How to Book Train Travel From Bordeaux to Marseille

Traveling by rail from Bordeaux to the city of Marseille is an excellent choice. Trains are direct and leave daily, so your trip will be affordable and convenient. Here's how to obtain your ticket.

Things You'll Need

• Passport

Instructions

Book Train Travel From Bordeaux to Marseille

1. Buy train tickets and passes on the Rail Europe Web site (see Resources below), or call (888) 382-RAIL.

2. Expand your travel once you arrive at Marseille. Your train will pull into the St. Charles station. From there, you can easily book tickets to other cities.

3. Choose the direct route. To reach Marseille quickly, take a nonstop train (under 7 hours) from Bordeaux. Tickets are reasonably priced.

4. Take a train that stops in Paris on the way to Marseille and visit the Eiffel Tower and other attractions. The trip is only slightly longer than if you took the direct train.

5. Save your money and pack your own food; on-board fare can be costly.

6. Carry your luggage yourself. The railway places no restrictions on the number or weight of the bags you can bring. However, no one will help check your luggage at the rail stations.

7. Grab a locker at the train station and store your luggage while you sightsee or dine in a local restaurant.

8. Travel on public transportation while in Marseille, the second-largest city in France. Marseille has a metro system, while two tram lines run through Bordeaux.

Tips & Warnings

• Study train schedules and book tickets online to avoid the language barrier.

• Make your reservations early--the path to Marseille is among the rail's most popular routes.

• Locals living in different cities within a country can speak with different terminology and dialects. Carry a dictionary for easier translations of words and phrases.

• If you purchase a group ticket, the per-person fare will be cheaper. The fare difference between classes will be the same regardless of which class you buy.

• Watch your personal belongings carefully. Keep important items such as purses near you at all times. If you plan to sleep, secure your luggage first.