Orient Express price guide 2025 – costs, routes and how to save

If you’re dreaming of a night on the iconic Venice Simplon Orient Express, the first thing you’ll ask is – how much does it cost? The answer isn’t a single number because the price changes with the route, season, cabin type and extra services. In 2025 the base fare for a standard cabin on the classic Europe itinerary starts around $8,000 per person, while a Grand Suite can push the bill past $25,000. Those figures include meals, service staff and most onboard entertainment, but they don’t cover taxes, optional excursions, or drinks beyond the welcome glass.

What you actually pay for

The fare sheet breaks down into three main parts: the core ticket, taxes and fees, and add‑ons. The core ticket covers the train itself, the private cabin, and all meals served in the dining car. Taxes are usually 5‑10 % of the ticket price and vary by country the train passes through. Add‑ons are things like extra wine, spa treatments, private tours at stops, and the famous midnight carriage service. If you want to upgrade from a Double Cab to a Grand Suite, expect to add $4,000‑$7,000 on top of the base rate.

Season matters a lot. The high‑season months – June to August and December holidays – see a 15‑20 % price bump. Traveling in shoulder months like April, May, September or October can shave off a few thousand dollars without compromising the experience. The train also runs special themed journeys – for example a “Royal Heritage” route – which carry a premium price tag because of extra decorations and exclusive events.

Tips to keep the price down

First, book early. The train releases a limited number of cabins six months ahead, and early bird prices are usually 5‑10 % lower. Second, be flexible with your itinerary. Swapping a popular London‑Paris segment for a less‑traveled Vienna‑Budapest leg can save $1,000‑$2,000. Third, watch for promotional codes released by travel agencies during major travel fairs – they often cover taxes or give a flat discount.

Another money‑saving trick is to split the journey. Instead of a full‑blown 7‑night trip, book a 3‑night segment and combine it with a regular train or flight for the rest of your route. This lets you enjoy the luxury experience without paying for the whole distance. Finally, consider traveling in a duo cabin. Two people sharing a cabin split the cost, making the per‑person price comparable to a single cabin on many other luxury trains.

When you add all the pieces together, the total cost can still feel steep, but planning ahead and being flexible can bring the price down by up to 20 %. The key is to know which parts of the fare are fixed and which you can control. With the right approach, you can step onto the Orient Express without breaking the bank and still enjoy the legendary service that has made it a dream for travelers for nearly a century.