London
United Kingdom
1,300 km
13-15 hours driving
Marseille
France
Distance
1,300 km
Drive Time
13-15 hours
Est. Fuel
£105-£135
Est. Tolls
£85-£105
Route Overview
London to Marseille is one of the longest drives to southern France — over 1,300 km via the Rhône Valley corridor. This journey typically requires an overnight stop and significant toll costs on the French autoroutes.
Best crossing option
Eurotunnel or fly + hire
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £320-£440 |
| Ferry | £80-£140 | £270-£380 |
| Fly + Hire | £110-£270 | £185-£450 |
Estimated costs for 2 adults, standard car. Actual prices vary by season, booking time, and vehicle. Use our calculator for personalised results.
Tips for This Route
Flying to Marseille and hiring a car is often more cost-effective than driving the full distance.
The A7 autoroute south of Lyon can be extremely busy in summer — expect delays during peak holiday periods.
Budget at least £85-£105 for tolls alone on the French autoroute network from Calais to Marseille.
Consider breaking the journey near Lyon, Avignon, or Orange — all make excellent overnight stops.
Marseille's Vieux Port is notoriously difficult to park in — use Park and Ride options on the outskirts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from London to Marseille?
Flying is usually the cheapest option. Budget airlines fly London to Marseille from around £50-£120 per person return. Driving costs £270+ one way with fuel, tolls (£85-£105), crossing, and likely an overnight hotel. Fly + hire is particularly competitive for this route.
How long does it take to drive from London to Marseille?
The drive takes 13-15 hours of actual driving time plus the Channel crossing. This is a two-day trip for most people, with an overnight stop near Lyon or in the Rhône Valley area.
What are the toll costs driving from Calais to Marseille?
Expect to pay around £85-£105 in autoroute tolls from Calais to Marseille. The A6 and A7 through Burgundy and the Rhône Valley are heavily tolled. You can reduce costs using toll-free N-roads but this adds several hours to the journey.
Get an exact cost for London to Marseille
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare London → Marseille