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The Venice Simplon Orient Express, one of Europe’s most prestigious luxury trains, will arrive in Türkiye for the second time this year on October 1, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said on Sunday.
The train, which began its journey in Paris, passed through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before entering Türkiye. It will reach the country at 8:00 a.m. local time (GMT+3) on Oct. 1 and depart from Istanbul’s Bakirkoy station on Oct. 3 at 2:05 p.m., leaving later the same evening through Kapikule on the Bulgarian border.
The Orient Express first entered Türkiye this year on June 4 and departed Istanbul on June 6, marking its return after a period of growing international interest. The route between Paris and Istanbul is considered one of the most iconic luxury train journeys in the world, attracting travelers seeking a nostalgic rail experience.
Minister Uraloglu stated that the train consists of 16 carriages. Travelers typically complete the Paris–Istanbul route by rail and then return to Paris by air.
For the reverse journey, new passengers board in Istanbul to take the train back toward Western Europe.
The Venice Simplon Orient Express is a private luxury train service operated by Belmond, a hospitality company owned by LVMH. The train is composed of restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, including art deco-style sleeping compartments, restaurant cars, and bar lounges. It is inspired by the original Orient Express service, which first ran between Paris and Istanbul in 1883 and became famous for its role in European travel history.
Today, the train offers seasonal routes across Europe, with the Paris–Istanbul journey regarded as its signature trip. Known for its fine dining, period interiors, and exclusive clientele, the train is often described as a "moving five-star hotel" and continues to draw international travelers seeking a classic rail experience.
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