History of a Franco-Swiss train
The first steps for the creation of a railway line in the massif date back to 1890. In 1901, authorization for a railway line connecting Châtelard to Martigny on the Swiss side was given, while on the French side the section between Saint -Gervais and Chamonix. In 1906, the Swiss line was opened while a second section was inaugurated in France, between Argentière and Chamonix. The French and Swiss lines were linked in 1908. Numerous development works for snow and protection against avalanches allowed the line to be opened in winter in 1935. Today, more than a century old, the Mont Blanc Express line has become mythical. Classic railway line and non-touristy, it nevertheless promises a spectacular escape through the Trient valley, in landscapes of forests and rocks, from typical alpine villages to wild gorges with grandiose scenery: an unmissable experience if you are staying in a holiday rental. in Chamonix.
Mont Blanc Express route
The line starts at Martigny. It connects Chamonix, 38 km, in 90 minutes, then continues towards Saint-Gervais. The Mont Blanc Express crosses 21 tunnels and 28 bridges on its way through the mountains. The train takes 300,000 passengers a year for this extraordinary journey. Between Martigny and Chamonix, the line serves stations which are also worth a stop:
- Vernayaz which gives access to the Trient gorges, the Pissevache waterfall and the escape games of the former military fort
- Salvan and its Marconi museum which looks back on the origins of radio, near the Dailley gorges
- Marécottes with the highest zoo in Europe and the La Creusaz ski area
- Le Trétien, an authentic alpine village and the starting point for an excursion in the Triège gorges
- Finhaut, its remarkable built heritage, the Tête-Noire gorges and the archaeological site of Vieux-Emosson
- Le Châtelard, renowned for the unique installations of the VerticAlp park, with the steepest funicular in the world facing Mont BlancVallorcine, a picturesque resort in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges massif
In addition to classic train tickets, the company offers combined formulas that allow you to discover the treasures of the valley or to enjoy original leisure activities:
- A train & bike offer to discover the Alpine villages and the Emosson dam from Finhhaut
- A panorama offer to eat at the panoramic restaurant in La Creusaz before getting back on the train
- A Zoo and Swimming Pool offer to get to the Marécottes Alpine Zoo and enjoy the exceptional rock-cut swimming pool
- A combined Train and VerticAlp offer to test the unique Châtelard funicular
Info, prices and timetables
A Mont-Blanc Express day pass is available for trips to Chamonix from Martigny. For a full day of discovery of Chamonix, the full price is 47 Swiss Francs. The price of a ticket on the French side is around 62 euros at the standard rate. These tickets are eligible for reduced rates (season tickets, youth or child rates).
The price of the combined train-bike ticket is increased by CHF 5 for one day.
The Verticalp offer is available at CHF 39 adult rate and CHF 19 child rate
The zoo and swimming pool offer consists of a 20% reduction on the train ticket and admission to the zoo
The panorama offer allows you to take advantage of a 20% reduction on the train journey and the return trip by cable car, as well as a 20 CHF discount voucher on your bill at the altitude restaurant.
Due to the global Covid 19 crisis, wearing a mask is mandatory for everyone on board the train.
