Orient Express Cost: How Much for the Ultimate Luxury Train Experience?
May, 21 2025
The myth of the Orient Express is strong—murder mysteries, champagne, and tuxedos, right? But if you’re looking up prices, you want more than a fantasy. Here’s the truth: a ticket on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (the main route people mean when they say "Orient Express" these days) isn’t just pricey—it makes most luxury hotels feel cheap.
For a classic one-night journey from London to Venice, you’re looking at a minimum of around €3,500 per person for a twin cabin. Want to go all out and book a Grand Suite with its own private bathroom, lounging area, and space to really stretch out? That’ll hit somewhere between €7,000 and €10,000 per person. And that’s just for the main route. Other trips, like Paris-Istanbul (which takes several days), can be much more—think €20,000 per person or more for top suites.
This isn’t just a train ticket. You’re paying for the nostalgia, the gourmet meals, the hour spent sipping drinks at the famous bar car, and the bragging rights. Most people on board aren’t ultra-rich; it’s usually people who saved up for years for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—birthdays, anniversaries, or finally checking the Orient Express off their list after talking about it for ages.
- The Reality of Orient Express Ticket Prices
- What’s Included When You Pay
- Extra Costs That Catch People Off Guard
- Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Luxury
- What Makes It Worth the Price (Or Not)
The Reality of Orient Express Ticket Prices
So, how much do you actually pay to ride the Orient Express? Here’s the no-nonsense answer: prices start high and go even higher depending on what you’re after. For the classic London to Venice route, the lowest fares in a standard twin cabin are around €3,500 to €4,000 per person for one night. That’s the baseline, and things ramp up fast if you want more space or perks.
Think about the next level up—suites. A Cabin Suite (that’s two interconnecting cabins, basically your own living space and sleeping area) usually falls between €7,000 and €9,000 per person. Now, if you really want to splash out, Grand Suites are on a different level. Each has a private marble bathroom, large double beds, and lounge space. These start at around €8,500 per person for the shortest trips, but on longer or more exclusive routes, you could see prices hit €14,000 or even €20,000 each. Prices change every year, and the more desirable the season and route, the more you pay.
Want to see how different journeys stack up? Here’s a quick look:
| Route | Standard Twin Cabin (per person) | Grand Suite (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| London-Venice (1 night) | €3,500 – €4,000 | €8,500 – €10,500 |
| Paris-Vienna (1 night) | €4,200 | €9,900 – €12,000 |
| Paris-Istanbul (5 nights) | €18,000+ | €40,000+ |
One important thing: every cabin price is always per person, based on two people sharing. Traveling solo? Be ready to pay nearly double or find a friend who’s up for it. Most of the time, tickets sell out months (sometimes a year) ahead, so there’s not much room for last-minute deals—unless you get very lucky.
This is one trip where saving up for a while is pretty normal, unless you’re the type who doesn’t blink at the cost of a small car for a few nights of luxury. Look out for short trips or less popular dates if you want to keep the price lower, but don’t expect a steal. The Orient Express lives up to its reputation, both in style and in sticker shock.
What’s Included When You Pay
When you look at the price tag, you want to know exactly what you’re getting for your money. The Orient Express covers a lot, so it’s not just a fancy seat on a train. Here’s what’s actually included in your fare:
- Private cabin or suite for the duration of the trip (cabins get turned into beds with crisp sheets at night)
- All meals on board: a three-course brunch, an afternoon tea, and a full four-course dinner (think lobster, caviar, and classics like beef Wellington)
- Coffee, teas, and bottled water in your cabin
- Dedicated cabin steward, always on call (yes, really 24/7)
- Access to the art-deco bar car and piano lounge (lots of people say this is the real highlight)
- Basic toiletries and amenities—soap, towel, slippers
- Transfers between the train and hotels/city centers on selected journeys
Alcoholic drinks, like the signature Bellini, are not covered unless you opt for one of the top suites, which sometimes include a basic minibar and premium spirits. Laundry, off-train tours, and tipping are on you, too.
If you’re not sure if it lives up to the hype, hear it from the experts. As Mark Smith (“The Man in Seat 61”), a trusted train travel guru, puts it:
“You’re buying into the story as much as the journey—you get silver service, old-school glamour, and food that honestly rivals top restaurants.”
Here’s a breakdown of the core inclusions by cabin type for the most common routes:
| Cabin Level | Food & Drink | Private Bathroom | On-Call Steward | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin/Single Cabin | All meals, tea/coffee | Shared facilities | Yes | Turndown service |
| Suite | All meals, tea/coffee, basic minibar | Private en-suite | Yes | Priority boarding, welcome gift |
| Grand Suite | All meals, spirits, free-flowing champagne | Private bathtub & shower | Yes | Private transfers, luxury toiletries |
Bottom line: food, service, and the setting are all top notch. But don’t expect bottomless wine unless you’re in a Grand Suite—or willing to pay extra.
Extra Costs That Catch People Off Guard
People see the eye-watering ticket prices for the Orient Express and think that covers it all. Not quite. The price gets you loads—meals, your cabin, and afternoon tea. But there are a bunch of sneaky extras that first-timers don’t expect. Here’s a clear look at where you can get nickeled and dimed, even on the fanciest train trip in Europe.
- Drinks are not all-inclusive. Your ticket covers soft drinks, tea, and coffee at set meals, but order a glass of bubbly or fancy cocktail in the bar car, and you’ll see a bill. Cocktails usually start at €20-€25 each, and top champagnes go for €40 a glass. Even a basic bottle of wine with dinner can hit €60 and up.
- Off-train excursions cost extra. Stopping in Venice, Budapest, or Vienna? Basic walking tours are sometimes included, but helicopter rides, guided food trips, or special opera tickets can add hundreds more per person.
- Transfers to and from the train are on you. The train stops at classic stations, but you’re in charge of getting to the departure platform and then from the final station to your hotel. Depending on location, private transfers or car service can easily tack on another €150–€300.
- Dress code—think wardrobe upgrades. Formal evenings are a big deal and you’ll feel out of place without proper attire. Renting or buying a tuxedo or fancy dress can be its own mini expense, especially for couples or families.
- Tips for staff are expected. While staff service is amazing, a recommended tip of around €50-€100 per passenger isn’t built into the fare.
To make it super clear, here’s a quick breakdown of common extras on the Orient Express:
| Item/Service | Typical Price Range (€) |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic Drinks (per glass) | 20 - 40 |
| Bottle of Wine (basic) | 60 - 150 |
| Special Excursions | 100 - 500 |
| Private Transfers (station-hotel) | 150 - 300 |
| Dress Hire/Formal Wear | 75 - 500 |
| Staff Tips (per passenger) | 50 - 100 |
If you’re budgeting, add at least €500-€1000 per person to cover the most common extras. Nobody wants surprise charges ruining their trip—planning for these extras keeps the experience special and stress-free.
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Luxury
Everyone knows the Orient Express isn’t cheap, but there are legit ways to make it less of a wallet-buster—without missing out on what makes it special.
- Book Early: Tickets open for sale up to a year in advance. The lowest fares, especially for the classic twin cabins, usually go first. Waiting for last-minute deals? Forget it; they pretty much never happen with this train.
- Travel Off-Peak: Prices drop in the shoulder seasons—think March or November. You get almost the same experience, but it might be quieter and hundreds (sometimes over a thousand) euros cheaper per ticket compared to peak months like June or September.
- Pick a Shorter Journey: The London-Paris or Venice-Verona route is way more affordable than a multi-night adventure to Istanbul. You still get the fancy train, but you pay less for fewer meals and nights.
- Start or End in Paris: It’s usually cheaper to board in Paris rather than London since it skips the Eurostar segment (and the British leg adds special logistics and extra costs).
- Share a Cabin: Bringing a travel buddy cuts the cost by almost half per person instead of booking a single private ticket.
If you're looking for ballpark numbers, here’s a quick look at ticket prices by route and season:
| Route | Season | Lowest Twin Cabin per Person | Grand Suite per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| London to Venice | March/Nov | €3,500 | €7,500 |
| London to Venice | June/Sept | €5,000 | €10,000 |
| Paris to Vienna | March | €2,800 | €6,500 |
| Paris to Istanbul | Peak | €10,000+ | €20,000+ |
One last thing—keep an eye on official promotions from Belmond (the company running the train). Sometimes they toss in a free hotel night before or after the journey, or a special upgrade if you book certain dates. Actual discounts are rare as unicorns but extra perks pop up now and then. Always check their website or ask a travel agent who specializes in trains. If someone promises you a "crazy flash sale" on the Orient Express, walk away—scams are everywhere for tickets this expensive.
What Makes It Worth the Price (Or Not)
The big question: is riding the Orient Express actually worth the jaw-dropping cost? There’s a reason people keep coming back, even when the bill makes your wallet sweat. The train itself is a piece of history. The carriages are originals from the 1920s and 30s, the actual Art Deco stuff you’ve seen in movies and old photos. Each car has been restored with crazy attention to detail—oak panels, hand-cut marquetry, and even vintage call buttons for service.
Meals here aren’t just about eating—they’re events. You’ll get a four-course dinner cooked by chefs who’ve worked in Michelin-starred places. Picture silver cutlery, crystal glasses, and changing outfits just to make dinner feel even more special (there’s a dress code, so pack a jacket and tie or a dress). And breakfast, with fresh pastries and coffee delivered to your cabin by your own steward, somehow makes a cramped train compartment feel like a five-star hotel suite.
Service is next-level. Personal stewards are on hand 24/7, and you really can ask for almost anything—from room adjustments to another round of cocktails from the famous bar car. The staff remember your name, your drink order, and even the way you like your eggs. It feels like stepping into a different era, even if you’re glued to your phone trying to get the perfect Instagram shot.
- You get all meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and even midnight snacks).
- All drinks outside of the premium wine and rare spirits at the bar are included with the top suites.
- Private cabins or suites, each with their unique historical quirks.
- Special events, like live piano in the bar car or stops in postcard-worthy towns. On longer trips, you might get off for a dinner or museum tour included in the fare.
What isn’t so great? The price is steep for what’s basically 24-48 hours on a train. The standard twin cabins are small—think old cruise ship levels of "cozy." You’ll need to splurge for a suite if you want a private shower and a bit more comfort. Plus, you’ll have to buy your own drinks in the bar car (unless you’re in a grand suite), and there’s always a push to buy pricey souvenirs. If you’re hoping for luxury in the modern sense—marble bathrooms, king beds, WiFi everywhere—you might actually be happier (and richer) after a week at a top hotel instead.
If you’re all about the experience, the bragging rights, and ticking something legendary off your bucket list, the cost has a way of making sense. For everyone else, it’s a wild splurge that’ll leave either amazing memories or the urge to triple-check your bank statement.