Book early and save: Yes (on the TGV trains)
Online booking usually open: 4 months ahead
Booking Online:
If you're booking ahead, the discounted Leisure' tickets for the TGV trains will USUALY be around €3 more expensive than tickets for the TER trains.
'Prems' tickets, the cheapest type of ticket, don't now seem to be available on this route?
So when booking in advance, and if the departure times suit, target the TGV trains- they're faster, only slightly more expensive*, more comfortable**and seat reservations will automatically be included when booking.
*If you do see the 'Prems'/Non-Exchangeable tickets listed then they will be cheaper than the TER trains.
**The TER trains used on this route are more similar to commuter trains, in comparison to more modern TER trains.
In contrast to the TGVs the TER trains have a fixed price - so you won't save by booking the TER trains online.
If you're new to booking tickets for train journeys in France, we recommend taking a look at our guide to French train tickets - it should help you save time and money and confusion.
Our step by step guide to booking tickets on the PC version on Oui.SNCF (French national railways) website is available HERE.
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Booking at the station:
If you will be booking last minute at the station, you may as well as book tickets for the next train to depart - irrespective of which type of train will be providing the service.
Tickets for the TER trains will be around €3 cheaper, but there is little point in avoiding the TGV trains and hanging back for the next TER service instead.
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Using rail passes:
Rail pass users should take the TER trains, there is no point in paying the rail pass reservation fees on the TGV trains, when there is such a small difference in journey times.
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
Oui.SNCF | * | |
Trainline | * |
Between Marseille and Nice the French national operator SNCF provides a mix of TGV InOui trains and TER services
There is little difference in journey time between the two services, as there is no high speed line between these towns.
The TER trains are around 5 - 10 mins slower because they call at more stations.
Though there are fewer trains operated by SNCF between Marseille and Nice than you might expect.
There is a two hour gap between departures on these TGV or TER trains from around 09:58 to 13:58 - though a train operated by Thello, is scheduled to depart from Marseille at 11:28.
So even if you will be booking tickets last minute at the station, definitely look up the departure times on Oui.SNCF, before heading off to Marseille St Charles.
Particularly worth knowing is that on Mon-Thurs and Sundays the final departure is at 19:58.
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Final Destination: Nice (or Menton)
All trains also call at: Toulon; St Raphael-Valescure; Cannes and Antibes
Most trains also call at calls at: Les Arcs-Draguignan
Type of Scenery: Coast
Star Rating: ***
An advantage of taking the TER trains on this scenic route, is that seat reservations aren't an option on these trains, so you're free to choose a seat when you board.
If you'll be taking a TER train - our advice is to be at Marseille St-Charles in time for when the voie (platform/track number) is confirmed.
Then when you board head up to the upper deck and sit on the right of the train (when facing the direction of travel).
Do that and you'll be able to take in the wonderful views of the Cote D'Azur between Marseille and Toulon - and from St Raphael to Nice.
Take a TGV and your reserved seat may be on the left of the train - and if it is you won't be able to see the best of the views from your seat.
Between Marseille and Nice the French national operator SNCF provides a mix of TGV InOui trains and TER services
There is little difference in journey time between the two services, as there is no high speed line between these towns.
The TER trains are around 5 - 10 mins slower because they call at more stations.
Though there are fewer trains operated by SNCF between Marseille and Nice than you might expect.
There is a two hour gap between departures on these TGV or TER trains from around 09:58 to 13:58 - though a train operated by Thello, is scheduled to depart from Marseille at 11:28.
So even if you will be booking tickets last minute at the station, definitely look up the departure times on Oui.SNCF, before heading off to Marseille St Charles.
Particularly worth knowing is that on Mon-Thurs and Sundays the final departure is at 19:58.
---------------------------------------------------------
Final Destination: Nice (or Menton)
All trains also call at: Toulon; St Raphael-Valescure; Cannes and Antibes
Most trains also call at calls at: Les Arcs-Draguignan
Type of Scenery: Coast
Star Rating: ***
An advantage of taking the TER trains on this scenic route, is that seat reservations aren't an option on these trains, so you're free to choose a seat when you board.
If you'll be taking a TER train - our advice is to be at Marseille St-Charles in time for when the voie (platform/track number) is confirmed.
Then when you board head up to the upper deck and sit on the right of the train (when facing the direction of travel).
Do that and you'll be able to take in the wonderful views of the Cote D'Azur between Marseille and Toulon - and from St Raphael to Nice.
Take a TGV and your reserved seat may be on the left of the train - and if it is you won't be able to see the best of the views from your seat.
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