Taking the Mont-Blanc Tramwaymeans boarding a legend inaugurated in 1909. The fleet consists of four train sets, recognizable by their colors and their names (those of the concessionaire's daughters at the time):
The Mont-Blanc Tramway, a legendary rack railway, holds a national record: it is the highest railway in France. It connects Le Fayet station (580 m) to the Nid d’Aigle (2,372 m), a dizzying elevation gain of 1,792 meters covered in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Arriving at the Nid d’Aigle terminus, at an altitude of 2,372 meters, is like stepping into another world. Here, alpine meadows give way to a mineral realm and eternal snow. What makes this stop unique is its immediate proximity to the Bionnassay Glacier. From the arrival platform, the spectacle is striking: you overlook the crevasses and seracs of this ice giant, a viewpoint usually reserved for high-altitude experts.
The Nid d'Aigle is also famous for being the starting point of the "Royal Route" (or Standard Route) of Mont-Blanc. This is where mountaineers from all over the world begin their ascent toward the summit of Europe via the Tête Rousse refuge, and then the Goûter refuge.
Even without putting on crampons, you can walk for a few minutes on the marked trails around the station to feel the power of the massif. It is this direct access, without any prior physical effort, that makes the TMB an exceptional mountain experience: the train makes high-altitude terrain accessible to everyone, from young children to grandparents!
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The ascent takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is a contemplative experience where the landscape changes dramatically from one minute to the next.
The journey begins gently at the valley floor in Le Fayet, right next to the train station. The train first passes through forested areas before arriving at the Saint-Gervais village station.
Once you clear the forest, the horizon opens up. The passage through the Col de Voza offers a sweeping view of the Chamonix valley. At Bellevue, you are face-to-face with the Aiguilles de Chamonix. In winter, this is where skiers head down to reach the ski area of Saint-Gervais/Les Houches.
This is the most spectacular part. The train runs along steep ridges before reaching the summer terminus: the Nid d’Aigle. At 2,372 meters, the air gets thinner and the Bionnassay glacier comes into view. You will cross paths with heavily laden mountaineers, ready to head toward the Tête Rousse or Goûter refuges.
The Mont-Blanc Tramway is more than just a round trip; it is an exceptional playground at the foot of Mont Blanc:
To avoid common pitfalls and make your experience unforgettable, discover the best tips from the PlanB team.
Choosing your seat: on the way up, be sure to sit on the left side. That’s where the views of the massif are most impressive. On the way down, choose the right side.
Managing altitude: even in the middle of August, the temperature drops at the summit. It might be 30°C in the center of Saint-Gervais and only 10°C at the Nid d'Aigle with wind. The "three-layer" system (T-shirt, fleece, windbreaker) is essential.
Booking required: don't expect to get on 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 enjoying perfect logistics for exploring the Mont-Blanc massif.
It is here, at the Mont-Blanc Tramway departure station, that the adventure begins. By staying at the foot of this legendary line, you avoid parking hassles, which are often complicated during peak season. Le Fayet is a hub for sustainable travel: whether you arrive via the Léman Express from Geneva or by standard train, you are just a few steps away from the rack railway that will propel you toward the summits.
Staying at PlanB Saint-Gervaismeans choosing a modern, friendly hotel and base camp designed for those who want to experience the mountains to the fullest. Ideally located a 2-minute walk from the Mont-Blanc Tramway station, our establishment lets you be among the first at the platform in the morning, helping you avoid the peak-hour crowds.
PlanB Saint-Gervais is a hybrid living space where comfort meets adventure. After a day of exploring between Bellevue and the Nid d’Aigle, you don’t just have a room waiting for you, but a complete experience:
By choosing PlanB, you turn your time in Saint-Gervais into a seamless and memorable stay.
The full one-way trip between Le Fayet station and the Nid d’Aigle terminus takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. For a complete experience including the descent and time to take in the views at the summit, allow for half a day (about 3.5 to 4 hours).
The main departure point is at Le Fayet station (580 m) in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, just 100m from PlanB. The train also makes a major stop at the Saint-Gervais Ville station (807 m), located right in the heart of the village.
The Mont-Blanc Tramway (TMB) is the highest rack railway in France. Inaugurated in 1909, this historic railway allows you to reach the high mountains and get up close to the glaciers without any physical effort, thanks to its legendary train cars named Anne, Marie, Jeanne, and Marguerite.
The line connects Le Fayet to the Nid d’Aigle (2,372 m). The route serves several strategic stops: Saint-Gervais Ville, Motivon, the Col de Voza (1,653 m), and Bellevue (1,800 m), offering panoramic views of the Aravis range and the Mont-Blanc massif.
The price for an adult round-trip ticket generally ranges between €23 and €34 depending on the season. For families, it is highly recommended to choose the "Family Pass" (2 adults + 2 paying children), with additional children traveling for free.
Access to the Nid d’Aigle is exclusively via the Mont-Blanc Tramway during the summer season (from June to September). In winter, for safety reasons related to avalanches, the train terminates further down the mountain, usually at the Bellevue station or Mont Lachat.
Yes, the historic extension of the line is in its final phase. Interrupted in 1913, the last 300 meters of track are finally opening for the summer of 2026, allowing the train to reach a new stabilized platform at an altitude of 2,400 m.
Key dates to remember:
Summer 2026: Opening of the new Nid d’Aigle station (2,400 m).
Autumn 2026: Start of the refuge extension.
Summer 2028: Full completion of the development project.