The Orient Express has had many incarnations: capture its original spirit of transcontinental travel with an unforgettable journey to the cusp of Asia on ordinary sleeper trains. Paris was generally considered the western terminus of the Orient Express in its early 20th-century heyday. Today you can get to Paris from London St Pancras (2½ hours) as well as Barcelona Sants (6½ hours) and Amsterdam (3½ hours). Here’s how to spend around two weeks on a fascinating low-carbon train journey through Europe.
Paris
In June 1889, the first Orient Express through-train from Paris to Istanbul departed from Gare de L’Est. Although no such regular service exists today, Gare de L’Est remains a departure point for eastbound trains. Before boarding, consider a short walk to the Bassin de la Villette – an artificial lake whose shores are dotted with cafes. Pools here are open to swimmers throughout the summer months.
Moving on
From Paris, catch one of about 20 services a day to Munich Hauptbahnhof (six hours). Tickets can be purchased from SNCF.
Munich
Another essential stop on the original Orient Express, Munich’s Hauptbahnhof station sits on the threshold of the Altstadt (Old Town) – a magnificent maze of onion-domed towers and cobbled thoroughfares that merits a full day’s exploration. Make sure to leave time to enjoy a stein in the Hofbräuhaus – the city’s historic 16th-century beer hall. Explore the palatial corridors of the Residenz or take a stroll in the expansive parkland of the Englischer Garten ahead of embarking on your first sleeper in this itinerary.
Moving on
The EuroNight sleeper train connects Munich Hauptbahnhof to Budapest Keleti, departing at 11:20 PM and arriving shortly after 9 AM the next morning. It’s best to book tickets in advance through Deutsche Bahn.
Budapest
There’s no better place in Europe to unwind than Budapest, where ornate spas invite relaxation on both banks of the Danube. A short walk north of Keleti station will take you to the art nouveau Széchenyi Baths – one of the city’s largest and set in lush parkland. Alternatively, cross the river near Castle Hill to find the Gellért Baths, known for its awe-inspiring architecture and thermal waters that have been cherished since the Ottoman era.
Moving on
The Ister sleeper train leaves Budapest Keleti at 7:05 PM and arrives at Bucharest Gara de Nord at 12:30 PM the next day. Tickets are available through Mav Start.
Bucharest
While Bucharest may lack the iconic landmarks of other European capitals, its charm lies in slowing down to enjoy café-lined streets, exploring impressive museums, and delving into the dark history of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. A significant site, the Palace of Parliament stands as one of the largest buildings in the world, boasting over 3.5 million sq ft and offering guided tours for visitors.
Moving on
From June to October, direct services run from Bucharest Gara de Nord to Istanbul Halkalı, departing at 12:40 PM and arriving at 7:40 AM the following day. From Halkalı, free bus services connect to Istanbul’s Sirkeci railway station. During the off-season, transfers can be arranged via Dimitrovgrad in Bulgaria. Tickets are available via CFR Calatori.
İstanbul
İstanbul’s grand Sirkeci station was the easterly terminus of the Orient Express, making it an ideal endpoint for an epic rail adventure. Visitors to this vibrant city will discover the minarets of the Blue Mosque to the south, the labyrinthine bazaars to the west, the fishers at the Galata Bridge to the north, and to the east, the picturesque Bosphorus strait leading to the Asian shores.
Returning home
Consequently, the quickest way to return to Paris overland is to retrace your steps or explore a more southerly route connecting through Sofia, Belgrade, Zagreb, and Ljubljana.
Need to know
Carbon: 52kg per person
Distance: 2600km
Nights: 12+
Transport budget: €600
