Trenitalia now runs a fast Paris Marseille train. In fact, its red Frecciarossa covers the trip in about 3 hours 20 minutes. Also, fares start at €27. So it is a real rival to SNCF.
About the New Paris Marseille Train
Trenitalia France is part of Italy’s FS Group. It launched the route on 15 June 2025. First, it showed off the new line at an event in Marseille on 13 June. Then the first trains left two days later.
The route runs four times a day in each direction. So there are eight trains in total. In addition, it links Paris with France’s second-largest city. As a result, the Mediterranean is now just a morning away.
Paris Marseille Train Times and Stops
The train leaves from Paris Gare de Lyon. Then it arrives at Marseille Saint-Charles. On the way, it stops at Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Avignon TGV and Aix-en-Provence TGV. So it also serves Provence well.
According to FS Group, the first train leaves Paris at 5:54. The last one leaves at 19:03. In the other direction, the first train leaves Marseille at 6:52. Finally, the last one leaves at 18:49.
Ticket Prices and Flexible Fares
Fares start at €27 in Standard class. Also, Business class starts at €37. However, prices change with demand. So the fuller the train, the higher the fare. As a result, it pays to book early.
In addition, you can change your ticket for free as often as you like. However, you pay any fare difference. Also, you can cancel up to departure and get 80% back. You can buy tickets on trenitalia.com, in the Trenitalia France app, at ticket offices or at machines.
Competition With SNCF
The new route competes directly with SNCF, France’s state rail company. So travellers now have more choice. However, Trenitalia says it is not a low-cost operator.
“Our fares are 10 to 15% cheaper than SNCF,” Marco Caposciutti, head of Trenitalia France, told Ville Rail & Transports (translated from French). Instead of low-cost fares, he said, the company aims for the best value for money.
At the launch, he added: “The new Paris-Marseilles route further expands Frecciarossa’s network in France, meeting the needs of those seeking a fast, comfortable and more environmentally-friendly way of travelling.”
Trenitalia’s Other Routes in France
Paris to Marseille is not Trenitalia’s first French route. In fact, it has run trains between Paris and Lyon since December 2021. Also, it runs four trains a day between Milan and Paris. In addition, there are eight a day between Paris and Lyon.
Fares on those routes are low too. For example, Paris to Lyon starts at €23. Then Paris to Milan starts at €35.
Tips for Your Paris Marseille Train Trip
First, book as early as you can, because prices rise as seats sell. Also, check which station you need. For example, the Lyon stop is at the airport, not in the city centre. So plan your onward trip.
Then make the most of the south. For example, hire a car in Aix and drive to the Verdon Gorge. Also, see our list of the 18 best resorts on the Côte d’Azur. Finally, for more ideas, read about the places in France that locals love.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.