Montenvers - Mer de Glace Railway
Ride a historic cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace, a stunning glacier, and explore its mesmerizing ice cave.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Montenvers - Mer de Glace Railway
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace, a stunning glacier, and explore its mesmerizing ice cave.
"The ice cave is truly unforgettable, and the train ride offers out-of-this-world views."
Sit on the Left for Views
For the best panoramic views on the Montenvers train, try to secure a seat on the left side. :seat:
Book Montenvers Train Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee your spot by purchasing your Montenvers train tickets in advance online. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mer de Glace Ice Cave
Base of the glacier
Explore a mesmerizing ice cave carved anew each year, showcasing ancient blue ice walls.

Montenvers Rack Railway Journey
Chamonix Mont-Blanc Station
Ride a historic cogwheel train through stunning alpine scenery to reach the glacier.

Glacier Museum & Historical Markers
Montenvers station
Witness the dramatic retreat of the Mer de Glace through informative displays and markers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Montenvers Train Tickets in Advance
Prepare for the Ice Cave Descent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sit on the Left for Views
For the best panoramic views on the Montenvers train, try to secure a seat on the left side. :seat:
Book Montenvers Train Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee your spot by purchasing your Montenvers train tickets in advance online. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs to reach the ice cave. :athletic_shoe:
Check Ice Cave Status
The ice cave can sometimes be closed due to conditions. Check the official website before your visit. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Sit on the Left for Views
For the best panoramic views on the Montenvers train, try to secure a seat on the left side. :seat:
Book Montenvers Train Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee your spot by purchasing your Montenvers train tickets in advance online. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs to reach the ice cave. :athletic_shoe:
Check Ice Cave Status
The ice cave can sometimes be closed due to conditions. Check the official website before your visit. :information_desk:
Bring Layers
Temperatures at the glacier can be cooler than in Chamonix, even in summer. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the Mer de Glace and the scenic Montenvers train journey. The ice cave is a major highlight, offering a unique experience with ancient blue ice. However, some find the number of steps to the cave challenging, and prices for food and souvenirs can be high.
"This is a wonderful place to visit! There are two restaurants, a gift shop, and access to the ice cave, which you can reach via a cable car and stairs — and the cave itself is extremely impressive.
Along the way, you’ll see signs showing where the glacier used to be in previous years, and it’s truly eye-opening and sad to witness how much it has shrunk over time. There’s also a small museum about the glacier and several hiking trails that start from here, making it a great spot to spend a few hours exploring.
The Mer de Glace is absolutely breathtaking, and the surrounding area is beautiful, peaceful, and tranquil. You can easily reach this site by train from Chamonix. Highly recommended!"
hila
"Great view of the mountains and glacier valley. Has a couple of restaurants and a gift shop, and free toilets. It was warm during summer.
Get tickets online and scan the QR code to take the train and gondola. Train ride up was smooth and quite enjoyable with nice views."
HauGeng AuYeong
"Great experience to travel up on a lovely train with out if this world views (try and sit on the left for best views).
After 20 minutes of travelling up you reach the top and have a choice of hiking paths. There are 2 places to stop for food and drinks with great views.
The hotel under the tunnel was also set up with a terrace for food and drinks.
The glacier was closed when we travelled but still great to see the views.
It cost us €31 for a return trip."
Amie Langford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Montenvers - Mer de Glace Railway station is conveniently located in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. You can easily walk there from the Chamonix Sud bus station if you're arriving by bus from Geneva. The train itself departs from the Chamonix Mont-Blanc station.
Yes, a day trip from Geneva to Mer de Glace is possible. You can take a bus to Chamonix Sud and then walk to the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Station to catch the train. Plan for an early start to maximize your time.
Many travelers opt for buses from Geneva to Chamonix Sud, which is a cost-effective option. Alternatively, trains are available, though some suggest buses can be cheaper.
Yes, there are parking facilities available in Chamonix town center, a short walk from the Montenvers train station. Consider parking options before your arrival.
The Montenvers rack railway journey from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace takes approximately 20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Montenvers train tickets online in advance through the official website or at the ticket counter at the Chamonix Mont-Blanc station. Booking online is highly recommended to avoid queues.
A round-trip ticket for the Montenvers train typically costs around €31, but prices can vary. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
Your Montenvers train ticket usually includes access to the cable car and the steps leading down to the ice cave. However, always confirm what is included with your ticket type.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or families. It's advisable to check the official website for any applicable promotions or family packages.
Operating hours vary seasonally. The railway typically runs from morning until late afternoon. It's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule for your planned visit date.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Mer de Glace, you can explore the impressive ice cave, visit the glacier museum, see markers showing the glacier's historical retreat, and enjoy the stunning mountain views. There are also restaurants and a gift shop.
From the Montenvers station, you'll take a cable car down towards the glacier. After the cable car, there are a significant number of steps to descend to reach the entrance of the ice cave.
The descent to the ice cave involves a cable car and many stairs, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. It's important to be prepared for the physical effort.
While you can get close to the glacier, walking directly on it without proper equipment and a guide is dangerous due to melting ice and moving rocks. Stick to designated paths and viewing areas.
You'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Drus, and the Grandes Jorasses. The scenery is truly spectacular.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a couple of restaurants and a hotel with a terrace offering food and drinks with great views at Montenvers. There's also a gift shop.
The restaurants typically offer a range of options, including local Swiss specialties and more standard fare. It's a good place to refuel after exploring.
While there are dining options, bringing your own snacks and water is always a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a longer time exploring the area.
There are areas with seating and tables, particularly around the hotel terrace, where you might be able to enjoy a picnic with a view.
As with most tourist attractions, prices at the restaurants can be on the higher side. Budget accordingly or consider packing some of your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire journey on the Montenvers train offers incredible photo ops. At the top, capture the vastness of the Mer de Glace, the ice cave, and the surrounding peaks.
Yes, the train has windows that can be opened, allowing for clear photos and videos without reflections.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting, especially during the golden hour. However, the dramatic landscape is stunning at any time.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photo restrictions within the ice cave or museum.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive glacier and mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the peaks. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Montenvers Rack Railway Experience
Many visitors recommend sitting on the left side of the train for the most unobstructed and breathtaking views of the valley and the Mer de Glace as you climb. The train is a marvel of engineering, designed to navigate the challenging terrain while providing a comfortable ride. It's a nostalgic and scenic way to reach one of the most iconic natural wonders in the Alps, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring sights that await at the summit.
Exploring the Mer de Glace Ice Cave
Accessing the cave involves a cable car ride from the Montenvers station, followed by a descent down a significant number of steps. This can be physically demanding, so comfortable footwear is essential. Inside, informative posters explain the glacier's formation and history, adding an educational layer to the visual wonder. The ever-changing nature of the ice cave means that each visit offers a distinct experience, making it a compelling reason to return.
Understanding Glacier Retreat at Montenvers
The glacier museum at Montenvers provides further context, detailing the science behind glaciers and the factors contributing to their melting. It's a crucial educational component that transforms a scenic visit into a deeper understanding of environmental issues. Seeing the stark difference between past and present glacier extents is a powerful visual that resonates long after the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit