Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: the original luxury train across Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond train, is the Art Deco icon of luxury rail - genuine 1920s carriages running since 1926, crossing Europe between Paris, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Budapest and, a few times a year, Istanbul. One-night journeys start around US$5,200 per person; the five-night Paris to Istanbul rises past US$80,000 in a Grand Suite. Booked through Stars Desk, an accredited Belmond Bellini Club advisor, you pay the same Belmond fare and receive a US$100 per-person onboard credit, cabin-upgrade priority and VIP welcome treats, at no extra cost.
Reserve Your Orient Express Journey with VIP Perks →
The real Orient Express - and the other one
Yes, this is the real one: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs genuine 1920s and 1930s carriages from the golden age of the Orient Express, owned by Belmond (an LVMH company), and it is very much running - the 2026 season goes March to December. It is a different company from the Accor-owned "Orient Express" brand, whose new La Dolce Vita train in Italy and sailing yachts share the name but not the heritage - Stars Desk books both, and our Orient Express Sailing Yachts guide covers that side. One more point of confusion: on London journeys, you travel London to Folkestone aboard the British Pullman, cross the Channel by luxury coach, and join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Calais - two sister trains, one seamless journey.
Why book your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey 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 receive a US$100 per-person onboard credit (US$45 on day journeys), priority for a cabin upgrade, VIP welcome treats and a welcome letter at no extra cost.
Just as valuable on this train is the fine print, because fares are dynamic and the details are many: which departures still have Suites, what the single supplement looks like, how deposits and payment schedules run, whether your dates allow the Venice, Florence or Portofino hotel pairings. We quote the live fare for your exact date and cabin, hold options where possible, and time the booking - for the rare departures like Paris to Istanbul, a year or more ahead.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at a glance
| Region | Continental Europe - Paris, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Rome, Florence, Amsterdam, Brussels, Geneva and more; London via the British Pullman connection |
| Journey length | Mostly 1 night city-to-city; 3-night Villeggiatura hotel pairings; 5 nights Paris to Istanbul |
| Accommodation | 54 cabins and suites - 32 Historic Cabins, 16 Suites, 6 Grand Suites - plus L'Observatoire, the private carriage by artist JR |
| Dining | Three restored 1920s restaurant cars and the legendary Bar Car '3674'; Executive Chef Jean Imbert |
| Routes | 16 city pairings across Europe in 2026 |
| From (guide, per person) | ~US$5,200 (Historic Cabin, one night); Grand Suites from ~US$16,500 |
| 2026 season | March 3 to December 20 |
| Heritage | Original carriages in service since 1926 |
Guide "from" prices in US dollars, per person based on two sharing. Belmond prices dynamically in GBP and EUR - fares vary by date and rise as departures fill - so US figures are approximate; we confirm the exact live fare when you enquire.
Cabins and suites: which should you choose?
| Category | Size | The honest essentials |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Cabins (32) | ~36 sq ft | The classic 1920s experience: banquette by day, upper and lower berths by night, washbasin in the cabin - and a shared washroom at the end of the carriage. No shower on board. The most affordable way aboard, and the most authentic. |
| Suites (16) | ~71 sq ft | Double or twin beds, private marble en-suite with rain shower and heated floors, daytime lounge, 24-hour butler. The sweet spot for couples who want the romance and a bathroom of their own. |
| Grand Suites (6) | up to ~120 sq ft | Named for Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague and Budapest: free-standing bed, walk-in en-suite, private daytime dining, free-flowing champagne and caviar, 24-hour butler and complimentary transfers. Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child; a whole carriage of three can be taken for a private party of six. |
| L'Observatoire | a full carriage | One of a kind, reimagined by the artist JR: a "studio on wheels" with a secret tearoom, a Gallimard library, a record player with JR's vinyl and a free-standing bathtub - the most extraordinary private accommodation on rails. |
How much does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cost?
A one-night journey such as Paris to Venice starts around US$5,200 per person in a Historic Cabin, from around US$11,800 in a Suite and from around US$16,500 in a Grand Suite. The five-night Paris to Istanbul runs from roughly US$24,000 per person in a cabin to past US$80,000 in a Grand Suite - it departs only a few times a year and sells out over a year in advance. Fares are dynamic: Belmond adjusts prices by date and demand, which is why identical cabins show different prices in different months. All meals on board are included, from the champagne reception to a four-course dinner by Jean Imbert; some bar drinks are charged, with the bar tariff in euros.
Routes and journeys in 2026
The classics - 1 night
Paris to Venice is the signature; the network also pairs Paris and Venice with Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Rome, Florence, Verona, Innsbruck, Cannes, Amsterdam, Brussels and Geneva - 16 city pairings in 2026, several calling at Lyon en route.
Paris to Istanbul - 5 nights
The legendary transcontinental original, via Budapest, Sinaia's Peles Castle, Bucharest and Varna - a handful of departures a year, booked well over a year out.
Villeggiatura by Train - 3 nights
One night aboard paired with two nights at a legendary Belmond hotel in Italy: Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Splendido above Portofino, Villa San Michele in Florence or Caruso on the Amalfi Coast - the train and the hotel booked as one, with Bellini benefits on each part.
From London
London departures begin aboard the British Pullman to Folkestone, cross the Channel by private coach, and join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Calais - the classic London to Venice day-and-night journey.
Dining on board: Jean Imbert and Bar Car '3674'
Three restored restaurant cars each carry their own history: the Etoile du Nord of 1926 with its storied marquetry, the Cote d'Azur of 1929 famed for its Rene Lalique glass panels, and the black-lacquered L'Oriental of 1927. Executive Chef Jean Imbert writes seasonal menus around the route, dinner is a black-tie occasion, and afterwards the Bar Car '3674' takes over - cocktails, a resident pianist and a Midnight Brunch of lobster rolls and truffle club sandwiches that runs long into the night. Non-drinkers are genuinely looked after, with non-alcoholic wines, champagne alternatives and a full mocktail list.
An advisor's honest take: who the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is right for
Stars Desk books all seven Belmond trains, so here is what we tell clients before they commit. First, this is a party on wheels, not a quiet retreat: guests dress in black tie, the Bar Car swings past midnight, tables are social and the night is short - you board for the occasion, not for a perfect night's sleep. Second, be honest about the Historic Cabins: they are the authentic 1920s article and the most affordable ticket, but they are compact, the berths are bunks, and the washroom is shared at the end of the carriage - couples who want a private bathroom and a real bed should book a Suite, which is exactly what most returning guests do. Third, calibrate the dining: dinner by Jean Imbert in a 1929 Lalique dining car is an event to remember - but you are not buying a Michelin tasting menu, you are buying the most glamorous dinner theatre in Europe. Practical advice from experience: first-timers should start with a one-night journey rather than the five-night Istanbul epic; book 9 to 12 months ahead for choice of Suites (a year-plus for Istanbul); and if the bucket-list moment matters more than the budget, the Villeggiatura pairings with Cipriani or Splendido turn one magical night into a complete Italian holiday. For the same 1920s glamour at a fraction of the price, try a British Pullman day journey; for sleeper alternatives, compare the Royal Scotsman and the tropical Eastern & Oriental Express.
Belmond Bellini Club benefits on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
| Book direct on belmond.com | Book through Stars Desk (Bellini Club) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare | Best available rate | The same best available rate |
| Onboard credit (overnight journeys) | - | US$100 per person, per journey |
| Onboard credit (day journeys) | - | 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) |
| The fine print | Self-serve | Live-fare timing, deposits, single supplements, hotel pairings and Istanbul waitlists handled |
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 current terms at booking. See our full Belmond Bellini Club guide.
Frequently asked questions about the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
How much is a trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
One-night journeys start around US$5,200 per person in a Historic Cabin, around US$11,800 in a Suite and around US$16,500 in a Grand Suite, based on two sharing. The five-night Paris to Istanbul runs from roughly US$24,000 to past US$80,000 per person. Fares are dynamic and rise as departures fill; we quote the live fare for your date.
Does the Orient Express still run in 2026?
Yes. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs a full 2026 season from March 3 to December 20, with departures across 16 European routes and a handful of Paris to Istanbul journeys. It has run continuously since its 1982 revival, on original carriages dating to the 1920s.
Is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express worth it?
For a milestone - honeymoon, big birthday, bucket-list night - it is the definitive luxury train on earth, and most guests call it one of the great experiences of their lives; many book a second route before disembarking. It is a social, black-tie occasion rather than a restful one, and the entry cabins are authentically 1920s-compact. If you want the glamour without the fare, the British Pullman day trips are the same family at a fraction of the price.
Do you have your own toilet on the Orient Express?
In Suites, Grand Suites and L'Observatoire, yes - private marble en-suites with showers (heated floors included). In Historic Cabins, no: there is a washbasin in the cabin and a shared washroom at the end of each carriage, and no shower for Historic Cabin guests. This is the single most important thing to know when choosing your cabin.
What is the dress code - can you wear jeans?
Daytime is smart casual - no jeans, sportswear or sneakers in the public cars. Dinner is a formal affair: black tie is encouraged and widely worn, or a dark suit; for women, an evening dress, gown or elegant separates - in summer, lighter fabrics and cocktail dresses are perfect. Guests famously dress up, and it is half the fun.
Is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express all-inclusive? Are drinks free?
All meals are included - the champagne reception, a four-course dinner, breakfast in your cabin and brunch or lunch - along with steward service. Some bar drinks in Bar Car '3674' are charged, with the tariff in euros; in Grand Suites and L'Observatoire, champagne and the bar are included. Service is included in the fare, and any additional tipping is entirely discretionary.
How long does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express take?
The classic Paris to Venice journey takes about 18 hours: an afternoon departure, dinner on board, a night in your cabin and arrival the next day. Other one-night routes are similar; Paris to Istanbul is five nights with excursions en route, and London journeys add the British Pullman leg and Channel crossing on day one.
Can children travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Yes - families are welcome, though there is no dedicated children's program and the evening atmosphere is adult and formal. Grand Suites sleep two adults and one child; interconnecting options and family arrangements are possible on request. We advise honestly on whether your route and cabin fit a family trip.
Is there a single supplement?
Solo travelers occupy a double cabin and fares are quoted per person on double occupancy, so a supplement generally applies; its size varies by cabin and date. We quote solo fares live and time the booking where the supplement is most favorable.
Is this the real Orient Express?
It is the closest thing that exists: genuine 1920s Orient Express-era carriages, restored and running the historic routes under Belmond, which has operated the train since 1982. The separate Accor-owned "Orient Express" brand - including the new La Dolce Vita train in Italy - shares the name, not the carriages or the history. We book both and will tell you plainly which suits your trip.
Where does the train depart in Paris?
Paris departures use Gare d'Austerlitz, with check-in on the platform and porters for your luggage; transfers from your Paris hotel are arranged as part of the journey. London departures begin at Victoria aboard the British Pullman; Venice departures at Santa Lucia station.
How do I get an upgrade or onboard credit on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Book through an accredited Belmond Bellini Club advisor such as Stars Desk. You pay the same Belmond fare and receive a US$100 per-person onboard credit, priority for a cabin upgrade and VIP welcome treats, at no extra cost.
Request Venice Simplon-Orient-Express rates & availability
Tell us your route, dates and cabin - or the occasion, and we will match it. We confirm the live fare, hold options where possible, and apply your Bellini Club benefits.
Explore the rest of the fleet on our Belmond luxury trains guide, start with a British Pullman day journey, compare the Royal Scotsman and Eastern & Oriental Express, or see all Belmond Bellini Club benefits.