The Aiguille du Midi is the rock needle above Chamonix, at 3,842 metres, reached by a two-stage cable car straight from the town centre. It is the closest most people get to Mont Blanc: terraces face the summit across the glaciers, and the glass box of Step into the Void hangs over the drop. As of October 2026 an adult return to the top costs €60.20–€83.00 depending on the date and how early you book, and a return to the Plan de l’Aiguille mid-station is €43. You must book a departure time. From 28 September to 1 November the first cable car leaves at 8:10 and the last return trip at 15:00. Allow two to three hours, and bring warm clothes.
Right now in Aiguille du Midi
- Wed-5–-0°C22–32°F2 mm rain
- Thu-9–-4°C16–26°F13 mm rain
- Fri-10–-4°C14–25°FMostly clear
Tickets and tours for Aiguille du Midi
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Why the Aiguille du Midi matters
The cable car climbs from Chamonix at 1,035 metres, via the Plan de l’Aiguille mid-station at 2,317 metres, to a summit station carved into the granite at 3,842 metres: nearly 2,800 metres of height in one ride. It is one of the highest viewpoints in the Alps that you can reach without climbing gear, looking over peaks in France, Italy and Switzerland, and a gateway for mountaineers. The line opened in 1955, and when it was built it was the highest cable car in the world.
For alpinists the summit is the start of the Vallée Blanche ski descent and of climbs on Mont Blanc du Tacul. For everyone else it is a chance to stand in a high-mountain world of ice and rock, a short ride from town, and watch climbers cross the snow ridge below the station.
What you’ll see
- The panoramic terraces: Mont Blanc close up, the glaciers of the massif and a 360° view across the French, Italian and Swiss Alps.
- Step into the Void: a glass box over a drop of about 1,000 metres, reached by a lift; expect a queue at busy times.
- The Pipe: a gallery that loops around the central peak.
- Inside the station: a restaurant and a 4D cinema, plus a summit lift to the highest terrace.
- The Panoramic Mont-Blanc: in summer, a gondola continues across the glaciers towards Pointe Helbronner on the Italian border (separate ticket, not in the multi-day pass).
Tickets and how to visit
Prices and hours from the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, the operator, as of October 2026. Prices are dynamic: the earlier you book, the less you pay.
- Return to the Aiguille du Midi: adults (15–64) €60.20–€83.00; children 5–14 and seniors 65+ €51.20–€70.60; family (2 adults + 2 children) €186.70–€257.40.
- Plan de l’Aiguille mid-station: €43 for adults, €36.60 for children.
- Free and reduced: under-5s free with proof of age; visitors with a disability card pay half price.
- MONT BLANC MultiPass: from €95.60 for adults, covering the valley’s lifts; pass holders must still reserve a time slot.
- Hours (28 September–1 November 2026): first departure 8:10, cars every 15–30 minutes, last return trip up at 15:00, last one-way at 16:00 and last car down at 16:30. The operator lists an 8:10 opening from 2 November to 18 December too, but dates and times change with weather and maintenance; check the live page on the day.
- Booking: compulsory: you choose a date and a departure time (your boarding number). Book on the operator’s website; new tickets are released, notably the day before, and the box office sells what is left on the day. Be at the boarding area 10 minutes early.
How long to allow and when to go
The operator says a visit takes two to three hours including the ride, and can double at peak times. The ride up takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on crowds. Go on the first clear morning of your stay and take an early departure: clouds often build around the summit by midday, and you can check the summit webcam on the operator’s live page before you buy. September and early October bring clear air and smaller crowds; July and August are the busiest months.
Health, safety and accessibility
Children under 3 are not allowed, and the trip is not recommended for under-5s. There is no contraindication for pregnant women, but ask your doctor if in doubt; older visitors and anyone with heart problems should take medical advice first. At 3,842 metres the air is thin and often well below freezing even in summer: move slowly, drink water, and tell staff if you feel dizzy, breathless or sick, as going down is the cure. Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and sunglasses. Animals are not allowed, except assistance dogs with proof of disability. Wheelchair users can ride the cable car (two wheelchairs per cabin) and reach Step into the Void by lift; the restaurant area is not accessible. Contact the operator about special rates.
Getting there
The departure station is at 100 Place de l’Aiguille du Midi, at the southern end of Chamonix town centre, a short walk from the main street. The nearest parking is the paid Grépon car park next door. By bus, “Le Mulet” town shuttle and line V2 stop at “Jean Franco”; your lodging’s guest card gives discounted bus fares. Chamonix is about 90 km from Geneva airport by road, and the Mont Blanc Express train links the valley with Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, where it connects with SNCF trains.
Combine it with
Ride down only to the Plan de l’Aiguille and walk the Grand Balcon Nord trail to Montenvers and the Mer de Glace glacier, then take the little red train back to town; see our hiking guide. Our Chamonix travel guide covers the Montenvers train, Lac Blanc, skiing, Mont Blanc climbing rules and where to stay. Heading on to the coast? Our Nice and Marseille guides are a long day’s drive south, and the France travel guide has entry rules and money tips.
Aiguille du Midi FAQ
How much is the Aiguille du Midi cable car?
As of October 2026, an adult return to the top costs €60.20–€83.00, children 5–14 and over-65s €51.20–€70.60, and under-5s go free. A return to the Plan de l’Aiguille mid-station is €43.
Do I need to book the Aiguille du Midi in advance?
Yes. A date and departure time are compulsory. Booking early is cheaper, extra tickets are released the day before, and the box office sells any left on the day.
How long does the Aiguille du Midi take?
Two to three hours including the ride, according to the operator, and longer at peak times.
How cold is it at the top of the Aiguille du Midi?
Often below freezing, even in July, and colder in the wind. Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and sunglasses whatever the weather in town.
Can children go up the Aiguille du Midi?
Not under 3, and it is not recommended under 5 because of the altitude. From 5 to 14 children pay the reduced fare.
Is the Aiguille du Midi wheelchair accessible?
Partly. Up to two wheelchairs can ride in each cabin and a lift serves Step into the Void, but the restaurant area is not accessible. Disability-card holders pay half price.