Where does the Eastern & Oriental Express travel to and from?
The Eastern & Oriental Express operates between Singapore and Bangkok, passing through three of South East Asia's most fascinating countries - Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. There are additional departures on selected dates between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
When does the Eastern & Oriental Express run?
The Eastern & Oriental Express operates all year round. Please see the
Main Page for full details on the timings and departures.
How long does my journey take?
The journey between Singapore and Bangkok takes 3 days/2 nights and the journey between Bangkok and Chiang Mai takes 2 days/1 night. Passengers may also join the train in Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth. Details are available in the
Main Page.
How much does a journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express cost?
For full details please see the Fares section of this website.
Do I have to do the full journey between Singapore and Bangkok?
No. The Eastern & Oriental Express also stops at
Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth. You may travel, subject to availability, between any of these destinations. For example, you can travel Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, Singapore to Butterworth, Butterworth to Bangkok or any other combination to suit your itinerary.
Are all my meals included?
Yes. Table d'hôte meals are included in the fare. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your own compartment, while lunch and dinner are enjoyed in the sumptuous surroundings of the dining cars. The gourmet meals and discreet service are all a part of the Eastern & Oriental Express experience.
Are drinks included in the price?
Complimentary tea and coffee is provided in your compartment. Soft drinks, wines and bar drinks are not included and may be purchased at an additional cost.
Can you cater for special meal requirements?
We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan etc., provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do however regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Can children travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Yes. Children aged 11 or under on the date of departure and sharing a Double cabin with one adult at full fare receive a reduction of 20%, children under 2 travel free when sharing accommodation.
Are disabled people able to travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
We are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties although we recommend that they are accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. We regret that the dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. Should you have any special requirements please inform us at the time of booking.
What is the atmosphere aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?
The atmosphere on board harks back to a Colonial age of Singapore Slings, Earl Grey tea served in the afternoon, and a tinkling piano amidst sumptuous surroundings.
What is my sleeping accommodation like?
Passengers may select from three types of compartment, Pullman, State and the Presidential Suite. For full details see the Compartments section.
Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?
Luggage is limited to 30 kilos per person for Pullman and State Compartment passengers. There is no limit for passengers travelling in a Presidential Suite. It is strongly advised that you only take into your compartment, one or two light cases packed with everything you need for your journey on board. All extra luggage can be checked in at the start of your journey where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
What do I take to wear?
The atmosphere on board is one of relaxed refinement. During the day smart casual clothing is most appropriate. In the evenings, gentlemen will feel comfortable with a minimum of jacket and tie and equivalent for ladies.
Are there showers on board?
Yes. All compartments are en suite with a wc. For details see the Compartments section.
What currency do I need on board?
On the Eastern & Oriental Express prices are quoted in US Dollars, and we suggest you take US Dollars for spending during your journey. European currencies including the Euro, as well as Thai Baht, Malaysian Ringgit and Singapore Dollars can be exchanged on board for US Dollars. Change will also be given in US Dollars. Major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB) and travellers´ cheques, are also accepted, but not personal cheques. The Eastern & Oriental Express exchange rates are advertised on board.
Can I smoke on board?
Smoking is not permitted in overnight compartments, in the Restaurant, Saloon Cars and inside the Observation Car. Guests may smoke in the Bar Car in the open-deck of the Observation Car. We request that cigars and pipes are smoked in the open-deck of the Observation Car only.
What sort of service can I expect on board?
In short, dedicated. Your Steward, who is responsible for your carriage, will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your compartment. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your compartments from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
Stewards on board the train are local nationals and all speak English.
Will I need to tip the Eastern & Oriental Express staff?
The price you pay for a journey aboard the E&O is fully inclusive of all service charges. However, if your steward, or any other member of staff serving you, have helped make your journey particularly special then any gratuities you wish to give will be much appreciated.
Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board the train?
Yes. In the train's boutique you will find a range of exclusively designed gifts. This includes such items as silk scarves and ties, exclusive luggage, jewellery, leather belts and trinket boxes. Smaller items can be purchased on board while larger gifts can be ordered through our mail order catalogue.
How fast does the train go?
The average speed of the train is 60 kph.
Will I require visas for a journey to South East Asia?
The Eastern & Oriental Express passes through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. All passengers must be in possession of a full ten year passport valid for at least six months after the expected date of return to their country of residence. Visas for tourism visits to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are not normally required for stays of less than 30 days, except for nationals of certain Middle Eastern, African and South American countries. You may of course require a visa for onward travel to other Asian destinations. If you require a visa for a particular country, a visa will still be required even if in transit through that country. It is not possible to obtain visas on board the train or at the respective border points for entry into Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand.
For Bangkok – Vientiane – Bangkok journeys
Passengers on the Vientiane programme require an entry visa for Laos. For passengers boarding the train at Bangkok, 3 passport-sized photographs are required upon check-in at Bangkok’s Hualampong Station in order for the visa application to be processed.
It is the passenger’s own responsibility to ensure that they comply with any necessary visa or vaccination requirements. For further details on passports and visas see the Travellers Tips section.
Will I need insurance for my journey?
As with all holidays and trips abroad, it is advisable to have travel insurance. Your local Travel Agent or nearest Orient-Express office will be able to advise you.
Can you arrange my flights and hotel accommodation?
Yes. Many passengers make the Eastern & Oriental Express experience the centre-piece of their Asian holiday. Your nearest Orient-Express office will be happy to arrange any flights, hotel accommodation and transfers you require, around your journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express.
Do you offer a honeymoon package?
A journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express is an occasion to remember in itself. We can, with advance notice arrange flowers, champagne or a gift to be waiting for you in your compartment.
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