Aix en Provence official TGV station, its history

You may be one of the many travelers who visit the Aix-en-Provence TGV station every year. Aix-en-Provence TGV station to catch a train to Paris or Lyon. But you probably don’t know the history of the Aix TGV station…! The Aix-en-Provence TGV station was opened in 2001. It’s an SNCF station serving major lines. Located just 15 km south of Aix-en-Provence and less than 20 km from Marseille, the station sees more than 50 TGV trains a day running on its four tracks. It connects the south of France to the national and international network.

How many passengers pass through Aix-en-Provence station every year?

Every year, more than 3 million passengers pass through the station, an average of 219 per day. However, let’s not forget that this is an average, and that certain times of the year are busier than others at the Aix TGV station. For example, during vacation periods or the end-of-year festivities, rail traffic in Aix-en-Provence is higher.

Passenger services at Aix TGV station

When you’re traveling, it’s important to know about the many services available at SNCF stations. It can make life a lot easier. For example, at Aix-en-Provence TGV station, you’ll find an ATM where you can withdraw cash. If you’ve unfortunately lost your suitcase or your telephone, don’t hesitate to go to the lost and found. And if you’re a traveler with reduced mobility, special services are available. If you have to wait at the Aix TGV station between trains, you can take advantage of free, unlimited Wi-Fi.

History of Aix TGV station

Aix-en-Provence TGV station is located in the communes of Aix-en-Provence and Cabriès, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. Unlike Aix-en-Provence centre-ville, this station is only served by TGVs (high-speed trains). It is located between Avignon TGV station and the end of the LGV, where it connects with the Paris-Lyon-Marseille Saint-Charles line in the Marseilles region. This TGV station was built on the Arbois plateau, just 7 km northeast of Vitrolles, giving it an ideal position in relation to Marignane airport. The project was spearheaded by the mayor of Aix-en-Provence, Jean-François Picheral, who wanted to develop a europôle on the plateau. The project was initially rejected, but was eventually built by Eiffel Construction Métallique. Inaugurated on June 10, 2001, the Aix-en-Provence TGV station quickly exceeded the SNCF’s expectations in terms of passenger numbers, thanks in particular to the fact that it avoided the need to travel to the Saint-Charles station, located to the north of the Marseille conurbation. What’s more, at the time, the A7 freeway was still under construction, making access to the Gare Saint-Charles difficult. In 2004, the station was awarded NF Service certification, and in 2007, it began to handle an average of 50 TGV trains a day. From this point onwards, local authorities gradually introduced shuttle buses to connect the surrounding towns with the Aix TGV station. Like many stations, unauthorized parking was a problem. However, a large underground parking lot has been built to reduce this problem, which is still very much present. This station also has a passenger building with a sales area open every day. And if you like speed, you’ll occasionally see trains crossing the central tracks at over 300 km/h.

How many stations are there in Aix-en-Provence?

In Aix-en-Provence, there are two train stations: the TGV station, located outside the city, and the gare à Aix centerwhich is the regional TER station in the city center.

Does the TGV stop at Aix-en-Provence?

As mentioned above, yes, Aix-en-Provence station is a TGV station. Please note, however, that we’re not talking about Aix’s downtown station, which is a regional TER station.