Belmond luxury trains: all seven journeys with a Bellini Club advisor
Belmond operates seven luxury trains across Europe, the UK, Southeast Asia and Peru - from around US$570 British Pullman day trips to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. As an accredited Belmond Bellini Club advisor, Stars Desk books every one at the same published Belmond fare and adds a US$100 per-person onboard credit (US$45 on day trips), a cabin-upgrade priority and VIP welcome treats, at no extra cost.
Plan Your Belmond Train Journey with VIP Perks →
Belmond trains vs. the Orient Express - what's what
The name "Orient Express" now belongs to two different companies. Belmond owns the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the historic 1920s train and direct heir to the original Orient Express, running today across Europe. Accor owns a separate "Orient Express" brand, launching the La Dolce Vita train in Italy and operating the Orient Express sailing yachts. If you picture the blue-and-gold Art Deco sleeper from the films and Agatha Christie, that is Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Stars Desk books both; this page covers Belmond's seven trains.
Why book your Belmond train with Stars Desk
Stars Desk is an accredited advisor in the Belmond Bellini Club - Belmond's invitation-only preferred-partner program, held by fewer than one hundred agencies worldwide. You pay the same best available rate published by Belmond, and your journey is elevated at no extra cost with a US$100 per-person onboard credit on multi-night journeys (US$45 on day trips), priority for a cabin upgrade, VIP welcome treats and a welcome letter. Because an advisor's commission is already built into the fare, these benefits cost you nothing - booking through us is simply the better-value way to travel.
Beyond the perks, one dedicated advisor manages your cabin and route selection, dates, flights, transfers, pre- and post-journey hotel stays and any special occasions on board, from first enquiry to the final station. And because we book every Belmond train, we will tell you honestly which one fits - see our advisor's take below.
The seven Belmond trains
Each train has its own region, rhythm and price point. Compare them below, then open any train for its full journey guide.
| Train | Region | Length | From (pp, guide) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | Continental Europe | 1-5 nights | ~US$5,200 | The flagship, bucket-list icon |
| Britannic Explorer | England & Wales | 3 or 6 nights | ~US$10,000 | The newest Belmond train |
| British Pullman | England (day trips) | Day trip | ~US$570 | The accessible entry to Belmond rail |
| Royal Scotsman | Scottish Highlands | 2-7 nights | ~US$6,000 | Whisky, castles, intimacy (max 40) |
| Eastern & Oriental Express | Malaysia (from Singapore) | 3-6 nights | ~US$4,650 | Exotic honeymoon and gastronomy |
| Hiram Bingham | Peru (to Machu Picchu) | Day train | ~US$540 one-way | Machu Picchu in style |
| Andean Explorer | Peru (Cusco-Titicaca-Arequipa) | 1 or 2 nights | ~US$1,400 | South America's first luxury sleeper |
Guide "from" prices in US dollars, per person based on two sharing. Belmond sets fares dynamically in GBP or EUR, so these US figures are approximate; we confirm the exact live fare when you enquire.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The original 1920s Orient Express, reborn - restored Art Deco carriages from Paris and Venice to Vienna, Budapest, Prague and, once a year, Istanbul. The most iconic luxury train in the world. Explore the VSOE.
Britannic Explorer
Belmond's newest train and the first-ever luxury sleeper in England and Wales, with a wellness suite and farm-to-fork menus by chef Simon Rogan, touring Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales from London. Explore the Britannic Explorer.
British Pullman
The sister train to the VSOE, running glamorous daytime excursions from London Victoria - afternoon tea, murder-mystery lunches and trips to Highclere Castle and Goodwood, from around US$570. Explore the British Pullman.
Royal Scotsman
A five-star country house on rails for just 40 guests, with a Dior Spa car, whisky tastings and private castle visits across two- to seven-night Highland journeys from Edinburgh. Explore the Royal Scotsman.
Eastern & Oriental Express
The only luxury sleeper in Southeast Asia, round-trips from Singapore through the Malaysian jungle to Penang and Langkawi, with a Dior Spa and dining by chef Andre Chiang. Explore the E&O Express.
Hiram Bingham
The luxury day train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with brunch, live Andean music and a guided tour of the citadel included. Explore the Hiram Bingham.
Andean Explorer
South America's first luxury sleeper train, crossing the high Andes between Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa on one- and two-night journeys. Explore the Andean Explorer.
What makes a Belmond train distinct
The journey is the destination
These are not trains you take to get somewhere - they are slow, design-led escapes where the dining car, the bar and the passing landscape are the point.
Restored heritage
From genuine 1920s Wagons-Lits carriages on the VSOE to the Edwardian Royal Scotsman, each train is a living piece of railway history, meticulously restored.
Dining at the centre
Named chefs and celebrated kitchens - Jean Imbert on the VSOE, Simon Rogan on the Britannic Explorer, Andre Chiang on the E&O - make every meal an occasion.
Small and intimate
Most trains carry only a few dozen guests, with high staff ratios, private cabins and, on several, a Dior Spa car.
An advisor's honest take: which Belmond train is right for you
Stars Desk books all seven, so here is what we tell clients before they commit. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the icon and the bucket-list answer - but its entry-level Historic Cabins are compact 1920s berths; choose a Suite or Grand Suite for a private bathroom and space, or sample the same glamour affordably on a British Pullman day trip. The Royal Scotsman is the most intimate at just 40 guests and, reassuringly, never moves while you sleep - it stables overnight. The Britannic Explorer is brand new (launched 2025), so first-hand reviews are still scarce, though the wellness suite and Simon Rogan dining are genuine draws. On the Eastern & Oriental Express, note the famous Bangkok-to-Singapore route no longer runs - it now sails round-trips through Malaysia from Singapore. In Peru, a Hiram Bingham ticket does not by itself guarantee Machu Picchu entry (citadel tickets are separate and limited, so book early), and the Andean Explorer crosses altitudes above 4,000 m, where oxygen is available on request. Tell us how you travel and the occasion, and we will tell you honestly which train - and which cabin - fits.
Belmond Bellini Club benefits on Belmond trains
When you book any Belmond train through Stars Desk you pay the same best available rate published by Belmond, with these benefits added at no extra cost:
| Book direct on belmond.com | Book through Stars Desk (Bellini Club) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare | Best available rate | The same best available rate |
| Onboard credit (multi-night) | - | US$100 per person |
| Onboard credit (day trip) | - | US$45 per person |
| Cabin upgrade | - | Priority, subject to availability |
| VIP welcome | - | Welcome treats and a welcome letter |
| Future-travel voucher | - | US$500 on qualifying bookings (terms vary) |
Benefits apply to the standard best available rate and are not combinable with restricted or promotional rates. The US$500 voucher is a rotating Belmond promotion, typically from around US$10,000 on a single booking; we confirm the current terms at the time of booking. See our full Belmond Bellini Club guide.
Planning your Belmond train journey: when to book
Book 9-12 months ahead
For Grand Suites and the rare departures - the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris to Istanbul and peak-season Royal Scotsman and Britannic Explorer sell first.
Book 3-6 months ahead
Good availability on the classic European overnights, British Pullman day trips and Peru journeys, with time for flights and hotel stays.
Under 90 days
Limited cabins and occasional last-minute space - best for flexible travellers with documents ready. We check live availability for your dates.
Guide "from" fares span roughly US$570 for a British Pullman day journey to well over US$80,000 per person for a Grand Suite on the five-night Paris to Istanbul. All fares are per person, dynamic, and confirmed at booking; exact pricing is on each train's page.
Frequently asked questions about Belmond trains
How many Belmond trains are there?
There are seven: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe), the Britannic Explorer (England and Wales), the British Pullman (England day trips), the Royal Scotsman (Scotland), the Eastern & Oriental Express (Malaysia), the Hiram Bingham (Peru, to Machu Picchu) and the Andean Explorer (Peru).
Which Belmond train is the best?
It depends on what you want. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the most iconic, the Royal Scotsman the most intimate, the British Pullman the most affordable, the Hiram Bingham the way to reach Machu Picchu, and the Britannic Explorer the newest. Tell us the occasion and we will match the train and cabin.
What is the cheapest Belmond train?
The British Pullman is the most affordable, with day journeys from London from around US$570 per person, including a multi-course meal with wine - the same 1920s glamour as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express without a multi-night fare.
What is the most expensive Belmond train journey?
The five-night Paris to Istanbul aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the most expensive, rising past US$80,000 per person in a Grand Suite, and it runs only a few times a year.
Are Belmond trains all-inclusive?
The multi-night trains are effectively all-inclusive: the fare covers your cabin, all meals and off-train excursions, and most drinks. On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express meals and service are included and some bar beverages are charged. We confirm exactly what is included for your chosen journey.
Are there Belmond trains in the United States?
No. Belmond's seven trains run in continental Europe, the UK, Malaysia and Peru. There is no Belmond train in the USA, Canada, India or Japan, where other operators run luxury trains. The closest to the classic Orient Express is Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe.
How do I get an upgrade or onboard credit on a Belmond train?
Book through an accredited Bellini Club advisor such as Stars Desk. You pay the same Belmond fare and receive a US$100 per-person onboard credit on multi-night journeys (US$45 on day trips), plus priority for a cabin upgrade, at no extra cost.
Is it more expensive to book through a travel advisor?
No. You pay the same publicly available Belmond rate. The Bellini Club benefits are added at no extra cost, because the advisor's commission is already built into the fare whether you book direct or through us.
Is there a loyalty program for luxury train travellers?
The closest is the Belmond Bellini Club, an invitation-only program held by accredited advisors such as Stars Desk. You do not join or pay for it; you access its benefits - onboard credit, upgrades and VIP recognition - simply by booking your Belmond train through an accredited Bellini advisor.
Can I book a Belmond train with a hotel stay?
Yes. Belmond's Villeggiatura by Train pairs the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with two nights at a legendary Belmond hotel in Italy, and any train can be paired with hotels before or after your journey. Booking the train and hotel together also earns Bellini benefits on each part.
What is the dress code on Belmond trains?
On the sleeper trains, dinner is a smart, formal occasion - a jacket and tie, or a cocktail dress or equivalent. Daytime and excursions are relaxed. Each train has its own guidance, which we share before you travel.
Request Belmond train rates & availability
Tell us which Belmond train you have in mind, or describe the trip and we will match it. As an accredited Bellini Club advisor, Stars Desk books you at the Belmond fare with onboard credit, upgrade priority and VIP recognition included.
Stars Desk also arranges the Belmond Bellini Club across hotels and cruises, Belmond Villeggiatura by Train hotel-and-rail packages, and other luxury hotels and luxury cruises worldwide.