Luxury trains to Istanbul are once again rolling through Europe as two of the continent’s most storied rail routes—the MAV-operated Paris-Istanbul tourist train and the iconic Simplon Orient Express—resume operations in 2025. These routes mark a major return of cross-border luxury tourism by rail, with passengers set to experience historic cities, scenic landscapes, and the cultural treasures of Istanbul as their final destination.
MAV’s Paris-Istanbul Train Arrives in Turkey
Hungarian national railway company MAV has resumed its Paris-Istanbul tourist train, which follows a picturesque route through Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria before reaching Turkey. The train will enter the country at Kapıkule and proceed to Istanbul’s Sirkeci Station under the operation of TCDD Taşımacılık AŞ.
This year’s first MAV train journey carries 60 passengers across 14 vintage-style wagons, promising a refined and nostalgic travel experience. The arrival at Sirkeci Station allows guests to step directly into Istanbul’s Old City, rich in architectural marvels and historical charm. The return journey to Paris is scheduled for May 19, 2025. A second arrival is already confirmed for May 29, continuing the revival of this lesser-known but culturally rich rail experience.
Venice Simplon Orient Express Returns to Istanbul
The renowned Venice Simplon Orient Express, A Belmond Train, long considered a symbol of luxury rail travel, is also returning to Istanbul this summer. Operated on a route that spans France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before reaching Turkey, this legendary train will once again arrive at Istanbul’s Sirkeci Station, a terminus historically associated with the original Orient Express.
In 2024, the Venice Simplon Orient Express welcomed 148 passengers on its two journeys to and from Istanbul. This year, the first train will arrive on June 4, with 67 passengers traveling from Paris to Istanbul and another 37 booked for the return leg to Paris, which departs June 6. The train comprises 16 wagons and offers passengers fine dining, private cabins, and a sense of timeless elegance while crossing multiple European borders.
Why Istanbul Remains a Top Destination
These two luxury routes highlight Istanbul’s enduring appeal as a cultural and historical destination. For travelers coming from Western Europe, the journey itself becomes a key part of the adventure—passing through iconic cities, Alpine scenery, and Balkan countrysides before culminating in Istanbul, where East meets West.
Both trains terminate at Sirkeci Station, a location that was once the historic terminus of the original Orient Express and remains a symbol of Istanbul’s international rail heritage. Passengers disembark just steps from landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, allowing for seamless immersion into the city’s rich cultural offerings.
A Renaissance for Rail-Based Tourism
The return of these international trains comes at a time when luxury rail travel is experiencing a renaissance. Offering an alternative to air travel, these trains appeal to slow travel enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking immersive journeys through multiple countries without the stress of multiple flights or airport queues.
In addition to their cultural and historical value, the MAV and Simplon Orient Express services also represent broader cooperation among European rail operators and growing demand for sustainable, scenic travel options. With passengers eager to rediscover rail’s golden age, Istanbul is once again reclaiming its place on the world’s most romantic and adventurous train itineraries.
Photo Credit: Belmond – Christophe Coenan
