Luxury train Orient Express is coming to Budapest in 2026

Europe’s most famous luxury train is stopping at Nyugati Station once again this year — and the historic service connects several breathtaking cities along the way. Here’s what to expect in terms of ticket prices, routes, and what you actually get on board the Orient Express.

When is the Orient Express coming to Budapest?

Those interested in the Orient Express should plan ahead: the train doesn’t pull into Nyugati Station every day. In the 2026 season, the legendary service will be visible in Budapest on five separate occasions.

The first opportunity comes on 13 May 2026, when the train departs from the Hungarian capital towards Paris. As part of the grand eastern expedition, passengers on the Paris–Istanbul service will spend the nights of 26–27 May 2026 in Budapest, while the train awaits at Nyugati Station.

In September, the train visits the capital twice more: on 2 September it stops as a transit halt on the Istanbul–Paris route, then on 26–27 September it again rests here overnight on the Istanbul journey.

The final Budapest appearance of 2026 is expected on 30 September, when the train departs from here back towards Paris. Curious onlookers can admire the train from the platform — only passengers with a valid ticket may board the carriages.

From Paris to Istanbul

The backbone of the timetable consists of weekly Western European services, connecting primarily Paris, London, Venice, and Verona. These shorter legs are ideal for those seeking a briefer yet equally elegant rail adventure.

The undisputed highlight of the 2026 season, however, is the historic Paris–Budapest–Bucharest–Istanbul route, which the train completes just twice: departing from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz on 25 May 2026 and again on 25 September 2026.

How much do Orient Express tickets cost?

The operator has set Orient Express ticket prices in British pounds, meaning the final amount in Hungarian forints will also depend on the current exchange rate — but even the entry-level cabin type requires the equivalent of well over 1.6 million forints (approximately 4000 Euros).

There are three cabin categories to choose from:

Historic Twin: The classic sleeping compartment evokes the style of the 1920s. During the day it operates with a sofa arrangement, which stewards convert into bunk beds during dinner. There is a private washbasin in the compartment, though the toilet is shared and located at the end of the carriage.

Suite: Available since 2023, this category features a private bathroom complete with shower, toilet, and marble finishes. The living area can be configured as either a double bed or two separate beds.

Grand Suite: The top-tier option consists of uniquely themed presidential suites — styled after cities such as Budapest, Istanbul, or Paris — and includes a 24-hour personal butler, unlimited champagne, and private transfers.

What do passengers get on board?

The Orient Express service includes on-board dining — and five-star gastronomy is quite literally what’s on offer. Breakfast and afternoon tea are brought directly to the cabin by stewards, while multi-course lunches and dinners are served in one of the three dining carriages.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has deliberately chosen not to install internet connectivity, in order to preserve the travel experience of a bygone era. Mobile network coverage varies along the route and may drop out entirely in remote areas such as the Alps.

A dress code is strictly observed: smart casual attire — jacket, shirt, or suit — is expected during the day, while formal dress is compulsory for dinner. Gentlemen are required to wear a dinner jacket or dark suit; ladies must wear an evening gown. Those in jeans or trainers will not be admitted to the dining carriages or the bar.

How do you get a ticket for the Orient Express?

Buying a ticket is far from as straightforward as purchasing an ordinary rail fare: tickets are not available at conventional station ticket offices, according to Pénzcentrum.

Booking is only possible through the operator’s official partners — such as the Luxury Train Tickets website. As tickets tend to sell out quickly despite the steep prices, would-be travellers are advised to plan well in advance, particularly for the rare Paris–Istanbul service, which departs just twice a year.

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