Daily 07:30–20:20, a sailing every 20 minutes (no service on 1 May) · Representative sailings only — check the operator for today's full timetable
Weather and disruption RTM runs sailings subject to the weather. To be told about a suspension, sign up for Alerte Trafic in your MaRTM account; the RTM app shows Ferry Boat times in real time. Information line: +33 4 91 91 92 10.
Two RTM pages, two frequencies RTM's general services page sums the line up as 07:30–20:30 every 10 minutes. The dedicated Ferry Boat page, which is more detailed, gives 07:30–20:20 every 20 minutes with four departures dropped, and this page follows it.
Bikes, pets and wheelchairs Bikes are taken in limited numbers, at the skipper's discretion depending on the weather and how full the boat is. Animals are banned except guide or assistance dogs travelling with a disability-card holder (lead no longer than 80 cm) and small, non-dangerous pets in a closed basket, bag or cage held on your lap. There are one or two wheelchair spaces; only manual wheelchairs are allowed on the Ferry Boat, and spaces cannot be booked.
Map – Marseille Vieux-Port Ferry Boat
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single crossing, per person | €0.70 |
| Pass Permanent, Pass Annuel or Pass 30 jours holders | Free |
Each crossing costs €0.70 per person, each way. Pay in cash (exact money, please) or tap a contactless bank card on the dedicated reader on board. The fare gives no transfer onto RTM buses, metro or trams. Holders of a Pass Permanent, Pass Annuel or Pass 30 jours loaded on an RTM mobility card ride free. All fares in euros (EUR).
RTM, Marseille's public transport operator, runs the Ferry Boat straight across the Old Port (Vieux-Port). One landing is on Quai du Port, opposite the main town hall (Mairie); the other is on Quai de Rive-Neuve, facing Place aux Huiles. RTM puts the crossing at 283 metres and under five minutes on the water.
Boats run every day from 07:30 to 20:20, every 20 minutes. Four departures are dropped: 10:30 and 16:30 from Place aux Huiles, and 10:40 and 16:40 from the Mairie side. The only day without a boat is 1 May, when RTM also stops its metro, trams and buses; it announces no special hours for other public holidays. RTM does not publish a minute-by-minute list for each quay, so check the RTM app, which shows the Ferry Boat in real time. Sailings depend on the weather, and the Alerte Trafic service in a MaRTM account sends a message when the line is disrupted.
A crossing costs €0.70. If you pay cash, RTM asks for the exact money; otherwise tap a contactless bank card on the reader on board. The fare does not include a transfer to RTM buses, the metro or trams, so a journey that carries on by bus needs a separate ticket. Holders of a Pass Permanent, Pass Annuel or Pass 30 jours loaded on an RTM mobility card travel free.
Two 45-seat boats share the work: César, delivered by the shipyard in 1952, and an all-electric, solar-assisted catamaran named Ferry Boat, in service since February 2010. RTM's FAQ says there are one or two wheelchair spaces, but only manual wheelchairs are allowed on the Ferry Boat. The spaces cannot be reserved, and RTM suggests arriving early to make sure one is free.
Bikes go aboard in limited numbers if the skipper agrees, depending on the weather and how many people are on board. Animals are not allowed, with a few exceptions: guide or assistance dogs travelling with a disability-card holder, on a lead of 80 cm or less, and small, non-dangerous pets carried in a closed basket, bag or cage on your lap. RTM's information line is +33 4 91 91 92 10.
- Be at the landing a few minutes before departure; vehicle boarding can close before the posted time.
- Check the operator's notices on the day — high river levels, wind, fog, works or maintenance can change or suspend crossings.
- Find out how you pay before you travel: some river ferries are free, others sell tickets on the quay, on board or online.