Orient Express tickets: What You Need to Know Before You Book

When people talk about Orient Express, a historic luxury train service that connected Paris to Istanbul, famous for its elegance and mystery. Also known as Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, it’s not just a train—it’s a moving hotel, a piece of history, and a rare chance to travel like the elite of the 1920s. Unlike India’s crowded rail network, where you book tickets for a seat or berth, the Orient Express sells entire cabins with private bathrooms, fine dining, and staff who remember your name. It’s not about getting from A to B. It’s about the journey itself.

Many travelers confuse the Orient Express with regular long-distance trains in Europe or even India’s Palace on Wheels. But they’re not the same. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the modern version operated by Belmond, runs seasonal routes between London, Paris, Venice, and Prague, and tickets start at over $3,000 per person for a one-way trip. You’re not just paying for a ride—you’re paying for crystal chandeliers, hand-painted woodwork, and meals cooked by Michelin-trained chefs. In contrast, India’s luxury trains, like the Palace on Wheels or Maharajas’ Express, offer similar opulence but across Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle. They’re more affordable, easier to book, and deeply tied to Indian culture. But the Orient Express? It feels like stepping into a Agatha Christie novel.

Why do people still want Orient Express tickets in 2025? Because it’s one of the last places where time slows down. No screens. No rush. Just slow sips of champagne as the Alps roll by. You can’t book these tickets on a mobile app like you would an Indian train. You call a specialist, choose your cabin (there are only 34 suites on the whole train), and wait months for availability. Even then, you’re not guaranteed a spot during peak season. If you’re thinking of booking, know this: the experience is curated, not commoditized. You don’t just buy a ticket—you join a legacy.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t guides to booking the Orient Express itself—because it doesn’t run through India. But you’ll find real, practical advice on luxury train travel in Asia, how to compare it with Indian heritage rail journeys, and whether spending thousands on a train ride is worth it. You’ll see how travelers in South India plan their own slow journeys, how budget travelers in Thailand stretch their dollars, and why some choose a five-star train over a five-star hotel. These aren’t just travel tips. They’re stories from people who’ve asked the same question: Is this experience worth the price? And what does luxury really mean when you’re moving across continents, one window view at a time?