How to Travel the Orient Express

Orient Express
Photo by Michal Matlon on Unsplash

The Orient Express is an iconic train you can get on if you want a unique romantic journey. It will transport you to simpler times but it also costs a lot. Here’s how you can get a ride on the Orient Express today.

The Last Ride

The Orient Express was a train that went from Paris in France to Constantinople in Turkey (today’s Istanbul). Its service started in 1889, and it had its last journey in 2009. That’s right, it’s not possible to travel the original Orient Express anymore.

VSOE

However, if you want to enjoy a unique experience and can pay for it, you can ride The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), a private train consisting of restored carriages from the beginning of the 20th century. It’s an experience like no else.

The Price

How much does it cost? One full ride that only happens once a year and goes from Paris to Istanbul costs from £15,000 to £50,000. There are some rides for much less, like the Geneva-Innsbruck line for £1,700, but that’s still a lot for many people. It’s a luxurious ride with a matching price tag. If you’re interested, it’s best to check the prices and book through the official website.