Cruise port La Joliette (Marseilles)
Info for port La Joliette (Marseilles) on 21 Sept 2027
Port information & tips for La Joliette (Marseilles)
Marseille is the vibrant port metropolis on the French Mediterranean coast and is considered the sun-drenched gateway to picturesque Provence. The up-and-coming La Joliette district impresses with a successful symbiosis of modern architecture, historic warehouses, and a lively atmosphere right by the sea. Within immediate reach are cultural highlights such as the architecturally impressive MuCEM museum, the monumental Cathedral La Major, and the exclusive shopping center Les Terrasses du Port. Cruise ships dock at the extensive Marseille Provence Cruise Center (MPCC) at the Môle Léon Gourret, while smaller luxury ships also berth directly at Terminal Joliette (J4). From the piers, travelers can quickly reach the nearby city center and the charming Old Port, the Vieux-Port, thanks to free shuttles or taxis.
The cruise port of Marseille, whose main terminals are located at Môle Léon Gourret, is an important gateway to the Mediterranean and, thanks to its good connections from the DACH region, is excellently accessible. While smaller ships often dock close to the city center in La Joliette, the terminals for larger cruise ships are located slightly outside, but are perfectly connected by efficient transfers.
Car
The port is easily accessible by car thanks to the A7, A50, and A55 motorways. Travelers simply follow the signs towards "Marseille-Centre", then "Les Ports" and finally "Port de Marseille Fos – Terminal Croisières / Joliette". For short- and long-term parking, secure parking spaces are available at the MPCT (Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal), costing €15 per 24 hours, with a monthly rate of €150 for 10 to 30 days. In addition, providers such as Q-Park and Parclick offer further parking options near La Joliette, where advance reservation is advantageous.
Train
The central station Marseille Saint-Charles is excellently connected to the European rail network and serves as an important TGV hub. From there, the cruise terminal can be easily reached by taxi in about 7 minutes, with costs ranging between €12 and €15. Alternatively, you can take the metro (Line M2) from Saint-Charles station to the Joliette stop. From La Joliette, the line 35 bus takes you to the terminal in about 11 minutes. Many cruise lines also offer their own shuttles, and a free bus often runs from the terminal to the port exit near the Joliette metro station.
Airplane
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is located around 20 to 23 kilometers from the cruise port and allows for quick transfers. A taxi ride to the terminal takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Private transfers are also available and offer a comfortable service. For a relaxed arrival, especially for long-haul flights from the DACH region, a pre-cruise hotel in Marseille is recommended. Shuttle buses run from the airport to Marseille Saint-Charles station, from where further public transport or taxis to the port are available.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Marseille, whose main terminals are located at Môle Léon Gourret, is an important gateway to the Mediterranean and, thanks to its good connections from the DACH region, is excellently accessible. While smaller ships often dock close to the city center in La Joliette, the terminals for larger cruise ships are located slightly outside, but are perfectly connected by efficient transfers.
Car
The port is easily accessible by car thanks to the A7, A50, and A55 motorways. Travelers simply follow the signs towards "Marseille-Centre", then "Les Ports" and finally "Port de Marseille Fos – Terminal Croisières / Joliette". For short- and long-term parking, secure parking spaces are available at the MPCT (Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal), costing €15 per 24 hours, with a monthly rate of €150 for 10 to 30 days. In addition, providers such as Q-Park and Parclick offer further parking options near La Joliette, where advance reservation is advantageous.
Train
The central station Marseille Saint-Charles is excellently connected to the European rail network and serves as an important TGV hub. From there, the cruise terminal can be easily reached by taxi in about 7 minutes, with costs ranging between €12 and €15. Alternatively, you can take the metro (Line M2) from Saint-Charles station to the Joliette stop. From La Joliette, the line 35 bus takes you to the terminal in about 11 minutes. Many cruise lines also offer their own shuttles, and a free bus often runs from the terminal to the port exit near the Joliette metro station.
Airplane
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is located around 20 to 23 kilometers from the cruise port and allows for quick transfers. A taxi ride to the terminal takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Private transfers are also available and offer a comfortable service. For a relaxed arrival, especially for long-haul flights from the DACH region, a pre-cruise hotel in Marseille is recommended. Shuttle buses run from the airport to Marseille Saint-Charles station, from where further public transport or taxis to the port are available.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
From the La Joliette terminal, you can reach the heart of the Mediterranean metropolis particularly easily thanks to its central location. Many sights are in the immediate vicinity and are directly accessible.
On Foot
The historic Vieux-Port can be easily reached in about 15 to 20 minutes. The path leads along the waterfront promenade past the modern Mucem museum and the impressive Cathédrale La Major, while also offering a wonderful view of the sea.
Tram and Metro
Stations for tram lines T2 and T3 as well as metro line M2 are located directly at Place La Joliette. These quickly connect the port with the grand boulevard La Canebière and the main railway station, while allowing you to experience the authentic city life of Marseille at the same time.
Taxi and Navette Maritime
Official taxis wait directly at the exits of the port area and will take you quickly to destinations such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. In the summer months, the Navette Maritime also complements the service, allowing for a comfortable journey on the water to the city's picturesque coastal sections.
To make the most of your stay in Marseille, it is recommended to focus on the historic center and the architecturally impressive harbor area in the direct vicinity of the cruise terminal.
Le Panier
The oldest district of the city enchants with its narrow, colorful alleys and charming artists' studios; thanks to its location above the harbor, it is perfect for an authentic stroll through the historic heritage of Marseille.
Vieux Port & Mucem
The lively Old Port forms the pulsating heart of the city and, together with the futuristic Mucem museum, offers a fascinating combination of maritime tradition and modern architecture right on the waterfront promenade.
Notre-Dame de la Garde
The magnificent basilica towers high above the city and, thanks to its exposed location, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the coast and the azure Mediterranean Sea; it is also ideal for unforgettable panoramic photos and a moment of peace.
Le Panier & Mucem
The historic district Le Panier is located in the immediate vicinity of the La Joliette port and can be easily reached on foot or with a short transfer. This oldest district of Marseille enchants visitors with its narrow, flower-lined streets, colorful street art, and charming artisan shops, while the adjacent Mucem impresses with its spectacular architecture and extensive walkways directly over the sea. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the small cafes around the Place de Lenche and also take advantage of the freely accessible terraces of the Mucem for a first-class panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Saint-Jean fortress. It is best to visit the district directly in the morning to experience the morning tranquility in the alleys, and plan your return path to the ship about two hours before departure to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the modern harbor promenade Les Terrasses du Port.
Returning to the port of La Joliette is very straightforward and safe, thanks to its central connection to the old town of Marseille. Allowing a small time buffer for the return journey ensures you can enjoy the ship's departure from the deck in complete relaxation.
Taxis and Rideshares
Central taxi ranks are located directly at the Vieux Port on Quai des Belges, as well as in front of the city hall and the city's major hotels. Thanks to the short distances, you can reach the port entrance comfortably and directly, and the drivers are well-acquainted with the cruise terminal to bring you swiftly back to the ship.
Shuttle Buses and Public Transport
On days with cruise operations, a free shuttle bus runs from Place de la Joliette, safely transporting guests to the berths at the Marseille Provence Cruise Center. In addition, you can use bus line 35 from the Joliette stop and, thanks to the high frequency, arrive punctually at the terminal at Porte 4.
On Foot and Orientation
The way back from the Mucem museum or the Les Terrasses du Port shopping center is easy to find and leads along the modernized waterfront promenade back to the port area. Follow the clear signs towards Grand Port Maritime, which will guide you directly to the secure access area and provide reliable orientation.
In port on 21 Sept 2027
