
1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Luggage
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£36
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£39
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
4 h 23 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
4 h 24 m
Trains on 19 Sept
2
Distance
205 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Marseille to Portbou is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Marseille to Portbou will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 2 trains from Marseille to Portbou, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 205 km distance in an average of 4 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 23 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 24 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Marseille to Portbou among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £55 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £55, while a coach costs an average of £63.
Distance: 205 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price Cheapest | £63 Average Price | £83 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 28m Average total duration 11h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Marseille to Portbou:
A train is £8 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Marseille to Portbou costing on average £63.
Other travel options to Portbou take longer:
Coach takes on average 11h 58m.
Tickets start at around £55 compared to roughly £83 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £28. The journey takes 4h 40m versus 4h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Marseille to Portbou trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4762+ 86987 | 13:24 Marseille Saint-Charles | 4h23 | 17:47 Portbou station | 1 change | |
4764+ 86989 | 15:24 Marseille Saint-Charles | 4h20 | 19:44 Portbou station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Marseille to Portbou run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 07:23, the last at 18:06. The fastest train covers the 205 km distance in 4h 18m.
Distance 205 km |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 4h 18m |
First train 7:23 |
Last train 18:06 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Compare SNCF | Intercités classes and the amenities included in each one.


Compare SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Portbou — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portbou trip today.
Small local museum presenting Portbou’s railway heritage, border history and maritime setting.
Exhibition space focused on Walter Benjamin’s memory, exile and the wider border history of Portbou.
Art museum in nearby Cadaqués with works linked to Salvador Dalí and the artistic life of the Costa Brava.
Central seafront beach area with calm views, easy swimming access and a pleasant promenade atmosphere.
Scenic coastal path section offering sea views, coves and a rewarding walk towards the French border.
Popular lookout above town with broad views over the bay, railway lines and the surrounding hills.
A hearty fisherman’s stew from the Costa Brava with mixed rock fish, potatoes and saffron. It reflects the area’s maritime heritage.
Chargrilled spring onions served with romesco sauce. A much-loved Catalan seasonal tradition, often enjoyed in winter gatherings.
Fresh anchovies from nearby l’Escala, usually salted or marinated. They are a defining flavour of the Empordà coast.
Casual seafront-style dining known for seafood, rice dishes and Mediterranean cooking in a relaxed Portbou setting.
Traditional local restaurant serving fish, shellfish and Catalan dishes with a straightforward, established atmosphere.
Informal spot for tapas, simple plates and drinks, suitable for a relaxed meal near the centre of Portbou.
Portbou is moderate for Costa Brava travel. Dining is fairly priced, but limited choice and seasonal demand can raise accommodation and restaurant costs in peak months.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. In cafés, small change is fine. For taxis, round up the fare.
Official public transport app
Portbou station -> Plaça Major, Portbou
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Marseille to Portbou by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Portbou, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Marseille to Portbou trains use the Marseille Saint-Charles to Portbou station pair. Use this guide to compare Marseille and Portbou train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Marseille Saint-Charles has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffe San Carlo, DAKAO, Espressamente Illy, EXKi, McDonald's, Monop'Daily, Starbucks, Casa Di Pasta, Chatime, PAUL
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located between track M and the bus station at the Honnorat exit.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 18:00. Information desks are located on level -1 of the station, entrances via the station or via Bd Bourdet.
Luggage storage is the lockers are located on Boulevard Bourdet, on level 0 of the station. Service is provided by La Bag Mobile.
Available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Marseille Saint-Charles: Accès Plus is a service offered to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility who need assistance at the station. For more information email [email protected] or call +33 890640650.
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Marseille-Saint Charles, Holiday Inn Express Marseille-Saint Charles, Hotel Les Bords De Me.
Portbou has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Portbou.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Portbou. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Portbou. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portbou: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portbou: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portbou: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Comodoro, Hotel La Masia.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need