Rental Cars: How to get (to) one in Marseilles

[mlbcruiser]

Anywhere to rent a car very near where the cruise ships dock in Marseilles? We have rented in Cannes (took a bus several blocks then walked another block or 2 to the rental agency); Civitaveccia - you can walk down the street to the rental offices. But in Livorno we had a horrible time! Couldn't get out of the port area. We called the rental agency but were unable to tell them WHERE we were within the port (they said the port area was 15 km. long!). Cabs would not take us at all. I begged. The drivers were rude. We had paid for the rental car ahead of time ( a co. well known in the U.S.), not knowing there would be 2 umbrella/patio tables set up right where we came off the ship (though the fees were a lot more to rent from them. However, I am wondering if they still operate from the docks?). We were about to pay something like 13 euros ( - or maybe it was 7.50 each? This was 4 yrs. ago) to get to the city center by bus, and planned to then get a cab to the rental location. Right then a young couple were getting into a rental car a few feet from us when I got the bright idea of offering to pay them if they would just take us out of the port area. Luckily they spoke English. They were from the UK and it was the very first time they had ever driven a car w/the steering wheel! Still, we were desperate and hopped in, very thankful for the ride as well! Nearly as soon as we got out of the port area (way too far to walk), the couple had to get onto the autovia, so we exited the car. (They refused pymt.) We crossed the street to a gas station (the only place of business around that was open). From there we called the rental agency which was only a few streets away so the agent drove over and picked us up. He was nice enough to drive us back to our ship when we brought the car back several hours later.

 

We'd REALLY rather rent a car and head out of Marseilles, so any suggestions w/regard to how to get to where we can rent a car would be greatly appreciated! Or if anyone knows of a rental agency that does p/ups at the port. Or has any other good ideas!

 

Thanks for any info. or help.

[Hlitner]

Unless they have recently added a new rental car office, we are unaware of any agency that is convenient to the port. There are multiple agencies located in the area of the St Charles train station where we have previously rented a car. To get from the ship to those agencies you would either have to use the shuttle bus to the old port (which leaves you with a 15-20 min walk or short taxi ride) or simply take a taxi directly to the agency office.

 

Hank

[mlbcruiser]

Thanks for the info., Hlitner. Do you know if the taxi drivers there are willing to take people to the St. Charles train station or to a rental car office? (Which method of transport did you use?) Thanks again!

[Hlitner]

Thanks for the info., Hlitner. Do you know if the taxi drivers there are willing to take people to the St. Charles train station or to a rental car office? (Which method of transport did you use?) Thanks again!

 

We have used shuttle buses on multiple cruises...but this option does vary depending on your cruise line. In every case the shuttles drop folks at the old port, but the cost of the shuttles can vary from free to about $10. As to taxis, assuming there are taxis waiting at the port (not always a definite in France) we have not seen an issue getting them to go to the station. Of course there is a financial advantage to sharing a taxi with another couple. We never get too concerned since the taxi vs. shuttle options can usually be determined once off the ship. Although many cruise lines will sell shuttle tickets in advance (on board) most will also allow anyone to board on shore (somebody usually takes your cabin number and bills your account).

 

Hank