I plan to take the train from Marseille to Nimes in late May 2025. Would the regular Marseille-Nimes ticket allow for a break/stop over in Arles, or do I have to buy 2 separate tickets?
Does anyone have experience with storing luggage for a few hours near the Arles train station?
Thanks for your feedback.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7713 posts
Trains are not hop on/ hop off
You will need 2 separate tickets
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10929 posts
Actually, the answer is a little longer and nuanced since most of the trains on that line are local trains (TER).
I believe the OP can get off in Arles for a look around if it's all on one TER ticket. TER tickets are valid for the day, not for a specific train. There are no reserved seats.
On the other hand, a few Intercité trains run on that line, too. If you were to buy an Intercité ticket, you would have to buy two separate tickets because those trains have reserved seats. However, you could even mix and match TER and Intercité trains, depending on the hours you decide to travel but would need separate tickets for each half of your trip.
SNCF divided the trains into different companies depending on the type of service provided. Each company issues its own tickets though you can buy all of them together on the SNCF app. And each company has its own rules.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
This is SNCF's reply to my inquiry:
"Thank you for contacting SNCF Connect.
If you want to make a stop in Arles, you'll have to make two reservations. I suggest Marseilles - Arles, and Arles -Nimes.
The first leg with a TGV and the 2nd leg with a TER.
Except for a few regions, TER train tickets are generally not assigned seats. This means, firstly, that you can sit anywhere you like and, secondly, that your ticket is valid all day.
This allows you to board an earlier or later train on the line without having to change anything on your ticket.
This gives you most leeway without the stress to catch the right train after your visit."