and drivers must give way to the right. Speed limits are 130kms per hour on motorways, 110kms per hour on dual carriageways, 90kms per hour outside built-up-areas and 50kms per hour in built-up areas. When it is raining, these speed restrictions are reduced by 20kms per hour. The minimum age for driving in France is 18 years and children under 10 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front.

If you are travelling to Aix from Lyon or Paris, you need to follow the A7 motorway north. If you are travelling from Marseilles, you need to take the A7 south. If you are coming from the western cities of Montpellier or Nîmes, the A54 and A9 will lead you to Aix, whereas if you are travelling from the eastern city of Nice, you need to follow the A8.

By rail

The rail network is run by the SNCF and is extremely efficient and comfortable. There is a direct line running to Aix from Marseille in the south and Manosque and other cities in the north. Aix can be reached within 3 hours from Paris, as the TGV line was recently extended. Paris is connected to London, Brussels and Geneva by train. The TGV station in Aix is located eight miles outside of the city and has shuttle buses providing connections to and from the city centre. For other national and regional connections, there is a train centre in the city centre.

By bus

Like train travel, bus travel in France is extremely efficient, well managed and comfortable. Coaches run throughout the country, with regional bus services linking many towns and cities in Provence with Aix. The bus station is called Gare Routiere and can be contacted by calling: +33 442 912 680.

By air

Marseille Provence Airport is the major entry port to the town of Aix. It is located 16 miles southwest of the town and is the fourth largest airport in France. It sees over five million passengers every year and is home to over 25 airlines, serving over 83 cities worldwide. A shuttle leaves for the centre of Aix-en-Provence every 30 minutes. It stops at the TGV station and in the town centre; journeys take around 30 minutes. Taxis are available from outside of Arrivals and can also be ordered in advance by calling: +33 0442 142 444.

Marseille Provence Airport

Marseille Provence Airport can be found 26kms outside of the town of Aix. On average, it sees five million passengers per year and is the fourth largest airport in France. Twenty five airlines regularly serve the airport, with flights to over 80 cities and 32 countries worldwide.

The airport has two terminals, one domestic and the other international, and there are excellent facilities to be found in both. Banks and several ATM machines can be found here, as can many eateries. Duty-free shopping is available in the International Terminal, as are left luggage facilities. For those looking to conduct business while waiting for a flight, there is a business centre in the Domestic Terminal.

Marseille Provence Airport transportation

There are good transport links connecting arriving passengers with Aix. An airport shuttle bus leaves every 30 minutes, stopping en route at the TGV station. The journey takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Taxis are readily available 24 hours from the airport and can also be booked in advance by calling: +33 0442 143 127.

Car hire is available at the airport and Aix can be reached by taking the green signed D9 route and staying on this until it meets with the A51 to Aix. The A51 will lead you right into the town centre.