The Orient Express from Paris, a mythical train

Written by Marc Sahuguet

Published today

The Orient Express is much more than a simple train: it is a legend of railway travel. Traversing Europe to connect Paris to Venice and Istanbul. This mythical train, synonymous with luxury and adventure, has captivated travelers worldwide since its first departure in 1883. In this article, discover everything you need to know about the Orient Express and its history, from its routes to its schedules, including prices and practical information.

What is the Orient Express?

The history of this mythical train

The Orient Express is an iconic luxury train created in 1883 by the International Sleeping-Car Company (CIWL), founded by the Belgian industrialist Georges Nagelmackers.

This revolutionary train linked Paris to Istanbul, passing through major European cities such as Munich, Vienna, Sofia, Bucharest, and then Venice. Redefining the art of travel by combining comfort and refinement.

Over the decades, the Orient Express became synonymous with luxury and adventure, inspiring numerous literary and cinematic works. However, after World War II, the train gradually lost its prestige in the face of the rise of aviation and geopolitical changes.

The original service to Istanbul ceased in 1977. After that last journey, some of its cars were auctioned and bought by collectors to create tourist trains inspired by the Orient Express, such as the Venice‑Simplon‑Orient‑Express launched in 1982.

In 2017, the SNCF transferred the “Orient Express” brand to the Accor group, which set out to revitalize this travel legend. Accor plans to launch new luxury trains, with departures from Paris to Istanbul starting in 2025, offering a travel experience that blends historical heritage and modern comfort.

The Orient Express continues to symbolize elegance and the art of travel, perpetuating a centuries‑old tradition while adapting to the aspirations of travelers seeking unique experiences.

The Venice Simplon Orient Express at the station

The current route of the Orient Express

Or rather the Orient Expresses

The historic route of the Orient Express passed through several countries, including the France, the Hungary, the Romania and the Turkey. Although the original service has been suspended, modern reissues of the journey exist, offering passengers a similar experience. Today, one must distinguish two versions of the Orient Express, of which only one for now allows departure from Paris:

The Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express of Belmond :

• This train uses era wagons acquired in 1982, offering an authentic experience of 1920s luxury travel. It aims to recreate the original atmosphere of the famous Orient Express.
• Currently, the Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express offers routes to Europe with destinations such as Budapest, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome and Istanbul

Route of Paris‑Venice with the VSOE

Accor’s Orient Express :

• Accor, the brand owner, plans to offer from 2025 a modern version with new cars inspired by the historical era of the train. Dubbed simplyThe Orient Express, it will depart from Paris.
• A second service called Dolce Vita Orient Express offers routes from theItaly with destinations such as Venice, Rome, Palermo, and Catania.

Delivery of the future Orient Express by Accor

Historical route of the Orient Express towards Istanbul

What are the departure times and days?

Leave Paris before dinner for an unforgettable night to Venice.

Travel with elegance across European landscapes before arriving in the City of Waters in the late afternoon the next day. Prepare to live your passions and write your own story aboard this moving legend.

Paris – Venice

• Estimated departure time: Paris, 4:00 pm – arrival in Venice, 5:30 pm
• Frequency: The train runs 3 to 4 times per month.

Paris – Istanbul

• Estimated departure time: Paris, 4:00 pm – arrival in Venice, 5:30 pm
• Frequency: The train runs only once a year.

The train is subject to the constraints of national and international railway networks. These schedules are therefore indicative. Please check your final itinerary for confirmed times.

Stewart of the Orient Express departing from Paris

What is the price of a ticket for the Orient Express?

The price of a journey on board the Orient Express is high, reflecting the luxury experience offered. Here are some price indications:

• Paris – Istanbul (Belmond) : from €20,895 to €73,075 per person.
• Paris – Venice (Belmond) : from €4,638 to €14,686 per person.
• Rome – Venice – Portofino – Rome (Accor) : from €7,440 to €18,224 per person.

These prices include your cabin, gourmet meals, a shuttle service to the train, 24‑hour room service, and access to dining cars decorated in an era style. Discover the itinerary details and schedules on the Orient Express site of Accor and on the site of Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express of Belmond.

Dining car of the current Orient Express (2026)

Transport from the hotel included in the ticket

A valet takes care of you

Belmond staff will pick you up directly at your Paris accommodation to take you to the station for check‑in and departure. Upon arrival in Venice, they also arrange your transfer from the station to your accommodation in the city.

Orient Express shuttle serving as a shuttle with your hotel

The dress code on board the train

Don’t wear just anything

You will never be too elegant aboard the Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express! For dinner, a formal evening attire is required. Many travelers choose to wear a tuxedo or their most glamorous outfits for this unique occasion. During the day, an elegant and casual outfit is appropriate. For example, at lunch, a jacket and tie, or an equivalent, are recommended. Please note that jeans are not accepted at any time on board.

Example of dress code on board the Orient Express

What are the cheaper alternatives to travel to Venice?

From €200

If the Orient Express represents an inaccessible dream in terms of budget, there are many train travel alternatives to reach Venice at a lower cost. The Paris – Venice route is easily achievable via regional and international trains.

Our favorite itinerary:

– Leave Paris Gare de l’Est at 3 pm on a TGV

– Change in Stuttgart for an OBB Nightjet overnight train

– Arrive early morning in Venice

👉 This itinerary is available directly here

Venezia Santa Lucia station

Written by Marc Sahuguet

Fondateur du calculateur d'itinéraires ferroviaire, Railee.com, je suis convaincu que nous pouvons voyager sans avion en Europe. Et après avoir traversé l'Europe en train de nuit de Paris à Istanbul jusqu'au Cercle Polaire, je vous partage tous mes bons plans pour optimiser vos voyages en train.