How Long Does the Orient Express Take From Paris to Istanbul?

By Alice Nichols

The Orient Express is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and luxurious train journeys in the world, spanning across multiple countries and cultures. If you’re planning a trip on this legendary train, one of the most common questions that might come to your mind is – ‘How long does the Orient Express take from Paris to Istanbul?’

The answer is: The journey from Paris to Istanbul on the Orient Express takes approximately 3 days and 2 nights.

Paris to Istanbul – A Journey Through Time

The Orient Express has been around for over a century and has been featured in countless movies, books, and songs. The train route originally ran from Paris to Istanbul, passing through some of Europe’s most stunning cities and landscapes. Today, the journey is just as spectacular as it was back then.

Day One: Paris to Munich

The first leg of the journey takes you from Paris to Munich. The train leaves at around 9 am from Gare de l’Est station in Paris and passes through some beautiful French countryside before reaching Strasbourg. After crossing into Germany, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Black Forest region before reaching Munich in the evening.

Day Two: Munich to Budapest

On day two, you’ll depart Munich early in the morning and head towards Vienna. The train passes through some breathtaking Alpine scenery before reaching Salzburg, where you’ll have some time to explore this charming Austrian city. After leaving Salzburg, you’ll continue on towards Vienna for a brief stopover before continuing on towards Budapest.

Day Three: Budapest to Istanbul

The final leg of the journey takes you from Budapest to Istanbul, passing through Romania and Bulgaria along the way. You’ll arrive in Istanbul early in the morning of day three after spending two nights on board this luxurious train.

  • Paris to Munich – Approximately 10 hours
  • Munich to Budapest – Approximately 12 hours
  • Budapest to Istanbul – Approximately 24 hours

Note: The above timings are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as weather conditions, train schedules, and border crossings.

Conclusion

The Orient Express is a truly unforgettable journey that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. The journey from Paris to Istanbul takes approximately 3 days and 2 nights, with stops in Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Romania, and Bulgaria along the way. So if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines luxury and history, then the Orient Express is definitely worth considering!