Eastern & Oriental Express

Eastern & Oriental Express

Where does the Eastern & Oriental Express travel to and from?
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 all year round.  Please refer to schedules for exact dates and departure times.

How long does my journey take?
The journey between Singapore and Bangkok takes 3 days/2 nights and the journey between Bangkok and Chiang Mai takes 2 days/1 night. 

Do I have to do the full journey between Singapore and Bangkok?
No. The Eastern & Oriental Express also stops at Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth. You may travel, subject to availability, between any of these destinations.

What is included in the journey price?
Prices include accommodation, table d'hôte meals daily, entertainment, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itineraries and all applicable taxes. Prices do not include beverages, insurance, gratuities for Crew members and souvenirs.    

Are all my meals included?
Yes. Table d'hôte meals are included in the 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.

Are drinks included in the price?
Complimentary tea and coffee is provided in your compartment.  Soft drinks, wines and bar drinks are not included and may be purchased at an additional cost.

Can you cater for special meal requirements?
The Eastern & Oriental Express will do their best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, 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.  The Eastern & Oriental Express is unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

Can children travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Yes. Children aged 11 or under on the date of departure and sharing a Double cabin with one adult at full fare receive a reduction of 20%, children under 2 travel free when sharing accommodation.

Are disabled people able to travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Passengers with slight walking difficulties can be accommodated although it is recommended that they are accompanied by an able-bodied passenger.  Unfortunately due to the dimensions and layout of the train, it is not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers.

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.

What is my sleeping accommodation like?
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers three grades of beautifully appointed compartments: Pullman Superiors, State Cabins and Presidential Suites. The interior walls are cherry wood and elm burr paneled, adorned with decorative parquetry and intricate inlays. Each compartment is fully air-conditioned with an en suite shower, washbasin and WC and features large picture windows.  Facilities include 24-hour steward service, international electric sockets (220 volts) and 110 volt adapter for razors, a personal safe and hairdryer.
By day, the compartments offer:
Pullman Compartment: private lounge with banquette style sofa
State Cain: private lounge with banquette style sofa and fixed chair, and one moveable chair
Presidential Suite: private lounge with banquette style sofa and fixed chair, and two moveable chairs
By night, the compartments convert to offer:
Pullman Compartment: an upper and lower bed, single configurations are also available
State Cain: two single beds
Presidential Suite: two single beds

Will there be room in my compartment for all of my luggage?
Luggage is limited to 30 kilos per person for Pullman and State Compartment passengers; there is no limit for Presidential Suite passengers.  It is recommended 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.

What do I take to wear?
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 and equivalent for ladies.

What climate can I expect during the train journey?
South East Asia is tropical and it is generally warm and humid most of the year, with the most pleasant temperatures, lowest humidity and least rainfall between November and March. However at other times when rainfall can be heavy, it is generally for shorter periods, which are followed by bright sunshine.

What currency do I need on board?
On the Eastern & Oriental Express prices are quoted in US Dollars, and it is suggested you take US Dollars for spending during your journey. European currencies including the Euro, 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.

Can I smoke on board?
As a courtesy to fellow passengers and to meet governmental indoor air-quality regulations smoking is only permitted on the open deck of the Observation Car.

What sort of service can I expect on board?
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 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?
The price you pay for a journey aboard the E&O is fully inclusive of all service charges. However, if your steward, or any other member of staff serving you, has helped make your journey particularly special then any gratuities you wish to give will be much appreciated.

What is the check in procedure?
Passengers may check-in 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure

What happens with Customs and Immigration on the train?
Passports are held by the Cabin Steward. Passports and customs formalities take place at the Malaysian/Thailand border and upon boarding or disembarking in Singapore. You will not normally be disturbed during the journey. Passports will be returned to passengers immediately prior to disembarking.

Can I use my mobile phone on board the train?
For the comfort of fellow passengers, the use of mobile phones and pagers is restricted to the travellers compartment. At all other times, passengers are asked to have mobile phones and pagers switched off.

How fast does the train go?
The average speed of the train is 60 kms per hour.

Is there a honeymoon package?
A journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express is an occasion to remember in itself.  Staff can, with advance notice arrange flowers, champagne or a gift to be waiting for you in your compartment.

What staff are onboard during the journey?
The following staff members are available for passengers assistance:
Cabin Steward: The cabin steward responsible for your carriage is available at all times and can be called by the bell in the passenger compartment. He will take care of passports, change the compartment from day to night configuration, and serve breakfast and other refreshments in the passengers compartment as required.
Maitre d’Hotel: The Maitre D will go to the passengers compartment to take lunch and dinner reservations. The Restaurant Cars have tables for parties of 2 or 4 persons. He may ask passengers to join others to complete a table during busy periods.
Train Manager / Chef du Train: The train manager will be on hand throughout the journey. He will assist with passenger queries.