The Venice Simplon, famously known as the Orient Express, demonstrates that sometimes the journey can be more legendary than the destination itself. This European train line boasts a filmography longer than some Hollywood stars, having served as the setting for numerous famous films, including the 1974 classic “Murder on the Orient Express” and its 2017 remake. According to SNCF Groupe, the current Orient Express is modeled on the original concept by Belgian engineer Georges Nagelmackers, who was inspired to create a luxury version of an American Pullman train after experiencing one in the U.S. in 1868. Dubbed “the king of trains and the train of kings” by the affluent of its time, the Orient Express debuted on October 4, 1883, featuring indicators of upper-class luxury such as private cabins, silk sheets, exquisite crystal and silverware, marble bath fixtures, and several train cars serving as lounges.
The key term here is luxury, and if you wish to ride the Orient Express in 2025, be prepared for a hefty price. Even within the already costly realm of this luxury hotel on wheels, there are varying tiers based on cabin size and guest capacity that can make the expense even more astronomical.
Why the cheapest tickets to ride the Orient-Express aren’t cheap
Although the Orient Express doesn’t travel to the most expensive destinations in Europe, any journey it takes you on will likely be one of the most costly rides you’ve ever experienced. As per Luxury Train Tickets, the base rate per traveler for a standard Twin Cabin — art deco style rooms that can be transformed by staff into private lounges by day and twin bedrooms by night — starts at $3,600 per person. Depending on your destination, the price rises. For instance, a one-way trip from Prague to Paris in a Twin Cabin costs approximately $5,109 per person, while continuing from Paris to Istanbul in a Twin Cabin would cost $23,532 per person. Remember, this represents the lowest tier of travel on the Orient Express.
The next tier, a Cabin Suite — twice the size with a bedroom and lounge — begins at $11,699 per guest, but similar to the Twin Cabin, prices soar based on the destination, reaching a maximum of around $51,099 per person if you were to take the journey from Paris to Istanbul.
To put this in perspective, an adult Eurail Global pass with three months of unlimited travel throughout Europe would cost $1,099 per person. For those who aren’t part of the elite but enjoy the idea of train travel through Europe, this is a great way to save money while on vacation.
Here’s how the mid-tier tickets compare
According to Luxury Train Tickets, the Grand Suite starts at a base rate of $10,350 per person. Like other tiers, this ticket includes a continental breakfast, a three-course lunch or brunch, a four-course dinner, and champagne. There are only six Grand Suites available on the Express at any time, each with its own unique theme and design. This ticket also covers a dedicated steward for you, who can serve the aforementioned champagne while you travel. Each suite is named after a destination the Orient Express covers, including some European cities with tourist traps that could drain your finances.
While this is the starting rate per traveler, like other tiers, the destination also affects the ticket cost. A one-way trip from Paris to Istanbul in a Grand Suite costs $84,638 USD per person. Additionally, demand for accommodations impacts prices, with all levels of travel on the Orient Express requiring a 25% advance deposit of the ticket cost. In other words, to book a ride in a Grand Suite, you must have anywhere from $2,588 to approximately $21,160 per person ready as a deposit to secure your trip. For a more budget-friendly getaway, learn how to find and book an affordable flight to Europe, then save your budget by vacationing in a cheap European city where a beer costs less than two dollars.
This is why the l’Observatoire Private Carriage is for the rich
The pinnacle of luxury train travel on the Orient Express is difficult for the average traveler to comprehend. The original concept of the l’Observatoire Private Carriage emerged in April 2024 during one of the art world’s renowned art fairs, the Venice Biennale, when the private carriage was introduced with a skylight for star-gazing during the ride. Hence, the name l’Observatoire, French for the Observatory, an astronomical reference for a place dedicated to the study of stars. With a design reminiscent of the Renaissance era, features include stained glass and artisanal design surrounding a double bed, bathroom, and tub, lounge, personal library — which aligns with reading being one of the daily habits of the world’s wealthiest individuals — a hidden tearoom for enjoying your reading, and a wardrobe closet. This carriage was officially added to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train as of March 2025.
The million-dollar question is, of course, how much this luxury will cost you. According to Luxury Train Club ticket information for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the L’Observatoire Suite costs £80,000 per person, equivalent to $107,445 as of June 2025, making it undoubtedly more expensive than another one of the world’s most extravagant train rides and tourist attractions in Europe.
