Is it still possible to travel on the Orient Express today?

It is still possible to travel on the Orient Express today, though only on the modern Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express and no longer on the original historic train. The service uses original, preserved and restored carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, which operate on selected routes – particularly on classic routes such as Paris–Venice, as well as on individual special journeys as far as Istanbul. The former Orient Express no longer exists as a regular scheduled service.

What is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an international luxury train comprising restored original carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, which operates on selected European routes. On board are historic sleeping cars, Art Deco-style dining cars and a bar car, offering a classic night train travel experience with on-board staff and overnight accommodation. The luxury train operates on classic routes such as Paris–Venice and supplements these with selected special journeys as far as Istanbul.

What routes does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express run on?

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers several clearly defined travel options on selected European luxury train routes: Paris – Venice: The classic and regularly scheduled main route across the Alps, usually as a night journey. Venice – Paris: The reverse direction of the classic Alpine route, with identical rolling stock and service concept. Venice – Amsterdam: A northbound route through Central Europe with stops in major European cities. Paris – Florence: A southern variant with a destination in Tuscany, with a cultural focus. Paris – Istanbul: A rarely offered long-distance special journey through Central and South-Eastern Europe with several stages. These routes are not operated according to a fixed timetable, but as selected, scheduled luxury train journeys.

Which cities does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express stop at?

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express connects a selection of historically significant European cities, which serve as starting points, destinations or stops along the various itineraries. Among the most important cities are Paris and Venice, which act as the main departure and arrival points. In addition, various routes call at cities such as Amsterdam, Florence, Budapest, Vienna and Prague. On the rarely offered long-distance route, Istanbul is the historic final destination.

Price per person from

4'585

CHF

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most luxurious trains in the world.

When you step aboard this noble luxury train, you feel like you've been transported straight back to the Belle Époque. This train has been following the endless ribbon of track for over a century. The king of trains has covered countless miles since its maiden voyage in 1883, enchanting famous personalities, writers, statesmen, film stars, lovers and connoisseurs of all stripes. It consists of lovingly restored original European carriages from the 1920s and 1930s. Like all true classics, it transcends its historical roots and exudes a modern freshness. At this level, luxury is timeless. The service meets the highest standards.

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Highlights

Two or five days of pampering on one of the world's most luxurious trains
Fantastic atmosphere in the Art Deco interior of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Gastronomic experiences at every turn
Original drinks and a classy atmosphere in the piano bar trolley
Individual service with a personal steward around the clock
Overnight stay in your comfortable compartment on board

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Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Every detail of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is special. It consists of lovingly restored original European carriages from the 1920s and 1930s. Like all true classics, it transcends its historical roots and exudes a modern freshness. At this level, luxury is timeless. The service meets the highest standards.

Historic cabin

A private lounge is available during the day with a sofa bed, a chair and a small storage area. During the night, the compartment is converted into an upper and lower bed. All double compartments are individually lockable and are equipped with a washbasin with hot and cold water, luxurious towels and toiletries. Toilets are located at the end of each sleeping car. There is no shower or bath in this cabin.
Your steward is at your disposal 24 hours a day.

Suite (twin or double bed)

These are newly restored suites. They retain the historical character but are equipped with their own bathroom with shower, washbasin, toilet. There are twin bed and double bed suites. Your steward is at your disposal 24 hours a day.

Grand Suite

They have a double/twin bedroom, a living area with space for private dining and a sofa that can be converted into an extra bed in the evening. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with a shower, washbasin and toilet, and comes with bespoke toiletries and complimentary bathrobes. The 24-hour cabin service is complemented by complimentary champagne at all times in your suite.

L’Observatoire Suite

L'Observatoire is an exclusive railway carriage designed by French artist and photographer JR. The carriage delights with a bedroom through the ceiling, an oculus-shaped skylight for stargazing, a library with a variety of Gallimard books, a secret tea room with fireplace and miniature railway model, a bathroom with private marble bath with shower and freestanding bathtub, luxurious amenities such as high-quality loungewear and toiletries, special details curated by JR such as customised photographs and gifts and a 24-hour cabin steward service.
Prices and availability on request.

Dining car

Côte d'Azur, Étoile du Nord and L'Oriental are the names of the 3 restaurant carriages in which the first-class menus are served by renowned gourmet chefs. In these original Art Deco carriages, every meal becomes a special occasion. You can never be too elegantly dressed on this train.

Bar car

The bar car of the Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express, especially the iconic Bar Car 3674, is the elegant heart of the train: a beautifully restored Art Deco lounge in blue and gold, adorned with lacquer panels, fine marquetry and Lalique glass. Guests enjoy signature cocktails in a refined, intimate atmosphere accompanied by the music of the resident pianist, making it a perfect place for conversation and relaxation. A true symbol of 1920s glamour, it embodies the timeless sophistication of this legendary train.

Impressions

Frequently asked questions

It is still possible to travel on the Orient Express today, though only on the modern Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express and no longer on the original historic train. The service uses original, preserved and restored carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, which operate on selected routes – particularly on classic routes such as Paris–Venice, as well as on individual special journeys as far as Istanbul. The former Orient Express no longer exists as a regular scheduled service.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an international luxury train comprising restored original carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, which operates on selected European routes. On board are historic sleeping cars, Art Deco-style dining cars and a bar car, offering a classic night train travel experience with on-board staff and overnight accommodation. The luxury train operates on classic routes such as Paris–Venice and supplements these with selected special journeys as far as Istanbul.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers several clearly defined travel options on selected European luxury train routes:
Paris – Venice: The classic and regularly scheduled main route across the Alps, usually as a night journey.
Venice – Paris: The reverse direction of the classic Alpine route, with identical rolling stock and service concept.
Venice – Amsterdam: A northbound route through Central Europe with stops in major European cities.
Paris – Florence: A southern variant with a destination in Tuscany, with a cultural focus.
Paris – Istanbul: A rarely offered long-distance special journey through Central and South-Eastern Europe with several stages.
These routes are not operated according to a fixed timetable, but as selected, scheduled luxury train journeys.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express connects a selection of historically significant European cities, which serve as starting points, destinations or stops along the various itineraries. Among the most important cities are Paris and Venice, which act as the main departure and arrival points. In addition, various routes call at cities such as Amsterdam, Florence, Budapest, Vienna and Prague. On the rarely offered long-distance route, Istanbul is the historic final destination.