Heathrow Express offers early-bird discounts
The Heathrow Express, which carries passengers between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington Station, has launched a new standard ticket that allows travellers to save by booking in advance.
Advance Discounted Tickets must be purchased at least 60 days before the selected travel dates. The earlier the ticket is purchased, the cheaper it is. Tickets can cost as little as £10 (R230).
These tickets are for one-way travel, are non-refundable and are only valid on the specific day of travel chosen. Children aged 15 years or younger travel free when accompanied by an adult with this ticket option.
European sleeper train launch delayed
The Dutch-Belgian operator announced that logistical and bureaucratic issues have pushed back the launch date for the European Sleeper train between Amsterdam and Barcelona.
The train service was scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025, as reported by Travel News. The company is facing difficulties negotiating with the French railway manager SNCF Réseau and is experiencing a shortage of specialised train carriages needed for the service, reports Schengen.News.
The official launch of the night train has been pushed to 2026, but European Sleeper CEO Chris Engelsman remains optimistic the train may begin operating by late 2025. “We will start as soon as we can. The sooner, the better.”
New suite on the Orient Express
The European train operator has revealed details of its newest suite, L’Observatoire, which will be available for booking from March 2025.
Inspired by astronomical observatories, the carriage-sized suite was designed by artist JR. It sleeps two people and features a secret tearoom with a fireplace and a miniature train model, a library filled with hundreds of books and an ensuite marble bathroom equipped with a shower and free-standing bathtub.
Guests staying in L’Observatoire will have a 24-hour dedicated cabin steward service, complimentary beverages, amenities and transfers to and from the train within a 300km radius. Pricing for the suite will start from £80 000 (R1,8 million) per night.
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express offers journeys throughout Europe, with routes including Paris to Budapest, Amsterdam to Venice and Paris to Rome.
The Tequila Express returns
Following a year of renovations and remodelling, the Tequila Express, has resumed its historic and cultural train tours between the famous Mexican cultural destinations, Guadalajara and Tequila.
The train embarks on journeys across the Jalisco countryside, known for its Unesco-protected Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila. On-board activities include performances by a mariachi band, tequila-tastings and traditional cuisine pairings.
Passengers can disembark and visit agave farms and tequila distilleries to learn about the production process and attend tastings. Through many hectares of blue agave fields, the train follows the Ruta del Tequila, which offers access to nine traditional tequila distillery and agave farming towns; Guadalajara, Magdalena, Tequila, Amatitán, Arenal, Teuchitlán, Ahualulco, Etzatlán, and San Juanito. The towns also host seasonal tequila-themed festivals and events.