Car Hire Marseille Airport — Your Provence Adventure Starts Here
Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS) is France’s fifth-busiest airport and the primary gateway to Provence, the French Riviera’s western edge, and the Camargue. Located 27 km northwest of Marseille, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring southern France. Within an hour, you can be in Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, or the Luberon villages. The Mediterranean coast is minutes away. And for road trips into Provence or along the Côte d’Azur, Marseille Airport is an ideal starting point.
The airport has two terminals (MP1 and MP2) connected by a walkway. MP1 handles full-service airlines; MP2 is dedicated to low-cost carriers. Car rental counters are in both terminals, making pickup convenient regardless of your arrival point. The airport is smaller and less chaotic than CDG or Nice, making the rental process faster.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Marseille Airport
Car rental counters are in the arrival halls of both MP1 and MP2. Major providers include Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and French chains like Ada and Rent A Car. Most counters are open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with several offering 24-hour service. Follow “Voitures de Location” signs from baggage claim.
The pickup garage (P1-P5) is adjacent to the terminals. Vehicle return is clearly signposted — follow “Restitution Voitures de Location.” Fuel stations are located at the airport entrance and on nearby D20. Fill up before returning to avoid surcharges.
Documentation: valid driving licence (EU/EEA or International Driving Permit), passport or ID card, and credit card for deposit (€500-1,500). Marseille Airport handles international travellers daily. Photograph your vehicle before leaving.
Where to Go from Marseille Airport
Marseille City Centre (30 minutes) — Southeast on the A557 and A55. The drive connects directly to the Vieux Port. Parking in central Marseille is expensive — use underground garages.
Aix-en-Provence (30 minutes) — North on the A51. Elegant squares, fountains, and Cézanne’s studio. The Saturday market is excellent. Parking garages in the centre.
Cassis (40 minutes) — Southeast on the D20 and D559. Stunning calanques, beaches, and wine. Boat trips to the calanques available from the port.
Luberon Villages (1 hour) — North on the A7. Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux — iconic Provençal hilltop villages. Lavender fields in season (June-July).
Camargue (1 hour) — Southwest on the A54. Wild horses, flamingos, and Mediterranean beaches. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the gateway town.
Tips for Driving in France
Marseille Airport connects to the A55 (Marseille city), A7 (north to Lyon, south to Nice), and A51 (Aix-en-Provence). Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (110 km/h in rain). The A7 can be busy during summer holidays — start early for long journeys.
French motorways are toll roads. The A7 has tolls between Marseille and Aix, and between Aix and Avignon. Fuel is cheaper at supermarkets (Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarché) than at the airport or autoroute. Fill up before returning.
Marseille has a low-emission zone (ZFE) requiring a Crit’Air sticker for central areas. Rental cars should have this; confirm before driving into Marseille.
Compare Marseille Airport car hire prices using the search above. With immediate access to Provence, the Calanques, and the Mediterranean, it’s the perfect starting point for southern France exploration.