In brief
- When? Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, November 1, 2026, during the autumn school holidays.
- Where? Depart from Montenvers station in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and arrive at Montenvers, facing the Mer de Glace (1,913 m).
- The enchanted train: departures every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- How much? Return tickets cost €31.50 per adult and €26.80 per child (ages 5–14); free for children under 5. Family ticket: €97.70.
- A little extra: come in costume—little monsters and witches are welcome on board.
Chamonix’s little red rack railway is getting into the Halloween spirit. From October 17 to November 1, 2026, the Montenvers train becomes an “enchanted train”: costumed carriages, decorated stations and a little witch hiding on board, for children to find as they make their way up to the Mer de Glace. It’s an ideal family outing during the autumn school holidays, with the added bonus of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Mont Blanc massif.
The enchanted train: Halloween on board the Montenvers train
A little witch hiding on the red train
During the autumn school holidays, the famous red Montenvers train dons its Halloween costume. A little witch has sneaked onto the special train: it’s up to children (and grown-ups too) to spot her along the way. This enchanted train departs from Chamonix every hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stations decorated for Halloween
The festivities begin right on the platform. Chamonix station is decorated for Halloween, with themed lighting and details—the perfect opportunity to capture the moment with a keepsake photo before departure. The Montenvers station is decorated too.
Come in costume
The organizers invite passengers to dress up: little monsters, witches and ghosts are welcome on board. No costume discount has been announced, but it will make the atmosphere all the more fun.
Read also: Halloween 2026 in Haute-Savoie: the best family and friends’ outing ideas
A journey to the Mer de Glace
In service since 1908, the Montenvers rack railway connects Chamonix (1,042 m) to the Montenvers site (1,913 m) along just over 5 km of track, climbing 871 m. At the terminus, the view opens onto the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, dominated by the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses. In late October, golden larches and the first snow on the peaks make the scenery even more spectacular.
Please note: according to the Montenvers train website, the ice cave is closed until November 1, so it will be closed throughout the Halloween period. The cable car, closed from September 28 to October 16, reopens on October 17.
Read also: The Montenvers train in winter: one of France’s most beautiful routes
Montenvers train Halloween schedules and fares
Schedules
- Halloween enchanted train: departures every hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 17 to November 1, 2026.
- Autumn train schedule: daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until November 1. First departure at 8:30 a.m., last ascent at 4 p.m., last descent at 4:30 p.m.
- Annual closure: November 2 to December 4, 2026.
Fares
The Halloween page does not mention a special fare. The regular train fares are as follows:
- Adult return (ages 15–64): €31.50.
- Child return (ages 5–14) and senior return (ages 65 and over): €26.80.
- One-way: €26.50 per adult, €22.50 per child or senior.
- Family return ticket: €97.70 for 2 adults and 1 child, with a second child at 75% off and up to 3 additional children free.
- Children under 5: free, upon presentation of proof of age.
Booking
Tickets can be purchased through the Montenvers train’s online ticket office (tickets.montenverstrain.com) or at the station ticket counters. Tickets purchased online are valid only for the selected date and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Our tips for enjoying the Halloween train
- Aim for mid-morning: the enchanted train starts running at 10 a.m., and the first departures are often less busy.
- Get a family ticket if you’re travelling with two or more children: it quickly becomes the better-value option.
- Bring warm clothes: at Montenvers, nearly 1,900 m above sea level, it is noticeably cooler than in Chamonix in late October.
- Wear a jacket over the costume: the costume will still be visible on board, and children will stay warm at the viewing platform.
- Check the weather before booking online, as web tickets cannot be exchanged.
- Please note that travelling to Montenvers by train is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
Practical information
Getting there
Montenvers station is in the centre of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, near the SNCF railway station. Chamonix can be reached via the A40 motorway and then the RN205, or by train on the Saint-Gervais–Vallorcine line.
Enquiries
Montenvers train – Mer de Glace – website: montenverstrain.com (online contact form).
Read also: The 10 must-do hikes in Chamonix
FAQ: Halloween on the Montenvers train
When does the Montenvers train celebrate Halloween in 2026?
The enchanted train runs from Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, November 1, 2026, departing from Chamonix every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much does the Montenvers train cost?
A return ticket costs €31.50 for an adult and €26.80 for a child aged 5 to 14 or a senior. The family ticket costs €97.70, and the train is free for children under 5.
Do you need to book the Halloween train?
It’s not compulsory: tickets are also sold at the station. Booking online lets you choose your date, but tickets cannot then be exchanged or refunded.
Can you visit the ice cave during Halloween?
No: according to the Montenvers train website, the ice cave is closed until November 1. The train journey and views of the Mer de Glace are still accessible.
