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TER trains going to Cote d'Azur

Posted by on

Hi, we are a family of five with me, my wife, and three children, ages 5 - 9. We are taking a train from Aix-en-Provence to Antibes the last Saturday in May. I've done some research on this but did not realize that my Aix - Marseilles and Marseilles - Antibes rides are on the TER train and not TGV. So with TER, since we cannot reserve seats, I've had some concern about a crowded train and children having to stand for a while (I know they will whine after some amount of time).

Can anyone tell me, rule of thumb, how crowded the TER trains can be in this area on Saturday afternoons? I'm not concerned about the Aix - Marseilles leg. We can get there early to hop on first and it's not a long ride, anyways. There is a 20 minute wait for the connection in Marseilles and it's a longer ride. This is more my concern. There is a Ouigo train for this leg a little earlier in the day so I can reserve this to get seats. It would require us to leave earlier in the day from Aix, and it's more expensive, but I'll do it if it means the difference between standing and sitting. Thank you.

Posted by
54 posts

You are correct that the TER train is not ideal with children and luggage. You might not be able to sit together. However if you do decide to travel this way, take a moment in Marseilles to walk outside of the station for the beautiful view over the grand staircase.

The direct TGV train leaves the Aix TGV station at 9:52 am and arrives in Antibes at 12:39 pm. (Look for the inOui label) You need to catch the shuttle bus or a taxi to reach the TGV. It’s worth the extra money to have a comfortable place to sit, a safe place to store your luggage and the peace of mind. If you travel first class, you can get family seating with a table for the kids to do their activities. Most accommodations in Antibes are walking distance from the train station. Reach out to your hotel or apartment to ask if you can store your luggage there while you explore.

Posted by
20090 posts

If you take anything except the 6:53 am TER from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille, it originates in Aix-en-Provence, so show up early when they spot the train and you will be the first to board and get your choice of seats. Same thing for the Marseille-Antibes TER. Looks like you have at least 17 minutes to change trains in Marseille, so you should be on the platform when they spot the train.

Even the 6:53 am train only has 2 stops before it arrives in Aix-en-Provence, so it is unlikely to be full.

Posted by
6897 posts

The Marseille-Antibes TER start in Marseille, so getting seats (even 5 seats) is rarely a problem.
However, one of the few TGV from Aix TGV to Antibes would be more comfortable.
The 11:20 AM Ouigo is super cheap on 25th May, I still see 19€ tickets which would be cheaper than the TER.
The shuttle bus from Aix to Aix TGV is easy, or you can take a taxi (arrange a large taxi through your Aix hotel if you do so).

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all for your replies! It is appreciated. One follow up question, do you know if the TER trains typically have room for luggage? We have two wheeled carry-ons and each of the children have rolling backpacks that I would think can be stored on the racks overhead.

Posted by
6897 posts

Yes, the 2-level trains used on the Marseille-Nice routes have ample luggage storage space:

  • overhead racks
  • racks behind the seats at the end of each half-floor. My description is unclear, but it will be obvious when you see them.

Keep an eye on luggage at each stop. Theft is rare but not unheard-of.

Can't speak for the Aix-Marseille trains, I always took the bus for that run (line 50: faster, cheaper, more frequent).

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