Montenvers train: practical guide to the Chamonix station
The departure station opposite the SNCF station, train and full pass prices, winter 2026-2027 dates and the ice cave: everything for going up to the Mer de Glace.
Photo: the venue's Google Maps listing
Why go?
The Montenvers rack railway climbs in about 20 minutes from Chamonix to 1,913 m, on the edge of the Mer de Glace. It is the simplest way to see a glacier and step inside its cave.
The departure station is on place de la Mer de Glace, just behind the SNCF station.
Good to know
The train only costs €31.50 for an adult, the full pass with the cave €49.70. The winter season opens on 5 December 2026, with trains from 10am to 4:30pm.
The ice cave reopens on 17 December 2026 according to the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc.
Our advice
Wear good shoes: the way down to the cave has several hundred steps, which grow in number every year as the glacier melts. Have lunch at Montenvers for the view of the Grandes Jorasses.
Read on: The Montenvers train in Chamonix and The Mer de Glace in Chamonix.
Sources: the property's website, Chamonix Tourist Office, Google Maps (address, rating, reviews and photo, checked on 27 October 2026), gallery: photos posted by visitors in their Google reviews (Philippe Langlois, Salman, JIMMY, CELINE ROUSSEAU, FLM, Marie Christine S), Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and the official pages quoted in the guide. Walking times are estimates.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you catch the Montenvers train?
How long does the ride up to Montenvers take?
Thibault Ravanel
Thibault led groups along the south balcony trails for eight summers, from Le Brévent to La Flégère. He builds his routes stopwatch in hand and cuts whatever does not fit into a real day. He would rather write that an outing is not worth the ticket than pad out a list.
