Then and now: Inside the legendary Orient Express train
Joey Hadden
- The Orient Express, a famed historic train, is being revived by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
- The luxury overnight Belmond train uses restored carriages from the original fleet.
The Orient Express is perhaps the most well-known train in history.
As the first transcontinental express train in Europe, the Orient Express served the rich and royal on overnight journeys from 1883 to 1977, according to Britannica. On board were fine dining cars, bars, and extravagantly decorated cabins.
In 1982, this golden age of rail travel was revived by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxury, overnight Belmond train made up of restored carriages from the original fleet.
According to the company's website, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates 60 routes in 17 cities. And I got to experience it for myself in November 2023.
The night was magical. I felt like I had traveled back in time. After my trip, I was curious about how similar it was to the original ride back in the day. So, I compared photos from my trip to historical images of the Orient Express.
Turns out, it's pretty close.
From the outside, the train looks nearly identical.
According to a pamphlet given to guests on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the train's 17 carriages were built in the 1920s and 1930s. Some were purchased at auctions, others served different train lines, and all were restored to pristine condition.
On board, the elegant dress code is still in effect.
A hundred years ago, Orient Express passengers adhered to a strict dress code, according to National Geographic. In the evenings, guests wore their finest attire.
On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the rules remain. In communal cars, passengers must dress in "smart attire," meaning no shorts, jeans, T-shirts, or sneakers. Formal eveningwear is requested at night.
During my trip, I found that the dress code enhanced the 1920s vibe — especially at night when passengers wore tuxedos and sparkling gowns.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express preserved the cabins' original models.
The historic cabin sleeping cars are the oldest in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express fleet. During my stay, the glossy wood finishings and velvet details made me feel like I was in an old movie.
The fine dining cars have similar details to the original.
According to National Geographic, the original Orient Express was known for its elegant dining cars. White tablecloths, sparkling dishes, and glass lamps added another layer of luxury to the artistically decorated carriages.
On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, there are three dining cars. Each has its own color palette and distinct design details, from intricate wooden marquetry to carved glass windows.
While unique, the restaurants feel cohesive because they all have the same elevated dishes, tablecloths, and lamps.
The bar car got a makeover.
Built in 1931, the bar car on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express was originally a dining car. So, the train line redesigned its interior.
With a navy blue color palette, I thought it resembled the train's exterior.
Stepping on board feels like traveling back in time.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brought these iconic cars back to life while preserving the interior details from its time.
My entire trip felt like living in the golden age of train travel and inspired me to learn more about its history.
If I ever have the pleasure of riding this train again, I'll appreciate its traditional culture and carriages even more.
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