Cruise port Arles
Port information & tips for Arles
Arles is a cultural jewel in the heart of Provence and a brilliant highlight of any river cruise along the Rhône. The city delights visitors with its authentic southern French charm, monumental buildings from antiquity, and the special light that once inspired Vincent van Gogh. World-famous sights such as the imposing Roman Amphitheatre, the Théâtre Antique, and the Romanesque Church of Saint-Trophime bring the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site to life. Ships dock at the central Quai du 8 Mai 1945 mooring, from which the historic city center is reachable in just a few minutes' walk. Thanks to this location, guests can step directly into the heart of the old town and discover the picturesque alleys and the Provençal way of life in total relaxation.
Arles is a significant stop for river cruises on the Rhône and, thanks to its central location in Provence, is excellently connected to the European transport network. The docking points are usually located directly at the Quai de la Gare Maritime in the immediate vicinity of the historic city center, allowing for straightforward embarkation.
Airplane
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the most important gateway for air travelers and is located about 75 kilometers from Arles. It is regularly served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich in the DACH region; additionally, Montpellier Airport (MPL), about 70 kilometers away, offers a practical alternative for arrival.
Train
The Gare d’Arles railway station is located north of the old town and is easily accessible via the TGV hubs of Avignon TGV and Marseille Saint-Charles. From the station, you can comfortably reach the cruise ship docks in just a few minutes by taxi or after a short walk along the Rhône.
Car
Arles is directly connected to the French trunk road network via the A54 motorway and the N113 national road, and is easily accessible from the direction of Germany via Lyon and the A7. Secure parking facilities such as the Center parking garage or guarded long-term parking spaces are available near the port for the duration of your trip; furthermore, an overnight stay in one of the charming hotels in the old town is recommended due to the cultural diversity.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arles is a significant stop for river cruises on the Rhône and, thanks to its central location in Provence, is excellently connected to the European transport network. The docking points are usually located directly at the Quai de la Gare Maritime in the immediate vicinity of the historic city center, allowing for straightforward embarkation.
Airplane
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the most important gateway for air travelers and is located about 75 kilometers from Arles. It is regularly served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich in the DACH region; additionally, Montpellier Airport (MPL), about 70 kilometers away, offers a practical alternative for arrival.
Train
The Gare d’Arles railway station is located north of the old town and is easily accessible via the TGV hubs of Avignon TGV and Marseille Saint-Charles. From the station, you can comfortably reach the cruise ship docks in just a few minutes by taxi or after a short walk along the Rhône.
Car
Arles is directly connected to the French trunk road network via the A54 motorway and the N113 national road, and is easily accessible from the direction of Germany via Lyon and the A7. Secure parking facilities such as the Center parking garage or guarded long-term parking spaces are available near the port for the duration of your trip; furthermore, an overnight stay in one of the charming hotels in the old town is recommended due to the cultural diversity.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Arles is located directly on the banks of the Rhône and offers cruise guests excellent access to the historic old town as well as the famous Roman monuments.
On Foot
The central location of the moorings allows you to reach the city center and sights such as the amphitheater in about 5 to 10 minutes. The short path leads along the riverside promenade directly into the charming alleys of the Provençal city.
Navia Shuttle
The free electric shuttle bus called Navia runs regularly in the city center and connects the most important squares. Thanks to its accessibility, this service is particularly convenient and allows for a relaxed tour of the old town without long walks.
Taxi & Rental Bikes
Taxis are available at central locations such as Place de la République and offer a quick connection to the train station or destinations in the nearby area. In addition, Arles can be explored wonderfully by bicycle thanks to flat paths and numerous rental stations, which enables an active discovery of the region.
To make the most of your time in Arles, a combination of the historic heritage of the city center and the fascinating natural landscape of the nearby Camargue is recommended.
Old Town & Roman Amphitheater
The impressive Roman heritage shapes the entire cityscape and can be wonderfully discovered during a relaxed stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town. Today, the ancient arena serves as an atmospheric backdrop for cultural events and simultaneously offers a magnificent view over the rooftops of Provence.
LUMA Arles & Parc des Ateliers
This futuristic art complex with its glittering tower by Frank Gehry combines visionary architecture with creative exhibitions and a sprawling park. The site forms an inspiring contrast to antiquity and, thanks to its location near the center, is perfect for a modern cultural stop.
Camargue & Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
The world-famous nature reserve with its wild white horses is a paradise for explorers and can be ideally combined with the extensive sandy beaches of the picturesque fishing village. Thanks to its easy accessibility, you can enjoy both the unique flora and fauna and a refreshing break by the Mediterranean Sea.
Les Arènes d'Arles
This impressive Roman amphitheater is located in the heart of the historic old town and is easily accessible from the pier in about a fifteen-minute walk. This monumental arena offers fascinating insights into ancient architecture and also provides a wide panoramic view from the upper tiers over the city's picturesque alleys all the way to the Rhône. The immediate surroundings are perfect for a relaxed stroll, as charming cafés and small studios create an inspiring atmosphere thanks to the vibrant art scene. Ideally, start your excursion in the early morning to experience the monumental backdrop in peace, and return to the ship relaxed in the early afternoon.
Die Wege in Arles sind wunderbar kurz und die Rückkehr zum Anleger am Rhoneufer gestaltet sich dank der zentralen Lage des Hafens äußerst entspannt.
On Foot
From the ancient Amphitheatre or the Place de la République, you can walk directly back to the Quai de la Gare Maritime or the Quai du 8 Mai 1945 in about ten minutes. The path leads through the charming alleys of the old town and is easy to find thanks to the clear signage to the riverbank.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks are located at Place Lamartine as well as directly at the Gare d'Arles train station. In addition, the hotels in the city center are happy to call a vehicle for you so that you can reach the pier punctually and comfortably.
Shuttle and Public Transport
The electric city shuttle Navia A circles the historic center and easily takes you to the Place Lamartine stop in the immediate vicinity of the port. From there, you can reach your ship in just a few steps and also enjoy a beautiful view of the Rhone.
