Update to "Free shuttle from Marseille port"

There is indeed a FREE shuttle, but it doesn't run every day -- only Friday to Sunday, and Tuesday.

BUT (there is always a BUT....) -- you'll have to walk about 15-20 to get there, following a green pass on the ground. The day we were there was a scorching heat, and I'd imagine this walk is not for everyone.

Royal offered a 23$ round trip shuttle to Marseille, BUT it was running at fixed times, and many people missed the schedule.

The day we docked in Marseille there was a taxi strike (against Uber) and it very much messed our plans. After taking the free shuttle to Pl. de la Joilette, we walked about 45 min in order to take "Le Petit Train". We asked directions along the way, and I'll very much like to mention that EVERYONE was helpful and even willing to go some way with us to show us exactly were to turn. EVERYONE. And we asked a lot... Maybe because I speak French, but I really think that they want to encourage tourists and "delete" the bad impression of Marseille.

For the ride back, again, with the aid of everyone, we were directed to a public bus (#55, 1.90 Euro pp, coins only), which took us back to the free shuttle and from there we walked again to the ship. There is also a Metro, but you'll have to switch lines.

I asked if there are taxis right by the terminal when they are not on strike, and was told "There will be plenty of taxis and the ride to the Old Port ("Vieux port") will cost around 20 Euros".

Any other questions about Marseille - just ask :)

Thank you for the information. Was there a long line to get on the free shuttle? What time did you get on the free shuttle? Do you know what time it started and how frequently it ran?

Thank you for the information. Was there a long line to get on the free shuttle? They filled one bus to full capacity, standing room only, and then the next. So, at least we waited on the bus. What time did you get on the free shuttle? 10.15 AM. Do you know what time it started and how frequently it ran? We disembarked at a quarter to ten and there was a huge line for the PAID shuttle. We detoured, following the signs to "taxi", only to find out they r on strike. The lack of taxis caused a real mess. The FREE was already running at this hour. On our way back, we waited on the bus ~10 min, until it was full.

The FREE shuttle was the best kept secret on the ship. We found out about it only because the security man from the Marseille port heard me and my party speaking Roumanian between us, and he was very happy to help "fellows" Roumanians with the info about the FREE shuttle :)

Maybe because I speak French, :)

the security man from the Marseille port heard me and my party speaking Roumanian between us :)

French? Romanian? English? Hebrew?????

I'm impressed (and jealous)!

Thanks for the update, Dani!

Here are some links from previous discussions that have some info about the Marseille port shuttle and also the local bus & metro.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2164043

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2192193

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1861134

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2075639

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2132074

Last year, it was parked rather close to our ship, although it departed later than when we wanted to leave (we saw it upon our return). So, depending on where your ship is, you may have a bit of a walk or it may be close.

Enjoy France!

Just back from Caribbean princess and thought I'd share our experience.

Princess were charging $8 each way and never mentioned a free shuttle. As the bus queue were so long we went to see about a taxi. Another three people were waiting so we asked we they would like to share a Mercedes mini bus with us.

We agreed a price with the driver of 120 euro for two hours for the bus so 20 euro each for the six of us. He took to the the two main churches, palais longtemps and a trip down the coast. With a 20-30 minute stop at each place.

Well worth the money and we only paid a little bit more than the shuttle would cost.