Honestly? If you have the money and love vintage luxury, yes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll have stories for years. But if you’re a practical traveler who cares more about destinations than the journey itself, you might be happier with a flight and a nice hotel. For the cost of one night on the Orient Express, you could spend two weeks in a boutique hotel in Tuscany. With a pool.
Personally? I’d rather save up for the Paris to Istanbul run. Because if you’re going to go bankrupt on a train, you might as well do it with a view of the Bosphorus at sunset. Just don’t forget to budget for that extra bottle of champagne. Trust me, you’ll want it when you see the bill for the souvenir—a little brass key that costs $150.
So, how much to go on the Orient Express? Anywhere from $800 to $15,000, depending on your fantasies. But the real cost? Possibly your soul, if you let it. (Or just your credit card’s limit.) Either way, it’s a ride you won’t forget.
