The world's most iconic luxury train is preparing to make history once again as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express announces a breathtaking new route connecting London directly to Paris through the Channel Tunnel, scheduled to commence in 2026.
A New Chapter in Luxury Rail Travel
Belmond has revealed plans for its legendary service to traverse beneath the English Channel, marking the first time the historic carriages will complete the entire journey from London to Paris. This revolutionary development promises to redefine luxury train travel for a new generation of discerning passengers.
Preserved Elegance Meets Modern Engineering
The service will utilise seventeen meticulously restored 1920s carriages, each a masterpiece of Art Deco design and craftsmanship. These historic coaches, originally constructed between 1926 and 1931, have been painstakingly maintained to preserve their original splendour while incorporating modern safety standards necessary for Channel Tunnel transit.
The journey represents the pinnacle of luxury travel, featuring:
- Three magnificent restaurant cars serving gourmet cuisine
- An elegant bar car for sophisticated socialising
- Lavish sleeping cabins with personalised service
- Live musical entertainment throughout the journey
Crossing the Channel in Unprecedented Style
While specific technical details about the Channel Tunnel crossing remain under development, Belmond has confirmed that the historic carriages will be made compatible with tunnel safety requirements. This engineering achievement will allow passengers to experience the romance of rail travel from city centre to city centre without interruption.
Expanding European Luxury Connections
This announcement follows Belmond's successful expansion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express network, which now includes remarkable routes to destinations such as Florence, Porto, and Amsterdam. The new London-Paris connection represents the most significant addition to the service in decades and is expected to become one of the world's most sought-after travel experiences.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has long symbolised the golden age of travel, and this new route promises to capture the imagination of luxury travellers seeking unforgettable journeys between two of Europe's most captivating capitals.
With tickets expected to command premium prices reflective of this unparalleled experience, early interest from luxury travel enthusiasts and rail aficionados is anticipated to be exceptionally high when bookings open for the inaugural 2026 season.
