Planning a trip to Aix-en-Provence? The town is located in the heart of Provence, 30 minutes from Marseille and 3h30 from Paris by TGV. Well served by public transport and accessible by car from several freeways, it is one of the easiest destinations to reach in the south of France. Here we share all the options for getting to Aix-en-Provence.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Aix-en-Provence
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- Bouches-du-Rhône department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region
- 30min drive from Marseille-Provence Airport (flights from all over Europe and beyond) – see available flights
- 3h from Paris by TGV, Aix-en-Provence TGV station (15km from the center) linked to the high-speed network – see timetables
- By car, at the crossroads of the A8, A51 and A52 motorways – rent a car
- Day trips from surrounding towns possible – book in advance
WHERE TO STAY IN Aix-en-Provence
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Near Musée Granet:
Hôtel particulier Le 28 – See prices, photos and availability
In the Jas de Bouffan district further south:
Radisson Hôtel Aix-en-Provence – See prices, photos and availability
In the Sextius district near the thermal baths:
Hotel Escaletto – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Where is Aix-en-Provence and map
Aix-en-Provence is in the center of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring Provence, from the Luberon in the east to the Camargue in the west.
Here are a few road times:
- From Marseille: 30min (A7 and A51 freeways)
- From Toulon: 1h (A52 and A50)
- From Avignon: 1h15min (A7)
- From Arles: 1h15min (A54)
- From Nice: 2h30min (A8)
Aix-en-Provence is located at the crossroads of several major roads. The A51 climbs towards Sisteron and the Alps. From the A8, the connection with the A7 (Autoroute du Soleil) opens the road to Lyon and Paris. Here’s a map to help you find your way:
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Option 1: by plane
The nearest airport to Aix-en-Provence isMarseille-Provence Airport, located in Marignane. It’s the region’s main airport, serving numerous French, European and international destinations all year round. The drive from the airport to downtown Aix takes about 30min depending on traffic.
We highly recommend this airport: it offers a much wider range of flights than other regional airports, and the connection to Aix is quick and easy.
Main air links to MRS
- From France: Paris (CDG and Orly), Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lille, Strasbourg and many regional cities (Air France, easyJet, Transavia, Volotea)
- From Belgium: Brussels (Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, TUI fly)
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (easyJet, Swiss, Edelweiss)
- From the UK: London Gatwick and Stansted, Manchester, Bristol (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2)
- From Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair)
- From Northern Europe: Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo (KLM, SAS, Norwegian)
- Long-haul flights: a few direct routes to North Africa, the Middle East and North America, depending on the season.
Options for getting to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille airport
Several solutions are available, depending on your budget and preferences.
By rental car
A rental car is the most flexible solution for getting to Aix and exploring the region afterwards. The main agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, as well as local rental companies) have counters in the arrivals hall. We advise you to book as early as possible, especially in July and August, as rates increase and available vehicles become scarce.
The journey from Marseille airport to the center of Aix-en-Provence takes about 30 minutes on the A7/A51 freeway. See our tips for renting a car in Marseille.
Direct shuttle service
Shuttles run directly from Marseille-Provence Airport to Aix-en-Provence. The service is provided by line A2. Frequency is approximately one departure every 30 minutes during the day in high season. It’s a practical option if you’re traveling light and don’t have a rental car. It will drop you off at the bus station near Place de La Rotonde, so you don’t have to worry about parking on arrival. Details on the official website here.
By cab
Cabs park outside the arrivals terminal. The fare is set by the meter; check that the driver switches it on when you set off. A surcharge applies at night and on Sundays.
Private transfer
For added convenience, a private transfer can be booked in advance. A driver will meet you at the terminal exit and take you directly to your accommodation. This formula is particularly suitable for families or groups, as the cost is per vehicle and not per person. Book your transfer
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 2: by train
In our opinion, the train is one of the best options for getting to Aix-en-Provence from Paris or other major French cities. The Aix-en-Provence TGV station is directly linked to the national high-speed network, with frequent and fast connections.
Good to know: the Aix-en-Provence TGV station is in Arbois, about 15km from the town center. It is separate from Gare d’Aix-en-Provence Centre, which is served by regional TER trains. If you arrive by TGV, plan to take a shuttle or cab to the center.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
From the TGV station to downtown
Aix-en-Provence TGV station is linked to the city center by a direct shuttle bus (line A2), terminating at the Aix-en-Provence bus station. Frequency is approximately one bus every 30 minutes.
DISCOVER Aix-en-Provence
- What to do in Aix-en-Provence
- Best hotels
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Where to park
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days
- Rent a car in Aix-en-Provence (airport or train station)
- Most beautiful villages around Aix-en-Provence
Option 3: by car
Aix-en-Provence is one of the best served cities on the French motorway network. Wherever you’re coming from, a main road leads you straight to it.
Driving times from main cities
- From Marseille: 30min (A7 and A51 freeways)
- From Toulon: 1h (A52 and A50)
- From Avignon: 1h15min (A7)
- From Arles: 1h15min (A54)
- From Nice: 2h30min (A8)
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
Option 4: Day trip
Aix-en-Provence is an ideal base for excursions from Marseille, Avignon or Nice. The proximity and quality of the road links make it easy to get there and back in a day. We suggest, however, that you plan to spend at least one night in the city to get the most out of it without rushing.
From Marseille
Marseille is the nearest city. By car, allow 30 minutes on the A51. By TER train, Gare Saint-Charles links Aix-en-Provence Centre in 35 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. This is the easiest option for a car-free excursion.
From Avignon
From Avignon, allow 1 hour’s drive via the A7 and then the A8. By train, the connection is via Marseille with a connection, which makes the journey longer. We recommend driving from Avignon: you can also stop off in the Luberon villages along the way.
From Nice or the Côte d’Azur
From Nice, the A8 takes you directly to Aix-en-Provence in around 2 hours 30 minutes. By TGV, the Nice-Aix TGV link takes around 3 hours 45 minutes, so a car or guided tour remains the best option. From Cannes or Antibes, train journey times are long with a connection. We recommend taking a car instead, with a 2-hour drive (A8) from both towns. One day is enough to visit the main sites, provided you leave early enough.
See all day trip options to Aix-en-Provence
Getting around Aix-en-Provence once you’re here
The historic center of Aix can be explored on foot. Pedestrian zones cover much of the city center, and most of the major sites can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau.
The Aix en Bus bus network efficiently serves the city and its suburbs, and you can find route maps on the Aixenbus website here. The historic center is a pleasant place to walk around, thanks to its many pedestrian zones. If you’re on a bike, you’ll also find several cycle paths.
Finally, opt for a tour of the city center on the Little Tourist Train to discover Aix in a different way – book your ticket now
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Parking in Aix-en-Provence
The historic center of Aix has several paying parking lots. We recommend using secure parking lots rather than looking for a space above ground: this makes it easier to get around pedestrian zones on foot, and avoids unpleasant surprises.
- Parking Mignet: central, near Cours Mirabeau
- La Rotonde parking lot: conveniently located, direct access to the pedestrian zone
- Parking Carnot: practical for the southern part of the city center
- Parking Pasteur: closest to Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
In more outlying neighborhoods, such as Jas de Bouffan, on-street parking is still possible and generally easier. If you’re staying in Aix, some accommodations offer private parking. We recommend that you check this criterion when booking, as it’s practical if you’re driving.
Compare car rental offers in Provence.
And once in Aix-en-Provence…
Once you’ve arrived, Aix offers a dense and varied program. We have a lot to share about the city!
- The Cours Mirabeau and the Fontaine de la Rotonde, the lively heart of the city
- Hôtel de Caumont, an art center in an 18th-century townhouse
- The Musée Granet and its collections from Antiquity to modern art
- Atelier Cézanne, on the Colline des Lauves
- Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, whose 15th-century stained glass windows are well worth a visit
- The Vasarely Foundation, for an optical and kinetic art experience
- Great places to eat and drink
See our full article on the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence.
For your accommodation, find our selection of hotels and areas to stay: where to sleep in Aix-en-Provence.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
- Inspiration
Best things to do in Provence
Provence’s most beautiful towns
Most beautiful villages
Most beautiful castles
Best destinations
- Practical advice
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (coming soon)
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual (coming soon)
- Where to stay
Where to stay in Provence
Best luxury hotels
