Eastern & Oriental Express Guide: Cost, Route, Dress Code

There’s something about a long train journey that turns travel into a story, and the Eastern & Oriental Express has been telling that story for over three decades. Since 1993, the Belmond-operated luxury train has carried passengers through the heart of Malaysia and into Thailand, blending colonial-era elegance with modern comfort. This guide covers the essentials: what it costs, what to wear, where it goes, and whether it’s still running in 2025.

Starting price per person: US$3,410 · Route: Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand · Duration (Essence of Malaysia journey): 3 nights · Operator: Belmond · Year launched: 1993

How much does the Eastern & Oriental Express cost?

Pricing on the Eastern & Oriental Express depends on the cabin class, itinerary, and season. The relaunched 2024 itineraries start at US$3,410 per person for a Pullman cabin on the Essence of Malaysia journey, according to Belmond’s official press materials.

What is the price of a Pullman cabin?

• Pullman cabin: from US$3,410 per person (Belmond Media Hub, 2024 relaunch)
• State Cabin (sole occupancy): from US$9,250 per adult (Belmond)
• Presidential Suite: reportedly from US$10,600 per person (Luxury Train Club)

How much is one night on the train?

Most journeys are 3-night packages, so a single night in a Pullman cabin works out to roughly US$1,137 per person based on the starting price. Third-party estimates for 2026 place the per-person cost for a 3-night trip at around US$4,650 for Pullman, rising to US$11,850 for the Presidential Suite (Stars Desk).

Are there different cabin classes?

Yes — three cabin classes are available on the Eastern & Oriental Express: Pullman, State, and Presidential Suite. The train has 20 State Cabins in total (Belmond).

The implication: pricing is steep but all-inclusive, covering meals, excursions, and onboard amenities. For a luxury train journey, the cost aligns with comparable experiences in Europe and Asia.

What is the most luxury train in Malaysia?

The Eastern & Oriental Express is widely considered the most luxurious train in Malaysia, and often the benchmark for luxury rail travel in Southeast Asia. Operated by Belmond — the same company behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — it combines fine dining, mahogany interiors, and an observation car with a bar open from 7am to 11pm (Belmond).

How does it compare to other luxury trains?

Unlike the Orient Express in Europe, the Eastern & Oriental Express focuses on cultural immersion through Malaysia, with stops at heritage sites and local markets. It is the only Belmond-operated train in Asia.

What makes it the most luxurious?

• Mahogany-paneled state cabins and suites
• Fine dining with menus inspired by Malaysian and Thai cuisine
• Dedicated observation car for panoramic views
• Personalized service with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1

The catch: luxury comes at a premium, and the current Malaysia-only routing means you won’t cross into Thailand on every journey.

Is the Eastern & Oriental Express still operating?

Yes, the Eastern & Oriental Express resumed service in 2024 after a pandemic hiatus. Belmond currently operates seasonal 3-night journeys from Singapore Woodlands Station through Malaysia (Belmond).

What is the current schedule?

The train runs select dates throughout the year, with two main itineraries: the Essence of Malaysia (3 nights) and the Wild Malaysia (4 days / 3 nights). The schedule is subject to seasonal demand, so early booking is recommended.

How to book?

Reservations can be made directly through the Belmond website or via authorized travel agents. A 35% deposit is typically required to confirm a booking, with the balance due before departure (Luxury Train Club).

The pattern: the train’s return in 2024 was a major event for luxury rail enthusiasts, but the limited schedule means availability is tight — especially during peak travel months.

What is the dress code for dinner on the Eastern & Oriental Express?

Dinner on the Eastern & Oriental Express carries a smart-casual to formal dress code. According to Luxury Train Club, guests are encouraged to dress in relaxed comfort on excursions and while moving about the train, but the dining car calls for a more refined look.

Can you wear jeans?

Jeans are allowed in public areas such as the observation car and bar, but they are not permitted in the dining car during dinner service. Guests are expected to wear trousers, dresses, or skirts; jackets and ties are optional but appreciated.

What is the recommended attire?

• Daytime: casual, comfortable clothing for excursions
• Evening: smart-casual (collared shirts, blouses, skirts, trousers)
• Formal nights: jacket and tie or cocktail dress for gala dinners

The trade-off: you can relax during the day, but dinner is a dressed-up affair that adds to the sense of occasion.

What is the Eastern & Oriental Express route and schedule?

The Eastern & Oriental Express currently operates a round-trip route from Singapore Woodlands Station through Malaysia, with stops at Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The journey does not currently cross into Thailand, though the original route did pass through Bangkok before the pandemic (Belmond).

What are the main stops?

• Singapore (Woodlands Station) – departure point
• Kuala Lumpur – overnight stop and city tour
• Penang – cultural excursion and island exploration
• Return to Singapore

How long is the journey?

Most journeys are 3 nights, but the Wild Malaysia itinerary is 4 days / 3 nights. The total distance covered is roughly 1,200 km.

The implication: the route is a scenic loop through Malaysia’s highlights, but if you’re hoping to cross into Thailand, you’ll need to wait for future itineraries.

Three cabin classes, one pattern: Pullman is the economical choice, State offers extra space, and the Presidential Suite is the pinnacle of luxury.

The table above draws a clear line: Pullman is the best value for budget-conscious travelers, while the State Cabin is a solid upgrade for those seeking privacy. The Presidential Suite, though expensive, delivers a truly private journey.

“The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a unique way to explore Southeast Asia, blending luxury rail travel with cultural discovery.”

— Belmond (luxury train operator)

“We are thrilled to bring the Eastern & Oriental Express back to the rails with new journeys in Malaysia.”

— Belmond Media Hub (official press release, 2024)

For travelers in Southeast Asia, the choice is clear: book the Eastern & Oriental Express for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or choose a more affordable alternative if budget is a concern. The train’s return signals a renewed interest in luxury rail, but limited availability means you’ll need to plan ahead.

Frequently asked questions