How Much Does It Cost on the Orient Express? A Real Look at Luxury Train Prices

The first thing everyone asks: how much does a ride on the Orient Express actually cost? If you’re picturing old movies and clinking champagne glasses, you’re pretty close—this train is all about over-the-top luxury, and the price tag matches.

Here’s the quick answer: even the cheapest one-night trips on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express usually start at around £3,700 (roughly $4,600) per person. That’s for a twin cabin on the most basic London to Venice journey. Want a swanky suite with a private bathroom? Get ready for £7,200 and up (yep, over $9,000 per person). If you want the Grand Suite—the kind with a double bed, a private lounge, and marble bathroom—you’ll hand over £15,000 or more.

But the fare isn’t just for the bed. You’re paying for fancy meals, top-notch service, and an experience that’s unlike anything else on rails. Before you roll your eyes at those prices, remember: this isn’t just a way to get from A to B. It’s more like a rolling five-star hotel mixed with a dress-up party and a Michelin-star dining event. And yes, some folks book it years in advance just for a special birthday or anniversary.

• Ticket Prices: What You’ll Actually Pay
• What’s Included (and What Isn’t)
• Extra Costs and Smart Tips
• Best Time to Book for Value

Ticket Prices: What You’ll Actually Pay

If you’re thinking about booking the Orient Express, let’s break down what you’re really looking at in terms of cost. First off, prices swing a lot based on the type of cabin, the route, and time of year. Here’s a real example: for the classic London to Venice trip, a standard twin cabin starts at about £3,700 per person (that’s around $4,600). These prices aren’t just for a bed—they cover a one-night experience with all the bells and whistles you’d expect on a luxury train.

If you’re into a little more space, the suites bump the rate to about £7,200 ($9,000) per person. And those eye-popping Grand Suites? You’re looking at £15,000 and up ($19,000+). Some of the longer or less popular routes might cost less, but don’t expect wild discounts—the brand’s all about exclusivity.

Not all journeys are the same. For example, if you want to go beyond Venice—think Paris to Istanbul or bespoke routes across Europe—prices climb even higher, especially for multi-night trips. Some of these bucket-list journeys sell out up to two years in advance, especially the legendary once-a-year Paris to Istanbul route, which can hit £20,000 per person for a Grand Suite.

A good tip: prices on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express calendar fluctuate with the season. April and October tend to be cheaper than the July and August high season. If you’re flexible, booking just outside the main tourist rush can save you hundreds, even on this famous luxury train.

Taxes and fees are almost always baked into the ticket price, but any upgrades or special extras (like private transfers) can add to your total. No surprises—but also no discounts for being last-minute or hoping for off-season bargains. Tickets have to be bought well in advance, especially if you want a suite or larger cabin.

What’s Included (and What Isn’t)

People hear about the Orient Express and expect every cool perk is in the price, but there are some details you should know before you start dreaming about nonstop champagne.

Here’s what you get as standard on most trips:

• Your cabin or suite (the level of comfort depends big-time on which option you book).
• Full meals prepared by top chefs—think three-course lunches and four-course dinners. These are not microwave deals. Menus change by route but you’ll always get both classic and local stuff. Breakfast (served in your cabin) and afternoon tea are included too.
• Coffee, tea, and bottled water in the cabins as you go.
• Access to the train’s famous bar car, music, and (if you’re lucky) some after-dinner piano singalongs with fellow travelers—everyone dresses up, but the vibe is more fun than stuffy.
• 24-hour cabin steward service. No joke, someone in a sharp suit will bring whatever you want—within reason—whenever you ask.

But even with those prices, plenty is not part of your ticket. Here’s what you should budget for:

• Alcohol. A single cocktail in the bar car can run €20-€30. Wine at dinner is extra unless you book a Grand Suite (then some premium stuff is included).
• Off-train excursions—those walking tours or day trips sometimes mentioned in brochures do cost extra, and you pay per activity.
• Tips. While not technically required, most people leave about €50-€100 per guest for the staff at the end.
• Some routes don’t include the journey to the starting point or after you finish (like getting from Venice’s station to your hotel). You cover taxis, flights, and so on.

Want a peek at what’s typically included vs not? Here’s a super basic breakdown for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:

If you’re going to drop thousands on a luxury train adventure, it helps to know exactly what you’ll get (and still need to shell out for). No one likes surprise bills on a dream trip.

Extra Costs and Smart Tips

It’s easy to think your Orient Express ticket covers everything, but there are a few extras you’ll need to factor in when planning your luxury train journey. Drinks like champagne, cocktails, or even a glass of wine? Those are almost always charged separately. A bottle of decent champagne can run you over €200, and fancy cocktails are usually €20 to €30 each.

If you want to look the part at dinner, there’s an official dress code for evening meals. Renting or buying a tux or a glamorous outfit can be another sneaky expense. Laundry and pressing services are offered onboard, but they’re not cheap either—think €20 to clean a shirt.

Transfers to and from the train station aren’t included. In Venice, for example, private water taxis from Santa Lucia station to your hotel can cost €70 or more. Luggage service is covered for a standard suitcase, but if you have extra bags, that’s another charge.

• Want to try the legendary caviar service? That’s an add-on you’ll see on the dinner menu, and it usually comes with a jaw-dropping price tag.
• City excursions or guided tours at stops aren’t always in your fare either. Booking through the train operator can be convenient but pricier than arranging your own.

A quick tip: book well in advance for the best cabin choice and flat-out cheaper prices—fares climb the closer you get to departure. If you’re flexible, going during shoulder seasons like April or November often means better deals. Traveling solo? You’ll likely pay a single supplement, so bringing a companion is usually more cost-effective.

If you want to splurge on a Grand Suite, know that special requests (like a birthday cake or private cocktail party) can be arranged for a fee—just ask when you book. And don’t forget, tipping the staff is expected at the end of your journey. Most people leave €50-€100 per person for stellar service.

The bottom line? Budget for at least a few hundred extra euros when planning your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express trip, especially if you want to enjoy the best of what’s on board.

Best Time to Book for Value

If you’re serious about riding the Orient Express and want the best value, timing matters. These journeys book up fast, especially for popular routes like London to Venice or the classic Paris run. The sweet spot for booking? Experts say at least 8 to 12 months in advance for peak season dates. For trips between April and June and again from September to October (the most popular periods), some dates sell out more than a year ahead.

If you’re flexible, look for departures in July or August. These summer dates aren’t as packed, and fares can be a bit lower—sometimes by as much as 10-15%. November and March also bring slightly better deals, but the vibe is chillier and there’s less of that glamorous "season" buzz on board. Here’s a quick look at price trends across the year:

Got your heart set on a luxury train suite or a Grand Suite? Book as soon as possible—some suites get snapped up up to two years in advance, especially during big events like the Venice Carnival or holidays.

Pro tip: sign up for the train’s email alerts. Every now and then, there’s a last-minute cancellation, and if you’re quick, you could score a cabin that would’ve been gone for months. Also, check for deals in January—sometimes the operator quietly releases flash sales for select routes.

Bottom line: if you want better prices, aim for off-peak months, avoid holidays, and don’t wait around if you see a date that works—these trips rarely get cheaper closer to departure. If you dream of living that Venice Simplon-Orient-Express fantasy, early birds definitely get the gilded seat.