Cruise port La Joliette (Marseilles)
Info for port La Joliette (Marseilles) on 7 Jun 2028
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.
In port on 07 Jun 2028
