The moment the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express comes to mind, people tend to think of its gleaming brass, fine linens and the kind of old-world glamour that used to be the hallmark of luxury train travel. But this is no ordinary train journey across Europe, it’s the world’s most famous luxury train and the gold standard of high-end travel on rails.
Operated by Belmond, the Venice Simplon train is a nostalgic trip back in time to the golden age of rail travel. It is made up of beautifully restored 1920s carriages that have been lovingly detailed with Art Deco and paired with the kind of impeccable service that’s reminiscent of the Orient Express in its prime. Wherever your journey starts—Paris, Vienna, Venice or even Istanbul—every single route is a living tribute to the romance of the original Orient Express.
So what makes these luxury train journeys so special and how do the various routes compare to one another? In this article, we’re going to break each route down for you and go over the prices.
Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: The World’s Most Iconic Luxury Train
Before we take a look at the different routes the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels to, it’s worth understanding what makes this experience so unique. It’s not just a typical train trip—it’s where history comes alive, with real sleeping car accommodations ranging from a classic twin room to the iconic, luxury Grand Suite.
This is a train where you can walk the corridors with a sense that you’re walking through history. Every carriage has been meticulously restored to keep its original features—intricate woodwork, etched glass and marquetry. It’s no wonder that Murder on the Orient Express remains such a enduring presence, adding a thread of intrigue to every corridor.
On board, each and every guest has a personal steward who will take care of their cabin, pour champagne, and make the journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express feel light and easy. This is more than just a train ride, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
Paris to Venice: The Classic Route
The Paris to Venice route—or the Venice to Paris route—is probably the most famous of them all. It’s the one that people more often than not picture when they think of the Orient Express, and its easy to see why that is.
Leaving Paris behind, the Orient Express train takes you cruising smoothly through the French countryside, then through the Simplon Tunnel and into the heart of Switzerland’s mountains. Along the way you can enjoy lunch in the elegant restaurant car, and by evening the bar car is humming with lively chatter as the piano plays softly in the background and guests get ready for dinner—often embracing the glamour of the 1920s style.
After a leisurely multi-course meal, your cabin or suite is transformed into a comfortable bedroom for the night—and trust us, you’ll sleep soundly night on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. By morning, you’ll find yourself in northern Italy, whether it’s Verona or Venice—depending on the specific itinerary.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Prices in 2025
When you’re researching the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express prices, it’s worth keeping in mind that this is the pinnacle of luxury in luxury rail travel. There’s no doubt the prices reflect that.
For 2025, prices vary depending on the route length, the time of year, and what accommodation you choose. There’s a classic twin cabin with traditional double or twin beds and a shared bathroom experience, or newer ensuite options that provide a bit more privacy. But for many travellers, it’s the authentic experience of the vintage carriages that makes it all worthwhile.
At the other end of the scale, the six Grand Suites are the ultimate indulgence, each one is individually themed around cities like Paris, Istanbul or Venice. And with a Grand Suite you get a fixed in place double bed, marble bathroom all to yourself, lounge area, and even your own dining space. The prices do vary from time to time, but the experience itself always comes out on top of the train fares in Europe—not just a ticket for a trip, but a luxury train experience.
| Route | Historic Twin | Suite | Grand Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam – Venice | £4,275 | £10,625 | £13,530 |
| Brussels – Venice | £4,275 | £10,625 | £13,530 |
| Paris – Venice | £3,885 / from £3,530 | £7,985 / £7,260 | £11,180 / £11,180 |
| Venice – Paris | £3,530 / £3,885 | £7,260 / £7,985 | £11,180 |
| Paris – Budapest | £4,275 | £8,785 | £12,300 |
| Geneva – Venice | £3,885 | £8,785 | £13,530 |
| Lyon – Venice | £3,885 | £7,985 | £11,180 |
| Paris – Prague | £3,885 | £7,985 | £11,180 |
| Budapest – Paris | £4,275 | £8,785 | £12,300 |
| Istanbul – Paris (5-night with hotels) | £17,500 | £38,000 | £58,000 |
Paris to Vienna, Budapest & Prague: Central Europe
Beyond Italy, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express takes you deeper into Western Europe on a series of enchanting routes through Central Europe. Paris to Vienna and Paris to Prague are two of the most popular routes for those who want to experience culture and old-world luxury.
These journeys often include stops or onward routes linking Vienna and Budapest, or continuing on towards Prague. It’s like you’re reading the history book of Europe, with grand gothic architecture, imperial palaces, and riverside views forming the backdrop.
The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the dining car, sipping a glass of wine in the bar car, and watching the countryside drift lazily by from the comfort of your suite.
Paris to Istanbul: The Legendary Orient Express Route
If there’s one route that embodies the very essence of the Orient Express mythology, it’s Paris to Istanbul. This journey takes travellers from the heart of Western Europe to the very edges of East and West, capturing the same sense of old-world glamour as the original Orient Express.
The multi-day ride passes through Vienna and Budapest—or sometimes it’s Budapest and then Vienna—before finally coming to a stop in Istanbul, a destination that feels like the ultimate reward at the end of the line. For many, it’s the ultimate embodiment of the Orient Express experience.
A night on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on this route is just magical. As the train crosses each border, you get the feeling that this is a journey, not just a means to get from one destination to another—which is exactly what makes it so special. For many of us, few experiences come close to rivalling this one.
Florence, Verona, and Beyond: Exploring the Italian Variations on the Journey
Not all itineraries start and end in Paris, some take you on a journey from Florence to Paris or Paris to Verona, linking Italy’s rich cultural heritage with France. These routes give you a taste of Italy’s rich history and culture before stepping aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the return north—which, of course, is the main event.
Whether you arrive in Verona or Venice, the transition between historic city and luxury train is seamless, and the feeling that the journey itself is just as amazing as where you’re going is never far from your mind.
Onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Cabins, Grand Suites, and Service
What makes the journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express so special is largely down to the accommodation, which is to say the cabin, suite or even Grand Suite that you choose to stay in. Classic twin cabins transform from daytime seating areas into comfy double or twin beds at night, while newer suites offer a permanent bed and private en-suite bathroom.
Then there are the six Grand Suites, which take luxury to a whole new level, offering space, privacy, and bespoke service that’s second to none. Whatever your choice, rest assured your steward will be on hand, catering to your every whim.
And then, of course, there’s the food—always served on crisp white linen with gleaming silverware—and free-flowing champagne. No wonder this train is the ultimate luxury experience on rails.
Belmond Trains and the Broader Luxury Rail World
While the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a true icon, it’s part of a whole family of Belmond train journeys, like the Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru. When you compare all these experiences, however, you start to see just how unique the Orient Express service is. It has history, cultural significance, and pure elegance. Even with trains offering luxury travel experiences around the world, like La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the Venice Simplon Orient Express stands far apart from the rest.
If you’re curious about other options, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train remains the clear choice thanks to its true heritage, its connection to the original Orient Express legacy, and a sense of authenticity that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Why the Venice Simplon-Orient Express Still Defines Luxury Rail Travel
Five years from now, it’ll still be the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express that sets the benchmark for luxury rail travel—especially in those evocative landscapes that make Europe’s history so rich and romantic. Whether you start the journey from Paris and end in Venice or go all the way to Istanbul, every route on this train is a journey in itself. It’s a chance to experience the world at a pace that’s more reminiscent of olden times than anything you’ve ever encountered before.
Whether you opt for a classic cabin, a suite, enjoy a cocktail in the bar car, or just drift off to sleep under the stars, every moment on board the VSOE is a reminder of why it remains the legendary train that’s on so many people’s bucket lists. It’s a journey that’s just as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and maybe even more so.
