One week after Christmas, it’s already back on! Shopping for New Year’s Eve dinner, getting ready for the New Year’ s Eve party, one last visit to the Christmas Markets before they close… But you still need to be able to get home from your party without waiting in vain for the metro. To make sure you don’t get stuck, it’s essential to know how public transport works on December 31st and January 1st. Here’s everything you need to know to organize your journeys around Marseille.
Slower transportation
During the Christmas vacations, Marseille’s public transport network adapts its operations. Between December 20, 2025 and January 4, 2026, buses, streetcars and the metro will run according to ” green schedules “, applicable during school vacations. These schedules mean less frequent service, which can lengthen waiting times at stations and stops.
On the T1 tramway line, for example, it will take around 7 to 8 minutes between two runs, compared with 6 to 7 minutes during normal service hours. Other lines are also affected, so it’s advisable to check timetables before setting off to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
As January 1st is a public holiday, the timetables in place are those for Sundays and public holidays.
The metro runs normally in the evening
Good news for night owls: RTM is keeping the metro running throughout the festive season. From December 31 to January 4 inclusive, lines M1 and M2 will continue to operate at their usual times. For periods when traffic is not normal, relay buses will be set up from 9:30pm to ensure continuity of service.
Bus traffic disrupted on the evening of December 31
New Year’s Eve attracts a lot of people to the city center. For this reason, several bus routes will be subject to occasional modifications. The routes concerned are 23, 59, 83, 97, 509, 518, 530, 533 and 582. Some stations will not be served, termini will be moved and detour are planned. Detailed information is available on the RTM website.
By planning your journeys in advance and consulting the appropriate timetables, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy the festivities stress-free. Don’t hesitate to download the RTM application or visit the official website for real-time updates.