Taking the Mont-Blanc Tramway means stepping aboard a legend that first ran in 1909. The fleet consists of four motor cars, recognizable by their colors and their names (those of the daughters of the concessionaire at the time):
The Mont-Blanc Tramway, a legendary rack-and-pinion railway, holds a national record: it is the highest railway in France. It connects the Fayet station (580 m) to the Nid d’Aigle (2,372 m), covering a staggering elevation gain of 1,792 meters in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Arriving at the Nid d’Aigle terminus, at an altitude of 2,372 meters, is like stepping instantly into another world. Here, the alpine meadows give way to a world of rock and eternal snow. What makes this stop unique is its immediate proximity to the Bionnassay Glacier. From the arrival platform, the view is breathtaking: you look down on the crevasses and seracs of this ice giant, a vantage point normally reserved for high-altitude experts.
Le Nid d'Aigle is also famous as the starting point of the "Voie Royale" (or Normal Route) on Mont Blanc. It is from here that climbers from around the world begin their ascent to the roof of Europe, passing through the Tête Rousse hut and then the Goûter hut.
Even without putting on your hiking boots, you can take a short walk along the marked trails around the station to get a sense of the mountain range’s grandeur. It is this direct access—requiring no prior physical exertion—that makes the TMB an exceptionally inclusive mountain experience: the train makes the high mountains accessible to everyone, from young children to grandparents!
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The climb takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a contemplative experience where the landscape changes dramatically from one minute to the next.
The journey begins gently in the valley at Le Fayet, right next to the SNCF train station. The train first passes through wooded areas before arriving at the station in the village of Saint-Gervais.
Once you’ve crossed the forest, the view opens up. The pass at Col de Voza offers a sweeping view of the Chamonix Valley. At Bellevue, you’ll find yourself facing the Aiguilles de Chamonix. In winter, this is where skiers descend to reach the Saint-Gervais/Les Houches ski area.
This is the most spectacular part of the journey. The train winds its way along steep ridges before reaching its summer terminus: the Nid d’Aigle. At 2,372 meters, the air grows thin and the Bionnassay Glacier comes into view. You’ll pass heavily laden mountaineers on their way to the Tête Rousse or Goûter huts.
The Mont-Blanc Tramway is more than just a round-trip ride; it’s an exceptional playground at the foot of Mont Blanc:
To avoid common pitfalls and make your experience unforgettable, check out the best tips from the PlanB team.
Choosing which side to sit on: On the way up, be sure to sit on the left side. That’s where the views of the mountain range are most impressive. On the way down, choose the right side.
Dealing with high altitudes: even in the middle of August, temperatures drop significantly at the summit. It can be 30°C in the center of Saint-Gervais and just 10°C at the Nid d'Aigle, where it’s windy. The “three-layer” system (T-shirt, fleece, windbreaker) is essential.
Reservations are required: don't expect to board without a ticket booked online during peak season. The train has limited capacity, and seats sell out first thing in the morning.
Choosing to stay in Le Fayet means having the perfect base from which to explore the Mont Blanc massif.
It’s here, at the starting station of the Mont-Blanc Tramway, that the adventure begins. By staying at the foot of this legendary line, you’ll avoid the parking hassles that are often a challenge during peak season. Le Fayet is a hub for sustainable transportation: whether you arrive on the Léman Express from Geneva or by regular train, you’re just a few steps away from the rack-and-pinion railway that will take you to the peaks.
Staying at PlanB Saint-Gervais means choosing a modern, welcoming hotel and base camp designed for those who want to experience the mountains to the fullest. Ideally located just a 2-minute walk from the Mont-Blanc Tramway station, our hotel ensures you’ll be among the first to arrive in the morning, allowing you to avoid the rush hour crowds.
PlanB Saint-Gervais is a unique retreat where comfort meets adventure. After a day of exploring between Bellevue and the Nid d’Aigle, you’ll find not just a room waiting for you, but a complete experience:
By choosing PlanB, you’ll turn your visit to Saint-Gervais into a seamless and memorable experience.
The entire one-way trip from Le Fayet station to the Nid d’Aigle terminus takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. For a full experience that includes the descent and some time to explore at the summit, plan on spending half a day (about 3½ to 4 hours).
The main departure point is at Le Fayet Station (580 m) in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, just 100 meters from PlanB. The train also makes a major stop at Saint-Gervais Ville Station (807 m), located right next to the village center.
The Mont-Blanc Tramway (TMB) is the highest rack-and-pinion railway in France. Opened in 1909, this historic railway provides access to the high mountains and allows visitors to get up close to the glaciers without any physical exertion, thanks to its legendary trains named Anne, Marie, Jeanne, and Marguerite.
The line connects Le Fayet to Nid d’Aigle (2,372 m). The route serves several key stops: Saint-Gervais Ville, Motivon, Col de Voza (1,653 m), and Bellevue (1,800 m), offering panoramic views of the Aravis and Mont Blanc massifs.
The price of a round-trip ticket for an adult generally ranges from €23 to €34, depending on the season. For families, we strongly recommend choosing the "Family Package" (2 adults + 2 paying children), as additional children travel for free.
During the summer months (June through September), the only way to reach the Nid d’Aigle is via the Mont-Blanc Tramway. In winter, for safety reasons related to avalanches, the train terminates further down the line, usually at the Bellevue station or Mont Lachat.
Yes, the historic extension of the line is in its final phase. After being suspended in 1913, the final 300 meters of track will finally open in the summer of 2026, allowing the train to reach a new platform at an elevation of 2,400 meters.
Key dates to remember:
Summer 2026: Opening of the new Nid d’Aigle station (2,400 m).
Fall 2026: Work begins on expanding the shelter.
Summer 2028: Full completion of the development project.