Where does the Eastern & Oriental Express travel to?

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 between March and November, (with the exception of the Millennium celebrations in 1999/2000 when the Eastern & Oriental Express will also run in December and January). See the Travel Planner for full details on the exact dates and times of departures.

How long does my journey take?

The traditional route between Singapore and Bangkok takes three days with two night on board. The journey between Bangkok and Chiang Mai takes two days with one night on board.

Do I have to do the full journey between Singapore and Bangkok?

No. The Eastern & Oriental Express stops at Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Hua Hin and Kwai. 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.

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.

Are all my meals included?

Yes. Table d'hôte meals are included in your 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. An à la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner, and there is a 24 hour compartment service for light snacks and refreshments. These are at an additional cost and paid for at the time of ordering.

Are drinks included in the price?

Complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks are available at all times. 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.

What is my sleeping accommodation like?

All compartments are elegantly appointed with inlaid woods, antique brass and the modern comforts of air conditioning and an en suite shower and wc. Sockets are suitable for international plugs (220 volts) and each compartment has a personal safe. Hairdryers are available on request. There are three grades of accommodation on board the Eastern & Oriental Express.
The Superior Compartment is 62.4 square feet with daytime seating converting to upper and lower bunks. State Compartments are 84 square feet with daytime seating converting to two single beds at floor level at night.
Presidential Suites are 125 square feet, daytime seating converts to two single beds at floor level at night with a separate dressing room. There is ample room to entertain one or two fellow travellers. The Presidential Suite also comes with a CD player and complimentary bar.

What do I take to wear on the Eastern & Oriental Express?

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.

Are there showers on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?

Yes. All compartments are en suite with a wc. Each compartment also has air conditioning and a personal safe.

What currency do I need on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?

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 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.

What sort of service can I expect on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?

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 compartment from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Maitre D' will come to your compartment to take your lunch and dinner reservations. 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?

Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.

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, jewelry, leather belts and trinket boxes. Smaller items can be purchased on board while larger gifts can be ordered through the Orient-Express mail order catalogue.

Will I require visas for a trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express?

The Eastern & Oriental Express passes through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. 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. It is the passengers own responsibility to ensure that they comply with any necessary visa or vaccination requirements.

Will I need insurance for my trip?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, it is advisable to have travel insurance. This may be arranged for you at time of booking.

Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?

Luggage is limited to 66 lbs (30 kg) per person for Superior 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.

Can I smoke on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?

Smoking is not permitted in the Restaurant and Saloon Cars. Passengers may smoke in the Bar Car, Observation Car and in their compartments. Passengers are asked not to smoke pipes or cigars at any time.

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 Rex Travel at the time of booking.

How fast does the train go?

The average speed of the train is 60 kph.

Can you arrange my flights and hotel accommodation?

Yes. Many passengers make the Eastern & Oriental Express experience the centerpiece of their Asian holiday. Rex Travel will be happy to arrange any flights, hotel accommodation and transfers you require, around your trip 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. Ask when booking for details of our special celebration packages to enhance your holiday.