The Orient Express was the name of a long-distance passenger train service created in 1883 by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL).

The route and rolling stock of the Orient Express changed many times. Several routes in the past concurrently used the Orient Express name; or slight variants thereof. Although the original Orient Express was simply a normal international railway service; the name has become synonymous with intrigue and luxury travel. The two city names most prominently associated with the Orient Express are Paris and Constantinople (Istanbul); the original endpoints of the timetabled service.

The Orient Express was a showcase of luxury and comfort at a time when travelling was still rough and dangerous. CIWL soon developed a dense network of luxury trains all over Europe; whose names are still remembered today and associated with the art of luxury travel (such as the Blue Train; the Golden Arrow; North Express and many more). CIWL became the first and most important modern multinational dedicated to transport; travel agency; and hospitality with activities spreading from Europe to Asia and Africa. Pictures From History Pictures From History