London
Agatha Christie’s crime classic once helped the Orient Express to new fame. For many years, an operator has offered train journeys from London to Venice under this name. But that should now be the end of it.
One of the most famous trains will no longer depart from London as a result of Brexit: The operator of today’s variant of the Orient Express – full name Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – wants to stop operating in Great Britain.
“We are adapting our operations in 2024 before further passport and border controls are due,” a spokesman for Belmond train company told the Observer Sunday newspaper. “We want to avoid the risk of delays and missed connections for our guests and offer the best possible, most relaxed service.”
Train and crime legend
The rolling luxury hotel that inspired crime writer Agatha Christie to write her classic “Murder on the Orient Express” has connected Paris with Istanbul since the late 19th century. However, the name Orient-Express has been used for trains of different operators and routes over time. Since the 1980s, it has been possible to start the stylish journey from London – to Venice, for example. With full suites and fine dining on board, prices run into the thousands of pounds per person.
Hours of traffic jams in Dover
As additional passport controls have been necessary since Brexit, hours of traffic jams are now more common at Dover ferry port – especially during holiday periods or on public holidays. This situation could become even worse because further controls will become necessary in the future with the introduction of the so-called European travel information and authorization system. Similar to the USA, visitors who are exempt from the visa requirement must then submit an application and show biometric data such as fingerprints.
This would also affect guests on the Orient Express, who previously had to change to a coach to cross the English Channel after a first train section. Therefore, the operator no longer wants to serve the British leg.
