How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Orient Express in 2026?

When you think of the Orient Express, you probably picture a golden-age train gliding through snow-dusted Alps, silk curtains drawn, a butler bringing champagne at dusk. But here’s the real question: how much does it cost on the Orient Express today?

The answer isn’t simple. You’re not just paying for a train ride. You’re buying a piece of history, a five-star hotel on rails, and an experience that few can afford - let alone remember. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the only operating version of the original, charges between $4,500 and $25,000 per person for a single journey. Yes, you read that right. Twenty-five grand. And that’s for a one-way trip.

What You Actually Get for the Price

Let’s break it down. A basic cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice in 2026 starts at $4,500. That includes:

• A private cabin with a toilet and sink (no showers - those are shared)
• All meals, including multi-course dinners with wine pairings
• 24/7 cabin service by a personal attendant
• Access to the bar car and observation lounge
• Onboard entertainment like live piano music

But that’s the entry point. If you upgrade to a Grand Suite - which is basically a moving penthouse - you’re looking at $18,000 to $25,000. These suites have real beds (not convertibles), full bathrooms with marble showers, private butlers, and even vintage toiletries from Parisian perfumers. The wood paneling is original 1920s mahogany. The linens? 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton. The champagne? Krug or Dom Pérignon, depending on the season.

Why It’s So Expensive

It’s not just about the train. It’s about the labor. Each train has 45 staff members for 70 passengers. That’s one staff member for every 1.5 guests. You’re not riding a train. You’re being pampered by a small army of chefs, valets, and concierges who work in shifts across three countries.

The carriages themselves are restored from the 1920s and 1930s. They were pulled from museums, shipped to Europe, and painstakingly rebuilt. The windows are hand-blown glass. The carpets are woven to match original patterns. The lighting? Antique brass fixtures with real candles (LEDs are hidden underneath for safety). Every detail was chosen by historians, not designers.

And the routes? They don’t run daily. You can’t just book a ticket for next Tuesday. The train runs only 120 days a year. Most routes are seasonal: spring to autumn, with a few winter trips to Vienna or Prague. Demand outstrips supply by 10 to 1. A single Grand Suite can sell out 18 months in advance.

Real Cost Breakdown: A Sample Journey

Take the classic London to Venice route - 2 nights, 1,300 miles. Here’s what a 2026 booking looks like:

And yes - all prices include meals, drinks (wine, spirits, soft drinks), and gratuities. No hidden fees. No tipping required. That’s rare in luxury travel.

What’s Not Included

Here’s where people get surprised:

• Flights - You have to get to the departure station yourself. London’s Victoria Station isn’t cheap to reach from New Zealand.
• Pre- or post-stay hotels - Most travelers book a night before and after. A five-star hotel in Venice or London costs $800-$1,500 a night.
• Optional excursions - Like a private tour of the Doge’s Palace in Venice. That’s $300 extra.
• Travel insurance - Especially if you’re flying halfway across the world. This isn’t covered.

So if you’re planning a full trip, budget at least $10,000-$30,000 total. That’s not just the train - it’s the whole experience.

Who Actually Rides It?

It’s not just billionaires. Sure, some are. But you’ll also find couples celebrating 50th anniversaries, retired executives who saved for decades, and even a few young couples who sold their cars and took out loans. One couple from Sydney paid for their honeymoon by renting out their home for six months. Another, a professor from Berlin, sold his vintage watch collection.

The common thread? They didn’t just want a vacation. They wanted a memory that would last longer than a photo album.

Is It Worth It?

Some people say it’s overpriced. Others say it’s priceless.

Think of it this way: you can fly from London to Venice in 2 hours for $200. But you’ll forget the flight by next week. The Orient Express? You’ll still be telling stories about it when you’re 80. The clink of crystal glasses in the dining car. The way the snow outside turns the world silver as you sip wine. The silence of the train at 3 a.m., rolling through the Alps, no lights, no noise - just the rhythm of the rails.

It’s not transportation. It’s theater. It’s nostalgia made real. And in a world of TikTok trends and fast flights, that kind of slow luxury is rarer than ever.

When to Book - And When to Avoid

Book at least 12 months ahead. The train releases its schedule in January each year. The first 20% of cabins sell in the first 48 hours. If you wait, you’ll be stuck with the least desirable dates - like midweek in November, when the weather’s gray and the leaves are gone.

Avoid booking during holidays. Christmas and New Year’s trips cost 60% more. And skip the summer months if you hate crowds. The most romantic time? Late September. The leaves are turning. The crowds are gone. The wine is at its peak.

Alternatives - If You Can’t Afford It

If $20,000 is out of reach, don’t give up. There are other luxury trains with similar charm:

• Belmond Royal Scotsman - Scotland’s wilderness, 7-day trips from $6,000
• Eastern & Oriental Express - Thailand to Singapore, from $4,000
• The Canadian - Vancouver to Toronto, 4-day journey, from $3,500

They’re not the Orient Express. But they’re close. And they still come with fine dining, attentive staff, and views you won’t find on a plane.

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a 1920s novel - where time slows, luxury is quiet, and every detail matters - the Orient Express still exists. It’s not just a train. It’s a time machine. And yes, it costs a fortune. But for those who’ve saved, planned, and waited - it’s worth every penny.