Which luxury train began its original Paris–Istanbul service in 1883?

The Orient Express began its original Paris–Istanbul service in 1883.

The service was introduced by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, a Belgian company founded by Georges Nagelmackers. Its first route connected Paris with Giurgiu, Romania, with passengers continuing toward Istanbul by other transport. The through journey became associated with luxury, international travel, and elegant sleeping cars.

The name is often used loosely for several different services. The original train did not always follow one unchanging route, and the service reached Constantinople, the former name of Istanbul, through a combination of rail connections and ferries. Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express later made the name famous worldwide.

The modern Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a separate luxury service inspired by the historic train. It uses restored carriages and operates selected journeys rather than recreating the regular original timetable.