Orient Express cost: How much does the luxury train journey really cost?

When you hear Orient Express, a legendary luxury train service connecting Europe’s iconic cities with opulent cabins, fine dining, and vintage charm. Also known as Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, it’s not just a train—it’s a moving palace from another era. The Orient Express cost isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s paying for history, craftsmanship, and an experience that feels more like a five-star hotel on rails than a standard trip. You’re not buying a ticket—you’re buying a story.

What makes the Orient Express so expensive? It’s the details. Think hand-carved wood paneling, crystal glassware, white-glove service, and meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. A single night on board can run anywhere from $3,000 to over $10,000, depending on the route, season, and cabin type. The most popular route—London to Venice—often costs $7,000 or more for a twin cabin. Compare that to luxury train travel, high-end rail experiences like India’s Palace on Wheels or the United States’ California Zephyr, and you’ll see the Orient Express sits at the very top. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about exclusivity. Only a few hundred people ride it each year, and bookings open months in advance.

Some travelers wonder if it’s worth it. If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping champagne as the Alps roll by, or waking up in a 1920s cabin with silk curtains and a butler knocking at your door, then yes—it’s worth every penny. But if you’re looking for value, there are cheaper alternatives. For example, train journey prices, including India’s luxury trains like the Maharajas’ Express, offer similar grandeur at a fraction of the cost. Still, nothing matches the Orient Express’s legacy. It’s the only train that inspired books, films, and decades of romanticized travel stories.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world insights into how luxury train travel works—whether you’re comparing the Orient Express to other global routes, understanding what’s included in the price, or learning how to book without overpaying. You’ll also see how train journeys in places like India and the U.S. stack up, and why some travelers choose them over flying first class. No fluff. Just clear facts, honest comparisons, and the kind of details you won’t find on a brochure.