MARSELLA PATRICK

Marseille-Saint-Charles station is a French railway station and the main station for the Marseille metropolitan area. Imagine in the old days, travelers had to lug their luggage up the steep stairs to get to the trains.

A small station with few shops (few are worth visiting which sells Marseilles specific products like soap/cream etc.) Metro station down below and bus stop adjacent. It's on top of a hill.

Very clean train station with good links to other cities, however lacking air con but there are plenty of amenities and there are a lot of seating areas if you are incoming or outgoing. There are a lot of spaces to sit outside too, we visited in June 2025 but it was still very hot and the seats are very hot from the sun so you can't actually sit down.

I love the French transport systems, they demonstrate exactly the chaos that underinvestment and privatisation caused in the UK. I was staying in Vieux Port, down by the sea. I knew it would be an effort, walking whichever way and there are many, back up to the station at the end of my holiday. It would be very nice to show a route which was perhaps longer but less steep. Allow plenty of time and take lots of breaks.

The city is beautiful but difficult to navigate. The roads are small and walking is a challenge due to hills, uneven walkways or stairs. If you have any sort of disability forget using public transportation. The metro only has stairs going down and escalators going up. No elevators. The sea and beaches are wonderful but we found the city dirty and unkempt. The markets are wonderful and choice of restaurants are very international 😀. Try NOT to come in summer as the heat was almost unbearable.

A solid but mixed experience at Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles. The station itself is well designed and not as overwhelming as larger hubs like Rome. The outdoor area is particularly جميلة, with a great view over the city and towards the church, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. Inside, there are good shops and convenient facilities, including charging options for mobile devices. The overall transport connections are also very efficient, with easy access to buses and other النقل options. However, there are some important downsides. Around the station area, especially at night, the feeling of safety is noticeably reduced. There are many people actively asking for money, sometimes in a persistent way. Personally, I experienced an unpleasant situation at night when a bottle was thrown in my direction while I was helping someone. Incidents like this clearly show that security – especially during nighttime – should be improved in and around the station. Overall, a functional and well-located station with good infrastructure, but with clear room for improvement regarding safety and overall environment.

Saint-Charles Train Station in Marseille offers a convenient and bustling spot for travelers. The selection of shops is quite impressive — from cafés and bakeries to small stores where you can grab a snack or a souvenir — there’s something for everyone. However, the signage can be confusing and somewhat frustrating, especially if you’re trying to find your platform or make a quick connection. Overall, a solid station with plenty of options, but a bit challenging to navigate.

Quite busy train station but as you arrive you feel directly the southern spirit. Nice weather, blue skies and many people on holiday mood. Coffee shops and shops are available. The terrace overlooking the city is fantastic. I like this train station.