The route and rolling stock of the "Orient Express" changed many times. Several routes in the past concurrently used the "Orient Express" name, or slight variations. Although the original "Orient Express" was simply a normal international railway service, the name became synonymous with intrigue and luxury rail travel. The two city names most prominently associated with the "Orient Express" are Paris and Istanbul, the original endpoints of the timetabled service. The "Orient Express" was a showcase of luxury and comfort at a time when travelling was still rough and dangerous.