Mont-Blanc Express
Ride an iconic red cogwheel train through dramatic gorges and forests, offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers bloom, best views
Mont-Blanc Express
Best Time
Flowers bloom, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride an iconic red cogwheel train through dramatic gorges and forests, offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
"An experience not to be missed at any time of the year, offering stunning views of the Mer de Glace glacier."
Interrail Pass Holders
Your Interrail pass can cover the Mont Blanc Express, but it might not always show on the app. Confirm details beforehand! :ticket:
Parking Hassle-Free
Skip parking woes in Chamonix! The train is a convenient way to reach towns and explore the region. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Train Journey
Martigny to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Ride an iconic red cogwheel train through dramatic gorges, dense forests, and postcard-perfect views of Mont Blanc.
Mer de Glace Glacier
Chamonix (via Montenvers train)
Experience the stunning Mer de Glace glacier and its ice cave, accessible by a separate mountain train from Chamonix.
Charming Alpine Villages
Various stops along the route
Explore picturesque villages like Chamonix, Les Houches, and Argentière, each offering unique alpine charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Understand the Route & Stops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Interrail Pass Holders
Your Interrail pass can cover the Mont Blanc Express, but it might not always show on the app. Confirm details beforehand! :ticket:
Parking Hassle-Free
Skip parking woes in Chamonix! The train is a convenient way to reach towns and explore the region. :car:
Cross-Border Adventure
Travel between France and Switzerland seamlessly on this unique transfrontalier train. :flagfr::flagch:
Accommodation Pass
Many accommodations offer a pass for free weekly train rides. Ask your hotel! :house:
Tips
from all over the internet
Interrail Pass Holders
Your Interrail pass can cover the Mont Blanc Express, but it might not always show on the app. Confirm details beforehand! :ticket:
Parking Hassle-Free
Skip parking woes in Chamonix! The train is a convenient way to reach towns and explore the region. :car:
Cross-Border Adventure
Travel between France and Switzerland seamlessly on this unique transfrontalier train. :flagfr::flagch:
Accommodation Pass
Many accommodations offer a pass for free weekly train rides. Ask your hotel! :house:
Capture the Views
Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking panoramas. The train itself is a photographer's dream! :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Mont Blanc Express, calling it an 'impressive experience' with 'stunning views' and 'adorable red train' that offers a quick way to explore charming alpine towns. It's considered a 'must-see' for its scenic beauty and convenience, especially for those avoiding parking hassles.
"Riding the Mont Blanc Express to Mer de Glace is an impressive experience, offering stunning views of the Mer de Glace glacier and beautiful mountain scenery along the way."
Tongz NP
"An experience not to be missed at any time of the year. Certainly more advantage in the spring or summer due to the flowers and views. When then train takes you up at 40° you believe you are taking off from an airport!"
Keith Brown
"Adorable red train, it gives you a quick way to reach every little town around the area. Perfect if you don't want to deal with the parking in Chamonix! Also, if you're staying in a hotel or other accomodation, they should provide you with a pass that grants a whole week of free train rides.
Lastly, every station looks so good...
Enjoy!"
Laura Guarina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mont Blanc Express train route starts in Martigny, Switzerland, and ends in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France, with a major stop in Chamonix. You can access Martigny by train from major Swiss cities. Chamonix is also accessible by bus and train from Geneva and other French cities. 
No, the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass does not typically include free access to the Mont Blanc Express train. You will need to purchase separate tickets for the train journey.
Yes, you can use your Interrail pass on the Mont Blanc Express. However, it may not always be visible on the Interrail app, so it's wise to confirm details beforehand.
The primary stations are Martigny in Switzerland and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in France. Chamonix is a key intermediate station on the route.
Absolutely! The Mont Blanc Express is a transfrontalier train, making it very easy to travel between France and Switzerland, passing through charming valleys and villages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Mont Blanc Express tickets at the train stations in Martigny, Chamonix, or Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Ticket prices vary depending on the route and class of travel. It's best to check the official SNCF Connect or SBB websites for the most up-to-date pricing for the Mont Blanc Express train.
Yes, there are typically standard tickets and potentially first-class options. Some passes, like those provided by accommodations, may also grant free access.
Yes, you can often purchase Mont Blanc Express tickets online through the official railway operator websites, such as SNCF Connect for the French section and SBB for the Swiss section.
It is highly recommended to book your Mont Blanc Express tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak summer or winter seasons, to ensure availability.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The entire Mont Blanc Express route offers stunning views, but highlights include dramatic gorges, dense forests, and panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc itself. The journey to Mer de Glace is particularly spectacular.
The full journey from Martigny to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the specific service and stops.
Yes, you can use your ticket to disembark at various stations along the Mont Blanc Express route to explore towns and then re-board a later train, provided your ticket allows for multiple stops.
The Montenvers train is a separate cogwheel railway that departs from Chamonix and takes you up to the Mer de Glace glacier. While not part of the main Mont Blanc Express line, it's a popular excursion accessible from Chamonix.
Yes, the Mont Blanc Express is excellent for a day trip, especially if you focus on a specific section or use it as transport to explore Chamonix and its surroundings. You can easily travel from Switzerland to France and back in a day.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire route offers incredible photo opportunities. Look out for dramatic gorges, charming villages, and of course, the majestic Mont Blanc massif. The journey to Mer de Glace is a prime spot.
Morning light often provides softer, more dramatic lighting for landscape photography. However, afternoon light can also be beautiful, especially during winter.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both landscapes and village details. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive mountain views and a telephoto for distant peaks.
The main challenge is the fast-changing scenery. Be ready to shoot quickly! Also, consider the weather, which can change rapidly in the Alps.
Yes, you can take photos from inside the train, but be mindful of reflections on the windows. Opening your window (if possible) or shooting at an angle can help.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, and consider bringing a travel pillow for younger ones. Many stops offer easy walks suitable for little legs, and the stunning scenery provides constant entertainment. 🚆 Rail Enthusiasts & Interrailers
📸 Photography Buffs
+1 The red train itself is a photogenic subject against the alpine backdrop. Consider traveling during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light. Don't forget your wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a telephoto for distant mountain details. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Red Train
+1Travelers often describe the experience as magical, especially during winter when the landscape is blanketed in snow, or in spring and summer when the valleys are alive with wildflowers. The train's distinctive red color stands out against the natural beauty, making for unforgettable photographic moments. It's a journey that appeals to both adventure seekers and those simply looking for a scenic escape.
Key to the experience are the numerous stops that allow visitors to explore charming alpine villages like Chamonix, Les Houches, and Argentière. These towns offer a gateway to further adventures, from hiking and mountaineering to simply enjoying the local culture and cuisine. The Mont Blanc Express truly connects these communities, making it a vital artery for tourism and local life in the region.
Accessing the Mer de Glace
At the top, you'll be greeted by panoramic vistas of the glacier, the Drus, and the Grandes Jorasses. Visitors can explore an ice cave carved into the glacier (which changes annually), visit the Glaciorium museum to learn about glaciology, and enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery. The sheer scale of the glacier is awe-inspiring, though it's important to note its significant retreat due to climate change.
While the Montenvers train is a separate entity from the Mont Blanc Express, it's a highly recommended excursion for anyone traveling the route. It provides a unique perspective on the power and beauty of the Alps, offering a stark reminder of the natural forces that shape this incredible landscape.
Planning Your Mont Blanc Express Adventure
Booking your Mont Blanc Express tickets in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons, to avoid disappointment. For those using rail passes like Interrail, the Mont Blanc Express is generally covered, though it's wise to confirm this with the pass provider.
Don't forget to factor in time for exploring the charming villages along the route. Each stop offers its own unique character and opportunities for short hikes or simply enjoying the alpine atmosphere. The Mont Blanc Express route is designed to showcase the best of the region, so take your time to savor the journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit