Both leave from Chamonix, both take about 20 minutes, and both are sold with or without a coach from Geneva. The difference is where they put you: the Aiguille du Midi lifts you among the peaks, face to face with Mont Blanc; Montenvers sets you on the edge of the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, with the ice cave below.
Two rides from one town: up to the rock, or out to the ice
Aiguille du Midi vs Montenvers
Quick answerAiguille du Midi if you want the height and the view of Mont Blanc; Montenvers if you want the glacier and the ice cave, or the weather is closed in; both in one day on the €227 Ice Cave option. For now the ice cave is closed (28 Sep – 18 Dec 2026, per the tour operator), and the lift and the train both stop from 2 November to 18 December.
Both in one day from Geneva
From Geneva: Chamonix, Mont Blanc & Ice Cave Guided Day Tour
from €104 per person · Ice Cave Guided Day Tour · 9 h
Check dates
Free cancellation up to 24 h · pay later
Key takeaways
- 3,842 m vs 1,913 m the Aiguille du Midi summit terrace against the Montenvers station above the Mer de Glace — 1,929 m apart
- €60.20–83.00 vs €31.50 adult returns in 2026: the lift moves with demand, the train does not; both together €91.70–114.50
- 20 min up, either way: Chamonix to the summit in two cable-car sections, or the red cogwheel train from the town centre to the glacier
- 180 stairs down to the ice cave below Montenvers, and the same back up — the part of the glacier visit that tires people
- 3 Geneva tours include both tickets: the Day Trip with Cable Car and Train, the Sky-Glass Bus Trip and the Ice Cave tour’s ticket option
- Under 5 free on both; children and seniors pay €51.20–70.60 on the lift and €26.80 on the train
Eight rows, the same order for both, and who each one is for
Aiguille du Midi vs Montenvers: Side by Side
Source: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc · Montenvers train · GetYourGuide listings and operator notices ·
Height against ice — and what you want in the photo
Aiguille du Midi or Mer de Glace: Which Is Better
The Aiguille du Midi is better for the view, Montenvers for the glacier. The lift takes you from 1,035 m to the summit terrace at 3,842 m in about 20 minutes, the biggest vertical rise of any cable car in the world, and the Mont-Blanc terrace looks out at Mont Blanc itself. Montenvers stops at 1,913 m, where the Mer de Glace lies below you and the Drus, the Grandes Jorasses and the Grands Charmoz stand round it.
The point
If Mont Blanc is the reason for the trip, go up the Aiguille du Midi. If you want a glacier up close, a walk into the ice, or keep the day low for children or older travellers, take the Montenvers train.
What each ticket gets you
From Geneva, two coach days let you choose one or the other as an option. The Glass-Roof Bus Tour adds the cogwheel ticket at €168 or the cable car at €214, with a guide, ★4.6 from 1,730 reviews. The Self-Guided Excursion adds the train at €155 or the cable car at €200, without a guide, ★4.2 from 127 reviews.
from€93pp
Chamonix & Mont Blanc Scenic Glass-Roof Bus Tour from Geneva
The cheapest guided day and the most reviewed on the massif. The lift is yours to buy at the station, or take the €214 option with the tickets.
9–10 hduration
Genevastart
+€60–83cable car
coachgroup
Stays in the valley · 1,035 m · Chamonix
from€90pp
From Geneva: Self-Guided Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Excursion
Coach there and back, a map and free time in Chamonix; the train and the cable car are options up to €200.
8–10 hduration
Genevastart
optioncable car
coachgroup
Stays in the valley · 1,035 m · Chamonix
Source: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc · Montenvers train · GetYourGuide listings and options, 1 adult ·
When the top is in cloud or the wind shuts the lift
Montenvers Train vs Aiguille du Midi on a Bad-weather Day
Montenvers is the better bet when the weather closes in, because the day still works at 1,913 m. At the Aiguille du Midi the view is the whole point, and the tours say plainly that the lift can close during the day: the Glass-Roof Bus Tour warns that activities are subject to mountain weather, and the Day Trip with Cable Car and Train says their operation cannot be guaranteed.
One reviewer on the guided tour of both sites had the Aiguille du Midi closed by strong winds and still had a good day at the Mer de Glace. That is the case for booking both on the same day: if one side shuts, the other still gives you a mountain.
Source: GetYourGuide listings, know before you go · reviews ·
The lift in the morning, the train after lunch
Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers in One Day
Three day tours from Geneva include both tickets. The Ice Cave Guided Day Tour with Activity Tickets is €227 for 9 hours, ★4.9 from 783 reviews, with a 30-minute guided tour at the summit, free time in Chamonix, then the train and the gondola down to the ice cave. The Day Trip with Cable Car and Train is €215 for 10 hours without a guide, ★4.7 from 1,137. The Sky-Glass Bus Trip is €227 for 10 hours, ★4.6 from 444.
With a private guide in Chamonix, the Guided Tour to the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers runs 7 hours from the information desk of the Aiguille du Midi, with an optional hike on the Balcon Nord in summer. It is €350 per person on the option we checked for 15 October 2026, ★5.0 from 20 reviews, and the lift and train tickets are extra.
from€104pp
From Geneva: Chamonix, Mont Blanc & Ice Cave Guided Day Tour
You stand on the 3,842 m terrace before lunch and look down on the Mer de Glace after it, a guide is with you all day, and the €227 option holds the lift and the train for you. The compromise: nine hours, and the top can close in wind.
9 hduration
Genevastart
optioncable car
coachgroup
3,842 m · takes you to Aiguille du Midi
from€215pp
From Geneva: Day Trip to Chamonix with Cable Car and Train
Cable car and cogwheel train already in the price, so the slot is held for you on a day the summit sells out. No guide at the top — you go up at your own pace.
10 hduration
Genevastart
in pricecable car
coachgroup
3,842 m · takes you to Aiguille du Midi
from€227pp
Chamonix & Mont Blanc Guided Panoramic Sky-Glass Bus Trip
Glass-roof coach, a guide and both tickets in one €227 price — the pick's full option under another operator.
10 hduration
Genevastart
in pricecable car
coachgroup
3,842 m · takes you to Aiguille du Midi
from€230pp
Chamonix: Guided Tour to the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers
A guide on the Aiguille du Midi and at Montenvers, from Chamonix. The listing says from €230; the bookable option on 15 Oct was €350.
7 hduration
Chamonixstart
—cable car
coachgroup
3,842 m · takes you to Aiguille du Midi
Source: GetYourGuide listings and options, 1 adult · operator notices ·
Source: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc timetable (Aiguille du Midi 2 Nov – 18 Dec) · tour operators' notices (Aiguille du Midi 3 Nov – 19 Dec) · Ice Cave tour operator (Montenvers train 2 Nov – 18 Dec, ice cave to 18 Dec) · Montenvers (ice cave 28 Sep – 1 Nov; train dates not yet published) — closures on this page are the widest window ·
One site, a private guide, half a day
Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers with a Guide
If you are already in Chamonix and want one site explained, the private visits split the same way as the tickets. Discovering the Aiguille du Midi with a Private Live Guide is 3.5 hours from €160 per person, ★5.0 from 10 reviews. The Private Guided Visit of Mer de Glace is 3 hours from €365 per person, ★4.7 from 5 reviews.
The glacier visit costs more than the summit one, and the guided tour of both, at €350 plus tickets, costs less than the Mer de Glace visit alone. Compare the three on the listing before you book, and check what each includes on your date.
from€160pp
Chamonix: Discovering the Aiguille du Midi with a Private Live Guide
3.5 hduration
Chamonixstart
—cable car
coachgroup
3,842 m · takes you to Aiguille du Midi
from€365pp
Private Guided Visit of Mer de Glace
3 hduration
Chamonixstart
—cable car
coachgroup
1,913 m · takes you to Montenvers
from€230pp
Chamonix: Guided Tour to the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers
A guide on the Aiguille du Midi and at Montenvers, from Chamonix. The listing says from €230; the bookable option on 15 Oct was €350.
7 hduration
Chamonixstart
—cable car
coachgroup
3,842 m · takes you to Aiguille du Midi
Source: GetYourGuide listings, 1 adult ·
Four questions, in the order that matters
Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers: Which Is Yours
- 1What is the date? From 2 Nov to 18 Dec 2026 both are shut; until 18 Dec the ice cave is closed.
- 2What does the forecast say for the top? Clear: the Aiguille du Midi. Cloud or strong wind: Montenvers, or book both and keep one in reserve.
- 3Who is coming? The coach tours bar under 3s or under 4s from the lift, and some exclude heart problems and pregnancy; the train stays at 1,913 m.
- 4Do you want both? From Geneva, the €227 Ice Cave option or the €215 Day Trip with Cable Car and Train.
Source: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc timetable (Aiguille du Midi 2 Nov – 18 Dec) · tour operators' notices (Aiguille du Midi 3 Nov – 19 Dec) · Ice Cave tour operator (Montenvers train 2 Nov – 18 Dec, ice cave to 18 Dec) · Montenvers (ice cave 28 Sep – 1 Nov; train dates not yet published) — closures on this page are the widest window ·
Real reviews from the listings
What People Say About Both
K
Kelly3 Jan 2026 · ★★★★★
“Olivier really knows his mountains! we learned so much about the Mer de glace and he was very patient with us, allowing us to take our time in each place and providing interesting information as we went along. As a first timer in the Alps, Olivier was the perfect choice to understand the region and geology of the glaciers. Highly recommended! too bad the aguille du midi was closed because of the strong winds. had a good time nevertheless at mer de glace. Merci beaucoup Olivier!”
L
LYNNE27 Sep 2026 · ★★★★★
“An outstanding day, just perfect with lovely weather as a treat. Our guide, David, is just excellent and so friendly and balances the right amount of talking and instructions with free time for us. What you will see on this tour is magnificent- close up, high up beautiful views of Mont Blanc and ranges. The cable car ride is wonderful. The cogwheel train to Mer de Glacé is slow moving and steep so take in the scenery. The glacier views are tremendous. This is a pricey tour but we felt worth every penny especially since the excellent David was our guide. Do not hesitate to book, it is wondrous!”
A
Amir19 Sep 2026 · ★★★★★
“That was a truly amazing trip The scenery were amazing the majestic and striking. Out guide was professional and knowledgeable and a little strict in getting people on time from ride to ride The glacier tunnel was awesome if you are ready to go down Al those steps and of course get up. A little tiring but worth it”
Six details from the small print
Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers: Before You Go
Aiguille du Midi: reservation mandatoryFree, and needed even with a ticket.
Ice cave: 180 stairsDown from the gondola and back up again, when the cave is open.
Gondola to the cave closed28 Sep – 16 Oct 2026, per the Montenvers train.
Montenvers train datesThe operator had not published its autumn closure on 30 Sep 2026; the tour operator gives 2 Nov – 18 Dec.
Summer trains4 Jul – 30 Aug 2026: 08:00–17:30, every hour or every 20–30 min, last train to the cave 15:30.
Passport from GenevaThe coach to Chamonix crosses into France.
Source: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc · Montenvers train · GetYourGuide listings ·
Source: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc timetable (Aiguille du Midi 2 Nov – 18 Dec) · tour operators' notices (Aiguille du Midi 3 Nov – 19 Dec) · Ice Cave tour operator (Montenvers train 2 Nov – 18 Dec, ice cave to 18 Dec) · Montenvers (ice cave 28 Sep – 1 Nov; train dates not yet published) — closures on this page are the widest window ·
Both in one day from Geneva, or with a private guide in Chamonix
Live Dates and Prices
Questions exactly as people ask them
Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers Questions
Mer de Glace or Aiguille du Midi, which is better if I only have time for one?
The Aiguille du Midi on a clear day, the Mer de Glace if cloud or wind is forecast for the tops. The lift climbs to 3,842 m in about 20 minutes and faces Mont Blanc; the Montenvers train reaches 1,913 m in about 20 minutes and looks down on the largest glacier in France. Both leave from Chamonix, so you can decide on the morning, once you have seen the weather.
How much more does the Aiguille du Midi cost than the Montenvers train?
About €29–52 more for an adult in 2026: the Aiguille du Midi return is €60.20–83.00 and moves with demand, while the Montenvers train return is €31.50. Adding the gondola and the ice cave takes Montenvers to €49.70. Both returns together come to €91.70–114.50. The lift also needs a reservation, which is free but mandatory even when you already hold a ticket.
Which Geneva day tours include both the Aiguille du Midi and the Montenvers train?
Three, from €215: the Day Trip to Chamonix with Cable Car and Train at €215 without a guide, the Sky-Glass Bus Trip at €227, and the Ice Cave Guided Day Tour at €227 on its ticket option. The Glass-Roof Bus Tour and the Self-Guided Excursion sell only one of the two as an option: the train at €168 or €155, the cable car at €214 or €200.
Is Montenvers easier than the Aiguille du Midi for children and older travellers?
Yes, for altitude: the train stops at 1,913 m, against 3,842 m at the top of the lift. On the coach tours, the cable car is not for children under 3 or 4, and some listings exclude heart problems, altitude sickness or pregnancy. The ice cave is the hard part at Montenvers: 180 stairs down and the same back up. Under 5s ride free on both; children and seniors pay €26.80 on the train.
Is the Montenvers train open in November 2026?
No: the Ice Cave tour operator gives the train as closed from 2 November to 18 December 2026, the same weeks as the Aiguille du Midi lift. The Montenvers train had not published its own autumn dates when we checked on 30 September 2026. Until 1 November it runs 08:30–16:30, but the gondola to the ice cave is shut until 16 October and the cave itself until 18 December.
If the Aiguille du Midi closes on a Geneva tour, do I still get Montenvers?
Yes, if the train runs, but do not count on a refund for the lift. On the Glass-Roof Bus, the Self-Guided Excursion and the Sky-Glass Bus Trip both tickets come as one multipass; once used for one activity it counts as used. The Day Trip with Cable Car and Train offers an alternative but no refund, and says a visit to the ice cave is not guaranteed even with the train open.
Is a private guide for the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers worth €350?
Yes if you want the day to yourself and a mountain guide’s explanations, no if price comes first: the €350 tour runs 7 hours, ★5.0 from 20 reviews, but lift and train tickets are extra and it is not for children under 10. The Ice Cave Guided Day Tour gives you a guide, both tickets and the coach from Geneva for €227, shared with a group, ★4.9 from 783 reviews.
How long should I allow for the Aiguille du Midi and for Montenvers?
About half a day for each: the private visits run 3.5 hours at the Aiguille du Midi and 3 hours at the Mer de Glace. The rides themselves are short, about 20 minutes each way on both. The coach days from Geneva fit both into 9–10 hours, with free time in Chamonix; in autumn the last cabin up the Aiguille du Midi goes at 15:00.
The lift, the train and a guide from Geneva