At the time of its creation in 1905, the Mont-Blanc tramway was designed to carry passengers to the summit of Mont-Blanc, by digging a long access tunnel. The difficulty of such a feat and the high cost of the work meant that this extraordinary project could not be realized. World War I broke out in 1914, discouraging engineers from pushing the Mont-Blanc tramway terminus any further.
The Mont Blanc Tramway route
Opened to tourists in 1913, the Mont-Blanc tramway provides access to the Bionnassay glacier (only in summer). Mountaineers use it mainly as a means of transport to prepare their ascent to the summit of Mont-Blanc. After a 1h30 journey, they arrive at the terminus of the Mont-Blanc tramway, at the Nid d'Aigle station, culminating at over 2,372 m altitude. From here, the climbers continue on to the heights of Western Europe's highest peak.
The Mont-Blanc tramway departs from the Saint-Gervais-les-Bains - Le Fayet station, passing through the towns of Fayet and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains before beginning its ascent. It then serves the stations of Motivon, Sellières and Col-de-Voza, before stopping at Bellevue - only in winter, for safety reasons. In summer, however, you can continue on to Mont-Lacha and then the Nid d'Aigle.
Prices and opening dates
Please note! The Mont Blanc tramway is not open all year round. In fact, it's only accessible during high season, i.e. from mid-June to September in summer, and from mid-December to the end of April in winter. Count on 4 to 6 round trips a day aboard the two trains (nicknamed Jeanne and Marie) that share the route. Of course, the number of circuits varies according to the day of the week and the season.
As for prices and fares, expect to pay between €17.90 for children under 14 and seniors over 65, and €21.00 for a single adult ticket in the summer season (tramway terminus at Bellevue). In winter, you can access the Nid d'Aigle for €30.00 if you're an adult, and €25.50 for reduced fares.
There's also a family pass which includes a round-trip Le Fayet-Nid d'Aigle ticket for two adults and two children under 14 at a price of €117.80. From the 3rd child onwards, the ticket is free (up to a maximum of 5).
Book the ideal hotel at the foot of Mont Blanc
If you'd like to explore the glaciers of Mont Blanc, consider booking a room at one of Chamonix's most cosy and spacious hotels, the Refuge des Aiglons in Chamonix. Both modern and family-friendly, this 4-star hotel offers comfort and plenitude at the foot of Mont-Blanc. And to make your stay unforgettable, a host of activities await you in summer and winter alike: a huge ski area for winter sports enthusiasts, as well as hiking, trail biking and golf, not forgetting a visit to the Mer de Glace, or the famous Aiguille du Midi, at an altitude of over 3,842 meters.
