travel express london reviews

Reviews of Travel Express. (Travel Agency) in London (London).

Description

Information of Travel Express, Travel Agency in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

Sometimes there are places with not the best rate, this is this case but this doesn’t mean that they are giving a bad service to their customers, sometimes in the internet the people only post reviews when they are not happy with the service, so sure you’ll find a good service here too.

Reviews of Travel Express

We use cookies to give you a better experience on this website. You can find more information in our Privacy Policy

Suggested companies

National Express Coaches   Reviews

In the Transportation service category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.2.

61,685 total

Most relevant

Good alternative to train

On time, slightly confused about pick up location- confirmed with other travellers. Clean coach other than some rubbish. All double seats occupied so had to sit next to someone for duration of journey. Wifi never works. Avoided using the toilet. Friendly driver- didn’t slam on breaks and was smooth to move off and turn. Reasonable price but expensive considering you can get a train for less.

Date of experience : 08 April 2024

Fantastic service between North Wales & Merseyside

Always clean. Comfy seats. Pleasant drivers. Use this coach to visit family in Merseyside on a very regular basis. Prices are good especially if booked well in advance. Only one issue. The website/technology is driving me crazy. Numerous times I have been blocked out of signing into my account (you don't pay booking fee is you go on line and through your account). Blocked out again this week by the technology = saying wrong password. No it was the right password! (had to pay the booking fee) Also tried to track the coach and it came up that I was unauthorised to use their tracking site? Rang my husband who could track my coach and he was able to inform me the returning coach would be 15mins late.

Date of experience : 10 April 2024

Excellent service as ever .durham to…

Excellent service as ever .durham to Victoria & then Bristol Bristol to Birmingham/Leeds durham on return journey. Slightly delayed due to weather & traffic but overall excellent service , friendly drivers clean coaches, good communication. I do this journey every 2months , wouldn't change operators

Coughing passengers !!

I have no complaints about National Express ! However, on our journey from Totnes to Heathrow, from Exeter onwards, a man was coughing continually, not always putting his hand to his mouth, and touching the seat in front of him. At the end of the journey, I said to him that he should should not be travelling on public transport with a cough like that. He said "You mean I should not go to Australia ".He then said he only had a tickly cough. No way !!! It actually ruined our trip up to Heathrow. And then, would you believe it, on our return journey, a woman sitting just behind us was coughing incessantly !! I dont suppose there is anything you can do about this problem, but it was a problem for us pensioners, having paid for specific seats, and then experiencing all this coughing !!

Date of experience : 24 March 2024

So so freezing cold 🥶 in 460 line to…

So so freezing cold 🥶 in 460 line to Coventry. The driver was not cooperative to stop the cold air and turn on warm. He was caught constantly and most of the passengers and sneezing… 🤧 was very unpleasant and disappointing journey!!! That’s against humanity to keep us in the fridge/ freezer temperatures!!!!

Date of experience : 12 April 2024

Coach travel

I use national Express as I struggle with my luggage on trains and I now find your drivers load and unload you luggage which is great and is a lot cheaper

Date of experience : 03 April 2024

Onboard Announcements for Deaf Customers - We need to be Heard

National Express - is a comfortable way to travel & alot more reliable than travelling by rail.The staff are friendly & helpful. However there is a growing population of deaf / hearing deficient people. These people need support - any announcements while travelling on any coach are completely muffled & Cannot be Heard or Understood. PLEASE post any announcements on the TV Screen onboard the coach.

My Phone ran out of charge at London…

My Phone ran out of charge at London Victoria Coach Station so I was unable to access my ticket. Thankfully the National Express representative at the Info Kiosk printed my ticket off for me and kept the Coach at the platform so I could embark. This level of customer service was brilliant. The only negative for my journey was that the USB plugs on the coach were faulty so I was unable to charge my phone which meant I had to travel 3 hours with no cell phone.

Reply from National Express Coaches

Hi William, Thank you for your review, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your overall experience travelling with us. I am sorry the socket did not work, if there is space to move seats we would advise trying and alternative socket in another section of the coach. Otherwise please speak to the driver at a designated stop so they can advise. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

Punctual, friendly service

Used National Express due to rail strike and was very pleased with the service. Coaches arrived punctually for departures and arrivals, outward and return, were a little earlier than stated on the ticket. The booking process was easy. The only part I was a little unsure of was using a different provider from Leeds to York, changing at the bus station in Leeds, but there were plenty of people to ask and good signage, so it wasn't a problem. The drivers were very friendly. WiFi was available throughout the journeys on the National Express coaches. Would definitely recommend them.

Date of experience : 05 April 2024

Hi Kathryn, Thank you for leaving your review. It's very nice to hear that your journey was punctual and pleasant with friendly and helpful drivers. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

I got sick of paying for extortionate…

I got sick of paying for extortionate train fares so tried National Express and I've never looked back. Super value, comfy seats, plenty of legroom and, even going to London, aways on time. Victoria Coach Station is a horrible dump but just a few minutes walk from Victoria Trtain Station so you are right in the centre of London.

Date of experience : 07 April 2024

Hi, Thank you for leaving a 5* review. We are delighted to learn your journey with us was a pleasant one. We hope to see you again soon :) Kind regards, Rema

London/Chester

A great journey with Your two brilliant drivers ,from London Victoria to Chester. Laughs were had and their patience with certain passengers was above and beyond 5* REF ... SE78

Hi Mick, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your experience travelling with us and we hope to see you travelling again with us soon. Regards Samantha

Lovely, Accommodating Driver

We arrived at Manchester Airport on a day of yet another rail strike. I booked National Express tickets online for 07.50 to Leeds as soon as I realised there would be no trains. Our plane was late so we missed our bus. We made our way into Manchester after buying more tickets to Leeds which unfortunately were for the next available bus at 3.30pm! We asked the staff when we got into Chorlton St and they were so accommodating and allowed us to board the 09.55 as there were some unoccupied seats. The driver carried our suitcases and was so cheerful on a very stressful and busy day. Thank you from 2 very tired travellers🙏

Date of experience : 06 April 2024

Hi Jacqueline, Thank you for leaving feedback of your journey. I am delighted you are so pleased with the service you received from us and hope your next journey is just as good. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

I traveled to Oxford from Bournemouth…

I traveled to Oxford from Bournemouth and return The cost was low, the coach clean and comfortable and on hearing I had anxiety the driver went above and beyond to reassure me, all in all a good value for money quick clean and stress free

Date of experience : 04 April 2024

Hi Karol, We’re so happy to hear you’ve had a great experience with National Express. We always try to offer the best prices and the highest quality travel! Thanks so much for your kind feedback. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

I come often on holiday and I have…

I come often on holiday and I have often used national express every Time I am imprest on how organised they are. You Come in the coach and you know you will get there. Just an exemple on saturday 6 th of april on a 6.5 jour journey thé coach arrivée at Heathrow 5 minutes earlier.

Hi, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your overall experience travelling with us and we hope to see you travelling again with us soon. Kind regards, Rema

Great way to travel

Easy booking system. Contact prior to journey was helpful. Both journeys were comfortable with plenty of leg room. Drivers were friendly and helpful Much cheaper and more reliable than train travel. I will certainly use again and in fact my daughter who lives in Southsea but has to work in London one day per week is now using National Express

Late by 35 minutes arriving at start of…

Late by 35 minutes arriving at start of journey and no staff at Liverpool One to check why Driver on Manchester to Liverpool brilliant even though we had a 3 stop on M6 due to accident… maybe some water on coach for passengers when this happens post midnight may be good!

Hi Valery, Thank you for your review, I am sorry to hear that your service was delayed. I appreciate that delays can be an inconvenience when travelling, and we do our best to keep these services on schedule. However, heavy traffic, road closures and accidents are circumstances that we can not predict in advance and will depend on the day of travel. Should you wish to discuss this with us further please do not hesitate to contact us through http://www.nationalexpress.com/help-and-advice/contact-us.aspx. Regards Samantha

Used due to train strikes

Used due to train strikes, will probably now be preferred option for travelling to/from London. Service punctual, friendly and more cost effective.

Hi Lawrence, Thanks for your review, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your experience travelling with us and we hope to see you travelling again with us soon. Regards Samantha

would definitely travel again

both drivers we had on outbound and return were SO efficient and helpful, as a teenager i felt really safe being driven by them. i wish i could identify specifically our return coach driver because his excellent service deserves to be acknowledged !

Hi Phoebe, Thank you for leaving your review. I'm very happy to hear that your journey was pleasant and the driver was friendly and helpful. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

Caring bus driver makes a difference

Comfort on the plus side and this time the drivers were very good. Especially Sebastian who did the journey from LHR to LEI (Fosse Park) NX230 at 16:05pm on 3/4/24. He was very empathetic to helping my wife who was feeling sick. On the negative side, there are passengers who do not have any regard concerning their noise levels when using their phones. They need to be told by staff members to reduce the volume of their conversations. Wi-Fi drastically needs to be improved though.

Hi, We are thrilled to learn of your experience with us and hope to see you again soon. :) Kind regards, Rema

Emma in leeds coach…

Fantastic experience in leeds coach station before travel. All staff very friendly and helpful. Big mention to Emma who went above and beyond . I am disabled and managed to spill my hot coffee on the floor Emma came and mopped it up immediately and took all health and safety procedures wet floor signs etc. To my amazement Emma then offered to make me another one in my cupflask. After doing the above she then offered to assist with our baggage and wheelchair to the awaiting coach. Highly commemorate Emma

Universal Travel Express

Location & hours.

Suggest an edit

13 High Road

London NW10 2TE

United Kingdom

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Traveling Agency Near Me

Other Travel Agents Nearby

Find more Travel Agents near Universal Travel Express

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Roaming Required

The murder express london – review.

Last updated: 29 October 2023

On a dark damp evening in winter, we find ourselves traipsing through the alleys of Bethnal Green in East London. In search of Pedley Street Station, a make-believe terminus and the setting for London’s latest immersive dining experience, The Murder Express. 

The premise of this dining experience is a whodunit-style murder mystery on board The Murder Express , a luxury train taking passengers from London’s Pedley Street station through the wine countryside to the town of Murdér in France.

Funicular, the company behind The Murder Express, has successfully managed to walk the line between entertainment and fine dining with the menus frequently changing and designed by Masterchef contestants. Our visit coincided with a menu from Louisa Ellis, a finalist @MasterChefuk The Professionals in 2017. However, a brand new menu will be available for the 2023/2024 season that has been brought to life by Funicular’s new chef partner, two Michelin star Chef Niall Keating, owner of Lunar by Niall Keating in the World of Wedgwood in Stoke-on-Trent. 

We received a complimentary experience to The Murder Express but as always all opinions are our own.

What to Expect Aboard The Murder Express

Not one to spoil the fun, I shan’t be giving away too many secrets about The Murder Express. After all, the mystery and intrigue is half the enjoyment of these immersive dining experiences.  

Our evening starts outside, on a quiet foggy dimly-lit street sandwiched between two working lines of the London Overground. Pedley Street Station, while fictitious, feels very real, as it is built into the arches of the working train line. From the outside, the experience is already atmospheric to say the least.

Arriving at Pedley Street Station – Tickets Please 

Upon arrival, checking in involves giving your name to the Ticket Master upon entry to Pedley Street station, after which you’re provided with a ticket for the train. This has your table number on it so don’t lose it.  

Passengers for The Murder Express can mingle around the Station, make full use of the 7 Sins Bar with themed cocktails, beer and wine while and take some photos with some props like vintage telephones, suitcases and period street lamps. 

Before the fun really begins, now is a good time to pre-order drinks for dinner, we shared a bottle of wine which was delivered to our table after we boarded the train.

Some of the shady characters we would soon come to know and love, were loitering around the station. Mingling with other passengers, making a scene, or having a cheeky drink at the bar prior to the journey to Murdér. 

Immersive dining experiences like this one really work best when everyone participates.  Characters are just that, characters. So chat to them, ask questions, keep them on their toes and most of all, have fun with it.  

It’s at this time I strike up a conversation with Tilly Tulip.  Rocking a blonde bob with finger waves, Tilly’s a young lounge singer, dressed to the nines, perfectly resembling a flapper from the 20s.  In her thick Cockney accent, she tells me a long elaborate tale about another man on the platform, a shifty grifter from London’s East End who appears to be embroiled in some sort of shake-down with other passengers.  

All Aboard the Murder Express

The conductor makes an appearance and tells us all passengers for Murdér, should now board.  We’re assured, despite the name, there’s never actually been a murder on this train. Well, I suppose there’s always a first time for everything! 

Inside we’re greeted by a purpose-built train carriage.  If this is what train travel should look like, then I. Am. Sold! 

Wide centre aisle is perfectly spacious for two-abreast, while the styling and detail has a very strong nod to the Roaring 20’s where the attention really is in the detail.  Fitted out with eight large booths, each capable of sitting six comfortably, booths have a vintage feel of tufted ink blue leather with accents of bronze and tan. 

The leg room is impressive as is this distance from the booth to the table. No squishing necessary, it’s a welcome change from regular dining in London.   Your group will be allocated a table, not sat with other passengers. If your group is less than six, be sure to leave a space at the end should one of the characters want to pop by and tell you a tale or two.

Generously sized dark timber tables at each booth and a perfectly on point art deco lamp provides additional light. Despite the fact that our train is stationary, you could be fooled into thinking otherwise by the huge screens which act as windows from which the view of our journey passes us by.

As someone who’s prone to motion sickness, initially I thought ‘oh dear’ when I saw the movement whizzing past the windows and I thought it might make me feel a little queasy. To be honest, it really didn’t unless I stared right at the window. What a relief that was! 

Dining Aboard The Murder Express

The 2023 | 2024 menu.

The 4 course dining menu designed by two star Michelin chef Niall Keating for the new season of The Murder Express has been announced and it looks amazing! If you’re interested in vegan options then you’ll be happy to know a vegan menu will be coming soon. 

• Potato salad, warm cheese mousse 
• Mushroom and Ricotta stuffed cabbage, Mushroom consommé
• Braised beef cheek, charred leek, and caramelised onion puree
• White chocolate cigar, Cremux, White Chocolate Ice Cream

Dining Menu from our journey with The Murder Express

The physical printed menu and the four courses to come continued the Jazz Era styling. 

Amuse-Bouche

The Amuse-Bouche was an earthy mushroom crostini with a watercress garnish.

A parsnip and maple Velouté was just as the name implies, velvety. It is a generous helping of creamy parsnip and unexpected sweetness of maple made for a fantastic and ample starter.  

Main Course

The main was a gamey 3 bird roast with hispi cabbage which is very on point for the 20’s when meat and cabbage was as common back then as it is today.  

Dessert was a Speculoos and Oat cookie pie. A sweetened flapjack with an earthy yet sweet vanilla cinnamon ice cream  Tasty but not moorish, it was seemingly less on trend with the 1920’s theme than the rest of the menu. I’m no chef, but taking inspiration from Britain’s favourite baking show , I think a custard pies or a pineapple upside-down cake would have been better fitting.

With vegetarian and vegan options available, diners simply need to convey their dietary requirements before the night to ensure it can be accommodated.  While the menu isn’t experimental or game changing, it for the most part is a gentle nod to the era, and likely to please the majority. Additions of water jugs, bread basket on each table and tea and/or coffee following dinner would be a nice touch. 

Verdict on The Murder Express

In between each course, the whodunit mystery continued to find the murderer on board our train.  Actors remained in character and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish providing enjoyable innuendo and slapstick entertainment.  

Diners are entertained by Vera Valentine and her dog Muffy who look down their noses at the riff-raff in the carriage, while Tilly and her theatrics often dominated the spotlight, with bumbling waiter Tomathy, who would not be out of place in Fawlty Towers, falling over himself to please her. 

Frank Fletcher is the name. A grifter, wheeler and dealer, a spiv and a salesman…of sorts.  Armed with an assortment of wares he just may fleece you of some of your hard earned cash for some magic potions or bootlegged items.  

Tickets for The Murder Express are on the pricier side and for the 2023/2024 season start at £74.50. This includes the four-course meal and the hilarious immersive dining experience.

Drinks are available to purchase from the bar, although I suggest pre-ordering drinks before you board the train to keep the flow of the evening.  Prices are reasonable with soft drinks priced at £3.25, beers under £6, G&T ~£9. The bottle of wine we chose to accompany dinner was a reasonable £25 although there are choices ranging up to £95/bottle.

The Essentials |  The Murder Express

• Where: Pedley Street Station, Arch 63 Pedley St, Bethnal Green, London E1 5BW
• When: 9 Nov 2023 until 3 Nov 2024
• Duration: 2 hours
• Nearest Train Station: Bethnal Green train station 5 min walk. Liverpool St Station: 20 min walk
• Nearest Tube Station: Bethnal Green (Central Line) 12 min walk.  Whitechapel (Hammersmith & City, District & Overground) 10 min walk
• Dietary Requirements:   Allergy or specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.  Set menus for meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Advise any requirements at the time of booking
• Accessibility: From street to platform Pedley Street Station is step free, this includes the bar and an accessible bathroom. A ramp is available for wheelchair access to the train, otherwise it’s 3 steps with dual handrails

Book a Table!  

Looking for others things to do in london try the below bestsellers.

Roma was raised on the white sandy beaches of Australia's East Coast, and she has called London home since 2012. With an adventurous spirit, a love of regional travel and anything food related, Roma looks to encourage working professionals to follow their dreams to travel the world one adventure and short break at a time. Don't let a full-time career stop you from seeing the world. Come roam with us!

Search hotels and more...

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Some of the links used on Roaming Required are affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and make a purchase then may earn a small commission, at absolutely no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on at Roaming Required HQ and the content being created. We sincerely thank you for your support.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Suggested companies

National Express Coaches   Reviews

In the Transportation Service category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.2.

61,685 total

Most relevant

Good alternative to train

On time, slightly confused about pick up location- confirmed with other travellers. Clean coach other than some rubbish. All double seats occupied so had to sit next to someone for duration of journey. Wifi never works. Avoided using the toilet. Friendly driver- didn’t slam on breaks and was smooth to move off and turn. Reasonable price but expensive considering you can get a train for less.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Fantastic service between North Wales & Merseyside

Always clean. Comfy seats. Pleasant drivers. Use this coach to visit family in Merseyside on a very regular basis. Prices are good especially if booked well in advance. Only one issue. The website/technology is driving me crazy. Numerous times I have been blocked out of signing into my account (you don't pay booking fee is you go on line and through your account). Blocked out again this week by the technology = saying wrong password. No it was the right password! (had to pay the booking fee) Also tried to track the coach and it came up that I was unauthorised to use their tracking site? Rang my husband who could track my coach and he was able to inform me the returning coach would be 15mins late.

Date of experience : April 10, 2024

Excellent service as ever .durham to…

Excellent service as ever .durham to Victoria & then Bristol Bristol to Birmingham/Leeds durham on return journey. Slightly delayed due to weather & traffic but overall excellent service , friendly drivers clean coaches, good communication. I do this journey every 2months , wouldn't change operators

Coughing passengers !!

I have no complaints about National Express ! However, on our journey from Totnes to Heathrow, from Exeter onwards, a man was coughing continually, not always putting his hand to his mouth, and touching the seat in front of him. At the end of the journey, I said to him that he should should not be travelling on public transport with a cough like that. He said "You mean I should not go to Australia ".He then said he only had a tickly cough. No way !!! It actually ruined our trip up to Heathrow. And then, would you believe it, on our return journey, a woman sitting just behind us was coughing incessantly !! I dont suppose there is anything you can do about this problem, but it was a problem for us pensioners, having paid for specific seats, and then experiencing all this coughing !!

Date of experience : March 24, 2024

So so freezing cold 🥶 in 460 line to…

So so freezing cold 🥶 in 460 line to Coventry. The driver was not cooperative to stop the cold air and turn on warm. He was caught constantly and most of the passengers and sneezing… 🤧 was very unpleasant and disappointing journey!!! That’s against humanity to keep us in the fridge/ freezer temperatures!!!!

Date of experience : April 12, 2024

Coach travel

I use national Express as I struggle with my luggage on trains and I now find your drivers load and unload you luggage which is great and is a lot cheaper

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Onboard Announcements for Deaf Customers - We need to be Heard

National Express - is a comfortable way to travel & alot more reliable than travelling by rail.The staff are friendly & helpful. However there is a growing population of deaf / hearing deficient people. These people need support - any announcements while travelling on any coach are completely muffled & Cannot be Heard or Understood. PLEASE post any announcements on the TV Screen onboard the coach.

My Phone ran out of charge at London…

My Phone ran out of charge at London Victoria Coach Station so I was unable to access my ticket. Thankfully the National Express representative at the Info Kiosk printed my ticket off for me and kept the Coach at the platform so I could embark. This level of customer service was brilliant. The only negative for my journey was that the USB plugs on the coach were faulty so I was unable to charge my phone which meant I had to travel 3 hours with no cell phone.

Reply from National Express Coaches

Hi William, Thank you for your review, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your overall experience travelling with us. I am sorry the socket did not work, if there is space to move seats we would advise trying and alternative socket in another section of the coach. Otherwise please speak to the driver at a designated stop so they can advise. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

Punctual, friendly service

Used National Express due to rail strike and was very pleased with the service. Coaches arrived punctually for departures and arrivals, outward and return, were a little earlier than stated on the ticket. The booking process was easy. The only part I was a little unsure of was using a different provider from Leeds to York, changing at the bus station in Leeds, but there were plenty of people to ask and good signage, so it wasn't a problem. The drivers were very friendly. WiFi was available throughout the journeys on the National Express coaches. Would definitely recommend them.

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Hi Kathryn, Thank you for leaving your review. It's very nice to hear that your journey was punctual and pleasant with friendly and helpful drivers. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

I got sick of paying for extortionate…

I got sick of paying for extortionate train fares so tried National Express and I've never looked back. Super value, comfy seats, plenty of legroom and, even going to London, aways on time. Victoria Coach Station is a horrible dump but just a few minutes walk from Victoria Trtain Station so you are right in the centre of London.

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Hi, Thank you for leaving a 5* review. We are delighted to learn your journey with us was a pleasant one. We hope to see you again soon :) Kind regards, Rema

London/Chester

A great journey with Your two brilliant drivers ,from London Victoria to Chester. Laughs were had and their patience with certain passengers was above and beyond 5* REF ... SE78

Hi Mick, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your experience travelling with us and we hope to see you travelling again with us soon. Regards Samantha

Lovely, Accommodating Driver

We arrived at Manchester Airport on a day of yet another rail strike. I booked National Express tickets online for 07.50 to Leeds as soon as I realised there would be no trains. Our plane was late so we missed our bus. We made our way into Manchester after buying more tickets to Leeds which unfortunately were for the next available bus at 3.30pm! We asked the staff when we got into Chorlton St and they were so accommodating and allowed us to board the 09.55 as there were some unoccupied seats. The driver carried our suitcases and was so cheerful on a very stressful and busy day. Thank you from 2 very tired travellers🙏

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Hi Jacqueline, Thank you for leaving feedback of your journey. I am delighted you are so pleased with the service you received from us and hope your next journey is just as good. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

I traveled to Oxford from Bournemouth…

I traveled to Oxford from Bournemouth and return The cost was low, the coach clean and comfortable and on hearing I had anxiety the driver went above and beyond to reassure me, all in all a good value for money quick clean and stress free

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Hi Karol, We’re so happy to hear you’ve had a great experience with National Express. We always try to offer the best prices and the highest quality travel! Thanks so much for your kind feedback. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

I come often on holiday and I have…

I come often on holiday and I have often used national express every Time I am imprest on how organised they are. You Come in the coach and you know you will get there. Just an exemple on saturday 6 th of april on a 6.5 jour journey thé coach arrivée at Heathrow 5 minutes earlier.

Hi, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your overall experience travelling with us and we hope to see you travelling again with us soon. Kind regards, Rema

Great way to travel

Easy booking system. Contact prior to journey was helpful. Both journeys were comfortable with plenty of leg room. Drivers were friendly and helpful Much cheaper and more reliable than train travel. I will certainly use again and in fact my daughter who lives in Southsea but has to work in London one day per week is now using National Express

Late by 35 minutes arriving at start of…

Late by 35 minutes arriving at start of journey and no staff at Liverpool One to check why Driver on Manchester to Liverpool brilliant even though we had a 3 stop on M6 due to accident… maybe some water on coach for passengers when this happens post midnight may be good!

Hi Valery, Thank you for your review, I am sorry to hear that your service was delayed. I appreciate that delays can be an inconvenience when travelling, and we do our best to keep these services on schedule. However, heavy traffic, road closures and accidents are circumstances that we can not predict in advance and will depend on the day of travel. Should you wish to discuss this with us further please do not hesitate to contact us through http://www.nationalexpress.com/help-and-advice/contact-us.aspx. Regards Samantha

Used due to train strikes

Used due to train strikes, will probably now be preferred option for travelling to/from London. Service punctual, friendly and more cost effective.

Hi Lawrence, Thanks for your review, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your experience travelling with us and we hope to see you travelling again with us soon. Regards Samantha

would definitely travel again

both drivers we had on outbound and return were SO efficient and helpful, as a teenager i felt really safe being driven by them. i wish i could identify specifically our return coach driver because his excellent service deserves to be acknowledged !

Hi Phoebe, Thank you for leaving your review. I'm very happy to hear that your journey was pleasant and the driver was friendly and helpful. I look forward to hearing from you next time you are on board. Regards Samantha

Caring bus driver makes a difference

Comfort on the plus side and this time the drivers were very good. Especially Sebastian who did the journey from LHR to LEI (Fosse Park) NX230 at 16:05pm on 3/4/24. He was very empathetic to helping my wife who was feeling sick. On the negative side, there are passengers who do not have any regard concerning their noise levels when using their phones. They need to be told by staff members to reduce the volume of their conversations. Wi-Fi drastically needs to be improved though.

Hi, We are thrilled to learn of your experience with us and hope to see you again soon. :) Kind regards, Rema

Emma in leeds coach…

Fantastic experience in leeds coach station before travel. All staff very friendly and helpful. Big mention to Emma who went above and beyond . I am disabled and managed to spill my hot coffee on the floor Emma came and mopped it up immediately and took all health and safety procedures wet floor signs etc. To my amazement Emma then offered to make me another one in my cupflask. After doing the above she then offered to assist with our baggage and wheelchair to the awaiting coach. Highly commemorate Emma

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

• See all photos

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS (London) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Travel stories
• Tips & Tricks
• Publications
• Privacy Policy

Reverie Chaser

Journeys near and far, eurostar express train from brussels to london: travel review and what to expect.

What should you expect when riding Eurostar express train for the first time? These trains run between Brussels & Paris and London, under the English Channel, and are especially convenient for a peaceful alternative to airplanes! This is how I ended up on my first Eurostar train ride – my BA flight was delayed –  and it turned out to be extremely easy and efficient! The ride took around two hours and I did not have to change the train.

Where to buy tickets : Rail Europe and other train ticket sales points.

Interested in exploring more of Brussels? Check out the reputable GetYourGuide tours in Brussels !

How much does Eurostar ticket cost : Standard ticket (2nd class) one way start around 50 euros, return 66 euros. Standard Premier (1st class) start at 128 euros one way and 193 euros return. My ticket was an extremely last minute purchase and cost 280 euros for Standard Premier.

What was the luggage allowance: I could take two large suitcases without weight restriction and small hand luggage

How much in advance can you purchase the tickets: tickets come into sales 180 days before

How fast does the train go : in the English Channel it goes 160 km/h, outside of the channel the speed can reach 300 km/h

Getting to Eurostar Train Station in Brussels: What to Expect

The train in Brussels departs from (and arrives to, if you are travelling there from London) to Bruxelles Midi and goes til London St.Pancras station. I was going to the station from the airport area by taxi, as my flight was cancelled, and due to traffic it took me nearly 40 minutes.

How Much in Advance do You Have to Show Up at the Station

The recommended arrival time is at least 30 minutes before departure. Due to traffic I arrived around 25 min before, but I was definitely not the last one. The terminal was easy to find, from the bus stop where the taxi driver let me out, it was around 20 m in the station, and on the right a large sign indicated “Channel Terminal”. You need to scan your ticket there before the security control. I had printed my ticket in advance.

What Type of Security Check is Required for Eurostar and What is Allowed on Board

There was no line at the check in desk for scanning the ticket and I went to security right away. A few people were in front of me. I had to take out my computer and my Kindle, and there were no restrictions for liquid. Passport control was next. An officer looked at my passport exiting Schengen and bio-metric pass holders afterwards proceeded to machine to be allowed into the UK. Security and passport control took around 7 minutes total. While I was waiting in the line for security control, an announcement in the station was made for final passengers to proceed to the check in. A few more entered then. Some people say they arrive as late as 10 minutes before the departure, but I definitely wouldn’t risk it, especially since a passport check is required.

Waiting for the Train: Lounge Area and Going to the Train

If you arrive very much in advance, there is a lounge, plenty of seating area, a few stores, cafe and restrooms. As everyone was already going to the trains, I went to board the train right away. The boarding area is from two sides, and you must check with carriage you are in, to proceed. I was in car 14, so I had to go to the right. I rode up an escalator to the next floor and my train was there.

There were only a few other people and I immediately located my car and the hostess. She checked my name in the system, informed me where my seat was (near a family of 3), and recommended I go to another seat as no other passengers would be sitting there and I could work more easily there. Then she proceeded to check in a few more people who had boarded from the other side of the train and asked them to board in their respective carriage in the future.

In the Train: First Class (Premier) Eurostar Experience

There was so much space in the train! Plenty for my bags and for me (and I am a tall person!). You are allowed 2 units of large luggage and 1 hand luggage, and all of that stays with you in the train!

There was a storage area with three shelves each at each end of the car and numerous shelves above for smaller bags. The seating in 1st class (Premier) was four seats around a table on one side and two seats+ table on the opposite side.

If I was not the only one at my table, there would probably be some kicking, but as I was on my own, it was very comfortable. From what I saw on the other side, 2nd class also looked very comfortable.

The table had a no-slip surface to put you laptop on, special tray for hands/computer, electric outlets (UK plug + USB) and there was free internet that worked most of the time! Each side of the car had a spacious bathroom. All facilities where wheelchair accessible.

About forty minutes in they brought in food – I had cold salmon with sides (you could also select veg), a bun, and cold drinks (juice, soft drinks, beer, wine). Later they brought tea and offered to replenish the drinks throughout the ride.

In Conclusion: Yes, I Definitely Will Ride Eurostar Again!

Although my train was delayed due to a trespasser (and I received a refund from Eurostar because of that!) the ride was very enjoyable and I would definitely recommend using Eurostar for your trips between London, Paris or Brussels! Much less hassle than with the airplane, you get in the city and you can work (or enjoy yourself) all the way!

Similar articles:

What to do on  along layover in Frankfurt airport

How to get a refund for Eurostar train delay

How to claim compensation from an airline

10 comments

I’ve always wanted to do this train ride! Great tips – pinned for someday!

Love train rides, and this is a very special one going underwater! They are more sustainable than planes too 🙂

Uhm….. Eurostar don’t have 1st class. Or 2nd class. They have Standard Class (like 2nd class), Standard Premier (which is seating like 1st class with a meal like what used to be served in Economy on airlines) and Business Premier (cars are interchangable with Standard Premier depending on loadings, meal is of a higher quality, ticket gets you into lounges at stations). Standard Premier tickets do not get Lounge access unless you have the right card as well. The meal in the photo is Standard Premier. My advice, book early and go for Standard Premier.

And by the way, there are around 6 trains per hour from the airport to Midi station taking around 21 minutes. Brussels is bi-lingual, Midi (french) can also appear as Zuid (Flemish).

Thanks for your comment! My ticket (purchased from a travel agent) says 1st class, maybe it is a default setting in their documents. I didn’t have time to explore the lounge, thanks for the tip, I am sure it will be handy for fellow travelers!

Seems to be a great train ride! I’ve done a trainride from Rotterdam to London, but never from Brussel!

Thanks so much for a very insightful blog post, I’m thinking of taking the Eurostar in the near future, I have bookmarked it.

IfI am travelling thru this route with an EU stay and I am going with my UK wife to ujk. Do I need to show a visa or my Eau article 10 covers me ?

UK is non-Schengen, so you should consider which visas you need where, as it is not about EU, but about Schengen.

As a family of 4 we want to take the Eurostar from Brussels to Paris. Are the seats automatically reserved when booking the ticket? Or do you have to do it extra? Can we choose the seats?

I am sorry, but I wouldn’t know, I travelled alone.

Add comment Cancel

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

REVIEW: The Murder Express, London

London’s latest immersive dining experience The Murder Express combines a delicious meal with a comedic murder mystery storyline… but is it any good?

Sometimes going out for dinner just isn’t enough! You know, you want some entertainment to make your evening extra special. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ve probably noticed London’s immersive experiences are increasing by the week, with companies like Gingerline and Les Enfants Terribles leading the way with their innovative and creative ‘shows’.

Often with experiences like this, you’re paying more for the ‘show’ elements, and therefore the food is secondary. But this experience takes the food seriously too! Yep, the menu has been created by Billy and Jack – two top chefs who have teamed up since reaching the Masterchef final a couple of years ago.

Funnily enough, I was an avid fan of that season, in particular those two contestants, so this was a big selling point too.

As with all immersive theatre experiences, I think it’s important not to give EVERYTHING away, otherwise what’s the point in going and experiencing it for yourself?

But I thought it’d be fun to share a little flavour of the evening…

All Aboard The Murder Express

The Murder Express takes place at the fictional Pedley Street Station. As you wander along Pedley Street in Bethnal Green, with the railway line to your right, and lots of studios built under the arches, it feels like a real setting for a train station.

But first, a drink! Before boarding we were encouraged to order drinks from the 7 Sins Bar, which had a menu of tasty sounding cocktails, along with wine, beer and soft drinks. You could also pre-order rounds to be delivered once on board the Murder Express.

And then the door of shiny strain opened, and the sounds of a shrill whistle bounced around the arches. The stern female train conductor was ready for us, and we boarded our carriage for the next part of the evening’s entertainment.

I can’t tell you any more about the story, but believe me, there are some great twists! While there are moments of audience participation, I wouldn’t say this experience is as ‘immersive’ as the experiences I’ve been to by Gingerline. Some of you may prefer that style, others of you may want to be more involved. I liked how the characters came to sit at the tables and have a chat throughout the night though.

The Murder Express: The Food

Billy and Jack did a great job at designing a three-course menu that was a) in keeping with the time period and b) possible to serve a large number of people all at once and c) delicious!

The courses were generous, beautifully presented and well seasoned. I couldn’t finish my dessert, which is definitely an indication of the size.

As dessert was served, each table reviewed the evidence and decided ‘whodunnit’. As for the result? My lips are sealed, but prepare for a few surprises!

Tickets for The Murder Express start at £53, which includes the immersive experience plus the three-course meal. You can buy drinks from the bar, with cocktails around £9 and a bottle of wine priced at a reasonable £22. The experience is running now until 22 nd September. Find out more and book here .

I received a complimentary experience, but as always all opinions are my own. 

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Montcalm Chilworth Townhouse

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 1,887
• Very Good 209
• Terrible 40
• All languages ( 2,253 )
• English ( 2,040 )
• French ( 37 )
• Spanish ( 34 )

" Call to book your slot in the spa, you may get it to yourself. "

" Too small for 2 women travelers. "

" Bring your own marmite "

" Close to Paddinton station. "

" Gluten free bread "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

MONTCALM CHILWORTH TOWNHOUSE $153 ($̶2̶2̶6̶) - Updated Reviews

• Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith Review

by Dan Miller | Mar 11, 2024 | hotel , hotel reviews , ihg , Uncategorized | 0 comments

• We're Going to Europe
• Our first "first class" flight
• New York JFK Greenwich Room / AA Flagship Business Lounge
• American Airlines Boeing 777-200 Review JFK-LHR
• American Airlines London Heathrow / LHR Arrivals Lounge
• Eurostar Train Review from London to Paris
• I'd Love To Book the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoille but...
• Marriott Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon Hotel Review
• 9 Things To Do in Paris With Kids And Families
• Taking Paris Bus 351 to CDG Airport (With Kids)
• Holiday Inn Express Paris CDG Airport Review
• A Hotel Gave Me Connecting Rooms... Then I Walked In On Someone Else In Their Room
• Air France Paris CDG Terminal E Gate M Lounge Review
• Why Do My Business Class Flights Keep Getting Cancelled?
• Air France Paris CDG Terminal E Gate L Lounge Review
• Delta One Boeing 767-400 Review CDG-CVG
• Who Is "Rose O. Dougherty" From Delta Customer Care?
• Delta Sky Club EWR
• The mental load I carry while traveling

Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith location

The Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith is located at 120-124 King Street, London, W6 0QU. It’s about a 10 minute walk away from the Hammersmith Tube station, which has the District, Piccadilly, Circle and Hammersmith and City lines. It’s also about a 10 minute walk from the Ravenscourt Park station which is only on the Circle line. We took the Piccadilly line on the Tube to the Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith directly from London Heathrow.

When we did that, it was a bit chaotic with several streets going in all sorts of directions and it was hard to tell where to go. We made a few wrong turns before figuring out which way to go – we knew we needed to get on King Street but couldn’t see which one was that. If you find yourself in the same situation going to the Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith, you want to go on a slight left towards what we affectionately referred to as the “Whomping Willows” (pictured below)

If you come from the Hammersmith and City or Circle Lines, you come out across the street – that station is the brick building barely visible in the picture above to the right of the rightmost tree.

You walk down King street about 10 minutes and then you’ll see the sign to the right. I was a bit confused because it kind of looked like you needed to go through the Plough & Harrow (pub / restaurant).

But instead, you walk down a short alley to the right

Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith cost

Cash prices at the Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith range anywhere from $100 to $200 or more, depending on what is going on. We had booked a family room (which sleeps 4). On my nights, the cash rate was 170 GBP per night – total cost of 678 GBP (around USD$870). The points cost, with the 4th night free that comes from the IHG Premier card, was 77,000 points, which is a value of about 1.13 cents per point. This is a pretty solid use of IHG points, especially with the 4th night free benefit.

You can check prices for your nights at the Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith at HotelsCombined or Hotels.com . You can also read Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith  reviews at TripAdvisor .

Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith review – room

I had reserved a Family Room, which is the room at the Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith that will sleep four people. This is exactly what I got. When we got to the room, the sofa bed was already laid out for us.

The double bed on the far side of the room also slept two. The room was quite small by American standards, but for the most part met our needs.

There was a small bathroom on the left when you entered the room, with a sink, toilet and shower

We were in Room 259 on the 2nd floor (which is of course what us Americans would call the 3rd floor). It was fairly far away from the elevator and stairwells. I had no problem with noise from the stairs, elevator or anything else.

Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith wifi and amenities

Wifi is complimentary in the lobby and in the guest rooms for IHG members. The Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith wifi speed was quite good.

As you can imagine, nobody in my family had any trouble doing anything on the Internet while we were there. There is not really anything else in the way of amenities at the Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith. There is no Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith pool, fitness center or laundry facilities. There is not a separate business center, though I would imagine the front desk would help you print something if you needed it.

One downside of the Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith is that it only has one bank of two elevators which are both quite small (and slow). Additionally,  during our stay, one of them was broken, which made things pretty unusable. We ended up taking the stairs up and down two flights most of the time that we needed to go to and from our room.

Not really an amenity but the lobby was quite spacious and (when it wasn’t breakfast time) it was a nice place to sit and relax. In the evening, we would come down and play games and drink free hot chocolate (this was especially nice since our room was so small)

Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith Fire Alarms

We stayed from Tuesday through Saturday (4 nights), and on Friday at noon local time the fire alarm went off. It was only for a minute or so but we still got all our stuff and dutifully marched down the stairs. In the lobby, they let us know that they test the fire alarm every Friday at noon. That would have been useful to know!

(SEE ALSO: Should you expect hotel fire alarm compensation? )

(SEE ALSO: San Francisco 49ers Awoken By Hotel Fire Alarm As They Get Ready For The Super Bowl )

But then the next day (Saturday), around 11 a.m., the fire alarm went off AGAIN. This time it didn’t stop and we again marched down the stairs. This time, the staff was directing us outside, where we waited for around 20 minutes. They collected our room number, so I don’t know if they were going door to door and making sure everyone had evacuated? After we got back, we asked what had gone on and they blamed it on someone smoking in their room (I have no idea if that is true or not)

Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith hotel review – parking

The Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith parking is not really associated with the hotel – instead, there is a small car park to the rear of the hotel. The car park is managed by YourParkingSpace and starts at 20 GBP per vehicle per night. I would recommend the Tube rather than staying here with a car.

Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith food

The Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith breakfast is served on the main floor next to the front desk and is complimentary for all guests. One interesting thing that I had not seen before is that they had a staff member downstairs checking off room numbers for breakfast before they “let” you into the breakfast area. I put “let” in quotes because the security was not super tight if you really wanted to get around it.

They had 4 hot dishes – bacon, sausage, eggs and baked beans.

As well as cereal, fruit and bread.

Apple and orange juice along with water

And 2 coffee machines that also served excellent hot chocolate. This coffee area was open 24 hours a day which, as we managed, we took advantage of quite a bit in the evenings to hang out.

The Bottom Line – Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith hotel review

Overall this was a good stay if you need to stay in London in the Hammersmith area. The room was small for American standards but plenty big enough for our family of 4. The bed was comfortable though I heard that the sofa was not great. The water pressure in the bathroom was great in the shower and the breakfast was exactly as expected. It’s a great deal on IHG points as well, so it can be a great option if you’re looking for a London hotel.

Have you stayed at the Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith? What did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments

Newsletter Signup

Join the PWaC newsletter filled with credit card and travel tips

You have Successfully Subscribed!

User Generated Content Disclosure: Points With a Crew encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.

Sharing is Caring!

More from points with a crew, submit a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Follow Points with a Crew

Recent posts.

• 15 Tech and Travel Deals at Amazon This Weekend
• Major Hotel Chain Giving You Free Points For Downloading Their App
• Plaza Premium Terminal 1 F Gates YYZ Priority Pass lounge review
• Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Review
• The Club CLE lounge review – Cleveland Airport Priority Pass

Recent Comments

• Dan Miller on The Club CLE lounge review – Cleveland Airport Priority Pass
• Rose Mitchell on The Club CLE lounge review – Cleveland Airport Priority Pass
• Anthony W on The Club CLE lounge review – Cleveland Airport Priority Pass
• sydney fields on … but I’ll probably never take another Amtrak trip
• Dan Miller on Getting 3 Cents Per Marriott Point At An Eclipse Hotel

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

Danny Wallace on... the Orient Express

By Condé Nast Traveller

The second we got on the train my seven-year-old son wanted to change into his fancy dinner jacket. The second .

Mind you, I don't blame him. It was quite the fancy dinner jacket.

But in that moment I realised that not only did my boy potentially have ideas above his station, but that I may have panicked and bought him something ridiculous.

Two days before, at home, I'd studied the paperwork.

T-shirts, jeans and trainers may not be worn at any time! it said. There is no such thing as overdressed!

I'd looked at my son. He was wearing a T-shirt, jeans and trainers.

I looked at myself. I was wearing a T-shirt, jeans and trainers.

So I dug out a tie and panic-ordered something for him online. It turned out to be much more purple and a little more velvet than I'd anticipated.

Which meant that now I was sitting in a beautiful wood-lined cabin on the Orient Express with what appeared to be a miniature version of Hugh Hefner.

And yes: the Orient Express.

The name that suggests luxury! Adventure! Intrigue! Occasional murder!

The name that suggests oysters and champagne and spies in Strasbourg, and late-night Constantinople-bound dalliances in the on-board piano car over cocktails and roulette! And very occasional murder!

The name that suggests dinner with nobles, opera singers and stiff-necked diplomats in a restaurant car packed with military medals and waxed moustaches… and sure, of course , occasional murder.

I would be enjoying all of that grown-up stuff… but instead of enjoying it with a 1920s flapper girl or a Wren on the run, I would be enjoying it all with a seven-year-old boy in a smoking jacket.

I'd had slight misgivings about whether this would work.

I'd been looking for something for us to do together; to thank him for being a brilliant big brother to his brilliant little siblings and never complaining that the attention he gets has diluted with the years. I wanted him to have memories of something amazing and timeless we did - just the two of us - as the trip that took us from London Victoria to Calais now pointed us towards France and the mountains and lakes of Switzerland and our final destination: Venice.

And as the train heaved itself away, and the cameras came out to glint in the golden-hour sun, the adventure had begun!

Which meant my son immediately got the iPad out.

'No no!' I said, swiping it away and popping open a chilled bottle of Woogie Party Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Apple Juice drink - which if I squinted so hard I could no longer see (and also didn't taste it) could just about pass for a 1930 Bollinger La Grande Année Brut Champagne. 'Now we toast the journey!'

My son immediately got it.

He knew he was so lucky to be here. He knew this mainly because people kept coming up to him and saying 'You're so lucky to be here!'. But he was the only kid on board, and while these days it's less likely to be gunrunners or diplomats in the restaurant cars and more likely to be Ken and Amanda from Shepshed celebrating 15 years of marital bliss, the Orient Express - now the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - feels undeniably, ridiculously special.

There's the grace of the 1920s cabins, sure; and the thick colours and rich shades from a royal palette: black mahogany, naval blues, British racing greens. But more importantly, there are also the carriage masters, dressed in their gold-piped finery and acting as host, advisor, butler - and often found stoking 100-year-old coal fireplaces at each carriage end to keep the cabins warm and the water hot.

And I think they do the job not because they need to or they just like trains, but because they just like this train.

Like Rory, whose dad worked on the Orient Express before him, and who grew up hearing about the glamour and the mountain air and the unusual characters on board.

Or Rupert, from the Caribbean, who spends 150 days of the year dressed in blue, and 150 nights sleeping under thick beige woollen blankets in a small room at the end of the carriage, getting up whenever necessary to tend to that fire.

Or like Marco, who met the woman he'd spend the rest of his life with on board the train he's given his life to, and who asked her to marry him just as they slowed into Venice.

'Is this right?' says my son, adjusting his collar.

It's dinner time. He looks amazing. A passing steward leans down and teaches him how to walk on the train without falling over - a kind of duck waddle, which while practical does take away from the glamour of the night a little, as I honestly believe waddles tend to - and we pass cabin after cabin, seeing moments of stories. A birthday, a treat, a bucket-list tick.

The largely French chefs and Italian waiters - who dash outside as the train makes brief stops in towns across Europe to pick up fresh fish, or just-baked bread, and pull it all on board - welcome my son, and agree that while tonight's menu is delicious and the result of many years of refinement, they'll channel their decades of culinary experience into making him a plate of pasta in tomato sauce.

I go for the lamb chops. The last time I ate on a train it was a Ginsters pasty and a cheese-and-onion sandwich. After these lamb chops, I am willing to be the face of a national campaign to stop cheese-and-onion sandwiches being sold on trains.

Then we explore, and make it to the bar carriage, and take a seat on an ink-blue sofa near the piano. A woman in a tiara and a man in a white military jacket - complete with a line of medals - fuss over my son.

I cast a glance around, waiting for a murder.

There isn't one. Which I have to admit is disappointing.

The party is just starting, but we've got mountains to see in the morning and so head to bed. A passing steward winks at my son and surreptitiously hands him something as he goes.

My son gasps.

A silver pen.

THE ORIENT EXPRESS, it says.

He sleeps well that night. He sleeps for 10 hours, rocked and lulled by the carriage, his pen tucked safely away, and as we pull up the blinds the next morning the window slowly fills with snow-capped mountains as daybreak brightens our cabin.

We eat breakfast, and read, and wait for lunch - which are nine of the best words I've ever written - and my son puts on his velvet jacket again - which are nine words I never really expected to write.

The voice on the tannoy says 'the dress code is casual', but my boy's made his decision. He's here. He's found his look. And that look is 'Child of Wes Anderson'.

As we waddle down the carriage, I overhear a semi-famous passenger ask a steward for 'a vegan salmon' - which seems like something you'd have to already have on board, rather than be able to just knock up - and he rushes off to work out how on earth they're going to get that done.

Another sees my son and smiles.

He reaches into his jacket for something.

He pulls something from his pocket and hands it to him.

My boy smiles and takes it but looks at me, smile frozen. He wonders: am I going to say anything? Am I going to make him give it back because he's already got one?

But I know what he wants this for. He wants this for his sister.

So I just say 'That's amazing, thank you!' and my son smiles in relief, and in that moment I realise that now we have a secret to share that we didn't have before this trip. An extra, tiny bond. We're not just dad and son any more.

We are train robbers .

It may not have been a murder. But Pen Theft on the Orient Express will do for now.

Six hours later, at sunset, we arrive in Venice.

Soon we'll be on a water taxi, bouncing towards a hotel and the next part of our adventure.

But my son says two important things to me before we leave this train.

He says that one day he wants to work on the Orient Express, just like the guys he met, just like the guys who gave him the silver pens.

And he says that one day, when he's got a son, and when that son is seven years old, he wants to take him on the Orient Express, and he wants to stay in the same cabin we did.

So yes. I had my misgivings.

But yes. I guess you could say this worked.

[GalleryThumbnails##CallToActionSee more pictures]

Prices for a journey from London to Venice aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express owned by Belmond start from £2,129 per person, based on two sharing a twin cabin, during 2018 season (beginning 21 March 2018). For more information or to book, contact belmond.com ; 0845 077 2222

Johnny Depp plays Ratchett in 'Murder on the Orient Express'

Albert Finney as Poirot in the 1974 film version of Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express'

Poirot, played by Kenneth Branagh, tickles Daisy Ridley with his moustache in the 2017 'Murder on the Orient Express'

Michelle Pfeiffer in Kenneth Branagh's 2017 film version of Murder on the Orient Express

Paul Richardson

CNT Editors

Arati Menon

Olivia Morelli

Michael York, Jacqueline Bisset and Lauren Bacall in the 1974 film of Murder on the Orient Express

From the 1974 film version of Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express'

On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

A cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express