In many countries, trains are viewed as a little more comfortable alternative to a bus, something cheap and available to everyone. Thinking of “train” one would recall a dirty subway or an affordable means to get from an airport to some city, where the company is most likely unpleasant. But definitely the words “train” and “luxury” would never come to mind together in one sentence. That is not the case for Orient Express, featured in the famous novel by Agatha Christie, it represents both history and luxury, making it a one-in-a-lifetime adventure.
From 1883 to 1977
The Orient Express was inaugurated in Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL). CIWL was founded by Belgian businessman Georges Nagelmackers in 1876. Making many trips through North America and using the Pullman Company trains, he heard many complaints about comfort and privacy. While taking train rides he took countless notes and sketches. This is how Nagelmackers envisioned a train that would span continents, offering unprecedented levels of comfort and luxury.
Another prominent figure in the Orient Express operations was René Pechère, who served as a director at CIWL during its peak and helped expand its services across different routes.
The cost back then
The cost of a first-class ticket was substantial, catering to the upper echelons of society. For example, a ticket could cost around 700 French francs in the early 1900s, roughly equivalent to about $4,000 today when adjusted for inflation. This price point ensured exclusivity, a key aspect of the Orient Express’s branding.
The Orient Express interior was a masterpiece back then. From polished wood paneling and plush upholstery to crystal glassware creating the fine dining atmosphere – every detail was about luxury and style. This is when the word “opulent” can be used in the right context.
The train attracted royalty, celebrities, and aristocrats. Its reputation for luxury was matched only by the tales of espionage, diplomacy, and romance that unfolded in its carriages. Among the most famous passengers were Leo Tolstoy, Marlene Dietrich, King Carol II of Romania, and many more. King Boris III of Bulgaria frequently traveled on the Orient Express due to its strategic route through the Balkans.
Throughout its operation, the Orient Express had several changes to its route and service, mainly due to geopolitical changes such as wars and the shifting borders of countries. For instance, during World War I and World War II, the service was interrupted and routes were altered. After World War II, the original route was no longer viable due to the Iron Curtain and changes in the political landscape of Europe.
The decline of the Orient Express came after World War II, primarily due to the advent of affordable air travel and the disruption caused by the war. The original service ceased in 1977.
Orient Express Routes
The original route ran from Paris to Istanbul, then known as Constantinople, passing through Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest. The journey from Paris to Istanbul covered about 1,700 mi/ 2,735 km and took around 80 hours to complete. Later on, certain branches were extending the service to Athens, Brussels, and London.
The Orient Express, beyond its famous Paris to Istanbul route, included several other routes over its history due to changes in geopolitical boundaries, demands of travelers, and the expansion of the rail network. Some of these additional routes included:
Simplon Orient Express
Introduced in 1919, this route took a southern path through Switzerland via the Simplon Tunnel, going through Italy, and then into the Balkans, reaching Istanbul. It was introduced partly as a response to geopolitical changes after World War I.
Arlberg Orient Express
This route provided service from Calais, Basel, and Zurich through Austria to Budapest, Bucharest, and eventually to Istanbul. It started operating in 1919 and provided an alternative through the scenic Arlberg Pass.
Ostend-Vienna Orient Express
Beginning service in 1932, this train ran from Ostend in Belgium to Vienna, Austria. It was a connection primarily serving travelers from the United Kingdom to Vienna without needing to go through Paris.
Taurus Express
Starting in 1930, this train connected Istanbul with Baghdad and later extended to Cairo, providing a link across the Middle East, which was crucial for both local travelers and British colonial interests in the region.
These routes reflected the CIWL’s strategy to adapt to changing travel patterns and political landscapes, offering luxurious rail travel across a wider network in Europe and extending into Asia and the Middle East. Each route catered to different regional demands while maintaining the high standard of service associated with the Orient Express name.
Over the years, the Orient Express expanded its network to include routes like the Simplon Orient Express, which went through Milan, Venice, and the Simplon Tunnel. Each route offered unique landscapes and cultural experiences, from the Swiss Alps to the serene canals of Venice.
From 1982 to 2024
Today the original Orient Express has several reincarnations. One of the most famous and luxurious is Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or VSOE operated by Belmond Hotel Group.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
When CIWL seized the service in 1977 some of the carriages ended up on auction. James Sherwood, a businessman from Kentucky, US purchased them. Later on, he bought some more Pullman carriages. So in May 1982, the first route was made from London to Venice via the Simplon tunnel, thus the name. Over the years they expanded their operations adding more and more routes. The name ‘Belmond’ was adopted in 2014, previously the company had the name Orient-Express Hotels Ltd sticking closely to the iconic train name. In 2019 the company was acquired by LVMH.
Orient Express Experiences
The train rides come with a hefty price tag. Is the experience really worth it? Yes, everyone who got aboard confirms that it’s totally worth the money, hundreds of Tripadvisor reviews confirm that.
Five-star dining
VSOE has 3 restaurant cars: Cote d’Azur, Etoile du Nord and L’Orientale. Each of them is styled in an art-deco fashion, creating an opulent atmosphere. L’Orientale is themed in an Eastern vibe with Chinese laquer wall panels and Cote d’Azur features ornate glass panels by René Lalique. All meals are included in the ticket and passengers can pick the restaurant for each meal or choose the breakfast to be served in their cabin. A sample menu would look like:
Unfortunately, all alcohol options come at an additional cost, and the decision to treat yourself with 50g or 1.7oz of caviar will incur a 670 EUR ~ 710 USD charge according to the Belmond website.
Piano bar
The bar car has a lounge for before and after relaxation and socializing, a cocktail bar, and a live mignon grand piano. The interior is done in Art Nouveau style. It’s worth mentioning that this elegant venue has nothing to do with the original Orient Express. Back then it was quite more frugal and didn’t have a designated bar or lounge.
Breathtaking sceneries
Gliding through the European countryside, you’ll see landscapes and cities unfold like scenes from a movie. From the rolling vineyards of France to the majestic Alps and the quaint villages of Eastern Europe, the scenery is constantly changing and always mesmerizing.
Luxury accommodation
VSOE offers 3 types of compartments – historic cabins, suites, and grand suites.
Historic cabins are the original sleeping cars from 1920-30s used by CIWL on different routes. They were adjusted to include some modern-day facilities like air-conditioning and plug sockets. The sofa used in the daytime unfolds into a 2-storey sleeping berth.
Suites and Grand Suites are modern creations with modern facilities like bathrooms. Grand suites have a lounge area. Suites may have double or twin beds, therefore they can be referred to as Double Suites or Twin Suites.
All compartments follow the Art Deco style, with intricate wooden work and plush upholstery, however, each Grand Suite has a country-inspired theme like Budapest, Prague, Istanbul, etc.
Recently, Belmond announced L’Observatoire carriage which will be entirely for single-customer use starting from 2025. The carriage is intended to host only 2 people but will allow a lot more space – a bedroom, a bathroom, a dining room, a wardrobe, and a “secret tea room”.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Prices 2024 – 2025
A tip: To indulge the experience and save money you don’t need to get two-way VSOE, you can easily schedule your return trip with other “simpler” companies like TGV or Eurostar.
The general strategy for booking is to plan the trip at least 6 months beforehand. The closer to the date the higher will be the prices, the difference can be 3 times from one date to another. For example, a trip from Paris to Venice for 2 might cost anywhere from €4,120/$4,500/£3,530 to €12,400/$13,500/£10,625 depending on the dates. So planning wisely can save a good deal of money.
Trips under €5,000/$5,500/£4,300
| Route | Month | Price GBP | Price EUR | Price USD |
| Paris – Venice | November 2024 | £3,530 | €4,120 | $4,500 |
| Paris – Verona | November 2024 | £3,530 | €4,120 | $4,500 |
| Venice – Paris | August 2024 | £3,885 | €4,530 | $4,930 |
| Albertville – Paris | March 2025 | £3,530 | €4,120 | $4,500 |
| Lyon – Venice | August 2024 | £3,885 | €4,530 | $4,930 |
| Verona – Amsterdam | July 2024 | £3,885 | €4,530 | $4,930 |
| Rome – Paris | April 2025 | £3,885 | €4,530 | $4,930 |
Trips over €5,000/$5,500/£4,300
| Route | Month | Price GBP | Price EUR | Price USD |
| London – Rome | July 2024 | £4,700 | €5,500 | $5,970 |
| Paris – Prague | July 2024 | £7,770 | €9,000 | $9,780 |
| Paris – Vienna | May 2025 | £8,550 | €9,985 | $10,860 |
| Paris – Budapest | May 2025 | £8,550 | €9,985 | $10,860 |
| Paris – Istanbul | September 2025 | £17,500 | €20,500 | $22,230 |
| Istanbul – Paris | June 2024 | £17,500 | €20,500 | $22,230 |
It’s worth noting that VSOE operations are paused in January and February, so no trips are available during these months.
Orient Express La Dolce Vita
The “Orient Express” brand has secured its way into history over centuries. Currently, Belmond Group is not the only owner of the luxury name. Since 2017, 50% of the name belongs to Accor, a hospitality juggernaut.
In 2022, Accor announced the forthcoming launch of the new luxury train route. Even though, the brand name is associated with 1920s Artdeco, the interiors, and vibe of the Accor train are taken after 1960s Italian La Dolce Vita art style. The sleepers resemble boutique hotel rooms rather than train cabins. Unlike VSOE, Accor’s train doesn’t offer historic compartments – only deluxe cabins and suites are available, each one with an ensuite bathroom and more space. Deluxe cabins are 7 m2 / 75 sq ft and Suites are 11 m2 / 118 sq ft in area. Therefore, more upscale accommodation affects the starting price range.
Itineraries of Orient Express La Dolce Vita
Initially, the routes were planned to cover 14 regions and 131 cities, across Italy, France, Croatia, and more. However, as of 2024 La Dolce Vita offers 8 itineraries across 6 routes, all within Italy only. Some of the trips are round, and fewer of them are one-way.
| Route | Month | Price GBP | Price EUR | Price USD |
| Venice – Portofino – Venice | April 2025 | £6,360 | €7,440 | $,8080 |
| Venice – Rome – Venice | April 2025 | £6,360 | €7,000 | $7,605 |
| Rome – Matera – Rome | April 2025 | £4,940 | €5,780 | $6,280 |
| Rome – Montalcino – Rome | April 2025 | £2,992 | €3,500 | $3,802 |
| Rome – Monferrato – Rome | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Palermo – Rome | May 2025 | £6,360 | €7,440 | $,8080 |
| Catania – Palermo – Catania | May 2025 | £4,275 | €5,000 | £5,430 |
| Rome – Palermo | May 2025 | £6,360 | €7,440 | $,8080 |
Orient Express Venice Hotel by Accor
However, the luxury train rides are not the only venue run by Accor under the opulent brand. Soon, a 45-room luxurious hotel formerly known as Palazzo Dona Giovannelli will open its doors to the train passengers and everyone else. An 800-year-old building is located in the Cannaregio district, 10 minutes away from Santa Lucia train station in Venice.
Which Orient Express: VSOE or Dolce Vita?
To be honest, even though the trains are coming under the same brand name, the experiences are completely different. While VSOE is a reincarnation of old CIWL service with a 1920-1930s Art Deco vibe. La Dolce Vita is not a restoration, but a new making following 1960s posh trends. Their routes are quite different as well, Accor train provides a more in-depth exploration of Italy, while Belmond operates throughout the entire Europe including the iconic Paris – Istanbul route. The pricing policy differences come from the accommodation: historic cabins at VSOE often have more affordable costs. On the contrary, La Dolce Vita only has suites, so the minimum is substantially higher.
Other Luxury Trains
British Pullman
British Pullman is another restoration from Belmond. It recreates the atmosphere of the 1920s, using the old Pullman carriages. All departures are made from London Victoria Station, towards numerous destinations across the entire England – York, Kent, Liverpool, Bath, Bristol, etc.
All trips are short as the train has no sleeping facilities. Every carriage has a unique name like Audrey, Munerva, Cygnus, and so on. Every ride includes a champagne reception, a gastronomic five-course lunch, wine, coffee, tea and petit fours. But the highlight is, of course, an entertainment. Murder Mystery, cabaret, a private guided tour, a masterclass. Prices start at £350/€412/$445 per passenger.
Maharajas’ Express
Maharajas’ Express is a relatively new luxury train service. It has been operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) since 2010. The train has 14 sleeper carriages, a bar, a lounge, and storage. All cabins from Deluxe cabins to Suites have an individual bathroom. Maharajas’ Express operates from October to April and offers 4 routes with 3 of them lasting 7 days/ 6 nights and 1 with a 4-day/ 3-night duration. “Heritage of India” goes from Mumbai to Delhi passing through Bikaner, Jaipur, and Agra. “Indian Panorama” is a round trip starting and ending in Delhi, the highlight on the route is Varanasi. “The Indian Splendour” is a reverse route for “Heritage of India”. The last shortest route “Treasures of India” is another round trip from Delhi, passing through Agra and Jaipur. The prices for 2024-2025 season start from $4890/€4,512/£3,840 according to the official website.
Northern Belle
Northern Belle, is referred to as “Britain’s most luxurious train” but compared to all listed above, that might be a questionable statement. It has been in operation since 2010 and is a recreation of Northern Belle running in the 1930s. It offers a wide variety of routes throughout northern Britain at an affordable price starting from £295/€347/$375. The trips are usually short, all within a single day. Northern Belle is recognized for its fine dining. The highlight is a reception of champagne, caviar, and blinis offered free of charge.
Rocky Mountaineer
A Canadian The Rocky Mountaineer company based in Vancouver provides this luxury train service. It has been in operation since the beginning of the 1990s. Since then it has transported over 2 million guests making it the biggest privately operated train network. The highlights of this train are its glass-dome carriages providing the views from various angles. Rocky Mountaineer operates from April to October. There’re no sleeping carriages, so the passengers stay in the hotels across the route (included in the package). Rocky Mountaineer offers 2 levels of service – SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. The major difference between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf is that the latter has a bi-level glass dome and an outdoor viewing platform.
Currently, Rocky Mountaineer offers 4 routes. Rockies To The Red Rocks (Moab – Denver), First Passage to the West (Vancouver – Banff), Journey Through The Clouds, and Rainforest to Gold Rush all go from Vancouver to Jasper. The prices for the 2024 – 2025 season start at £1,255/€1,473/$1,592.
Hiram Bingham by Belmond
Hiram Bingham is another luxury train operated by Belmond Group. It was established in 1999 in cooperation with PeruRail. The main route is from Cusco to the entrance to Machu Picchu. No wonder, it is named after its re-discoverer. The route offers iconic views over Sacred Valley, as well as a lavish atmosphere and fine dining. The distance is short about 3.5 hours. The price is £450/€527/$570 according to the official website. Of course, the obvious highlight of this ride is getting to see Machu Picchu – one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
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