Marseille to London: plane vs. train

IF the times are similar, I always opt for the train. Far less hassle, no security checks, better seats, don't have to check luggage, etc. etc. For the airplane are you including the time for transit to and from the airports, the check-in time, and the other wasted time associated with air travel?

The times are nowhere near similar. You can fly directly from Marseille to London in just under 2 hours. Use the search engine skyscanner.com to see all your airline choices. Traveling by train will take 7-8 hours.

Yes, the train will be much longer than air. If you do prefer to avoid flying then it will be more convenient to get a train from Marseille to Lille and change there to the Eurostar. This avoids having to cross Paris by metro or taxi. You can book tickets at www.tgv-europe.com (I think this includes through Eurostar tickets but if it doesn't book tickets from Marseille to Paris or Lille there and then the second leg to London at www.eurostar.com) or if you are in the UK at www.raileurope.co.uk.

Mike Skyscanner.com is great. Most airlines on the website are European Discount Airlines, perfectly reliable and safe. Just remember they work differently than US flights. The sooner you buy the cheaper the flight. You must read the fine print. For instance, there are strict rules for luggage weight, no. and size. If you are over, the cost may be more than the ticket! Might be best to just check your luggage when you book the ticket to avoid any problems. The fine print is critical to read to avoid getting angry when you get on the plane! Everything is extra, boarding early, seat assignment, water, and more. So the price you see on the first page is not the one at the end. Also make sure you check which airport the airlines use. Some of them are far out with little or inconvenient transportation to the city. Great value!
Bobbie