Luxury Train Comparison Guide
Maharajas’ Express vs Palace on Wheels: Which Royal Train Is Right for You?
Torn between the Maharajas’ Express and the Palace on Wheels? This guide compares routes, cabins,
onboard experience, fares and ideal traveller profiles so you can confidently choose the royal
train that fits your style, budget and India bucket list.
- Understand the real differences in style, comfort and itineraries.
- See who each train suits best – by age, travel style and budget.
- Learn how Indian Luxury Trains (ILT) helps you book safely and plan a seamless trip.
Quick answer: which royal train is right for you?
Maharajas’ Express – choose this if:
- You want newer, ultra-luxury cabins and suites with modern amenities.
- You like having multiple itineraries across India (3–7 nights) to choose from.
- You don’t mind paying more per night for smoother rides and more personalised service.
Palace on Wheels – choose this if:
- You want one iconic 7-night Rajasthan loop with the Taj Mahal as a finale.
- You love heritage décor, vintage “palace” vibes and classic royal charm.
- You want better value for money across a full week-long journey.
Both trains are all-inclusive, typically run from October to April, and work best as the centrepiece of a
10–14 day India trip. Indian Luxury Trains (ILT) acts as your specialist planner – comparing dates, cabins
and promotions across both trains and stitching in flights, hotels and extensions around your chosen journey.
Quick facts: Maharajas’ Express vs Palace on Wheels
Start with this at-a-glance comparison, then dive deeper into the sections below.
| Feature | Maharajas’ Express | Palace on Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 2010 (IRCTC luxury flagship) | 1982 (India’s first luxury heritage train) |
| Route Focus | Multiple itineraries: Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Central & Western India | Single classic loop across Rajasthan and Agra from Delhi |
| Typical Duration | 3–7 nights | 7 nights / 8 days |
| Style & Vibe | Ultra-modern luxury suites, butlers, high-spec tech | Vintage “palace” décor, heritage-heavy salons, onboard spa |
| Starting Fare Band (approx.) | Higher per night; 3–4-night itineraries can start cheaper in total | Lower per night, but journeys are only available as a 7-night loop |
| Best For | “Bucket list” luxury, shorter high-intensity itineraries, modern comforts | Rajasthan lovers, first-time India visitors, heritage and value focus |
| Season | Mainly Oct–Apr | Mainly Sep/Oct–Apr |
“Not sure which fits you? Talk to our train experts at Indian Luxury Trains for a custom comparison and quote.”
What’s the real difference between these two royal trains?
At the highest level, Maharajas’ Express is newer, more high-tech and generally more expensive.
Palace on Wheels is older, more heritage-driven and slightly better value, especially if you’re looking for a
classic Rajasthan route. Both are genuine luxury trains; the real difference lies in style, routes and how much
you prioritise ultra-modern comfort versus deep nostalgia.
How did these trains start – and why does it matter?
Palace on Wheels – India’s original heritage luxury train
Launched in 1982 as a joint venture between Rajasthan Tourism and Indian Railways, the Palace on Wheels was
India’s first true luxury heritage train. Its cabins are inspired by royal carriages of Rajput rulers and
the Nizam, with richly detailed interiors and a classic “palace” aesthetic.
Over the decades, it has become an icon of royal Rajasthan tourism and is frequently featured in
international media as one of the world’s great luxury train journeys.
Maharajas’ Express – modern flagship for luxury rail
Launched in 2010 as IRCTC’s flagship luxury train, Maharajas’ Express was designed from scratch with
modern suspension, larger suites, advanced safety systems and high-end hotel-style finishing.
It has won multiple global luxury travel awards, and is often described as one of the most luxurious trains
in the world, especially in its higher suite categories and Presidential Suite.
Routes & itineraries: what will you actually see?
Both trains showcase India’s iconic forts, palaces, wildlife and the Taj Mahal – but they do so through
very different routing philosophies.
Palace on Wheels: one classic 7-night Rajasthan loop
Palace on Wheels focuses tightly on Rajasthan plus Agra with a single iconic 7-night/8-day loop starting
and ending in Delhi. A typical journey covers:
- Delhi (embarkation)
- Jaipur – Amber Fort, City Palace
- Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park (tiger safari)
- Chittorgarh – fort and sound & light show (seasonal)
- Udaipur – Lake Pichola, City Palace
- Jaisalmer – Thar Desert dunes and havelis
- Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort
- Bharatpur – Keoladeo bird sanctuary
- Agra – Taj Mahal
It’s Rajasthan in one sweep, with the Taj as the ideal finale if you want a single, linear royal story.
Maharajas’ Express: multiple branded itineraries
Maharajas’ Express usually operates several branded itineraries of varying lengths (3–7 nights). Names
and exact routing can change over time, but typical journeys include:
-
Indian Panorama (6N/7D) – Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra,
Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Delhi. -
Indian Splendour (6N/7D) – Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur,
Udaipur, Mumbai. -
Heritage of India (6N/7D) – Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur,
Ranthambore/Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Delhi. -
Treasures of India (3N/4D) – Compact Golden Triangle with Ranthambore:
Delhi–Agra–Ranthambore–Jaipur–Delhi.
This flexibility makes Maharajas’ Express ideal if you want to mix Rajasthan with Mumbai, Ajanta, Varanasi
or Central India within a single trip.
Suggested luxury train journeys to explore
Maharajas’ Express – Treasures of India (3N/4D)
A high-intensity Golden Triangle circuit with Ranthambore, ideal if you want a shorter ultra-luxury trip.
Maharajas’ Express – Indian Splendour (6N/7D)
Combine the Taj, Rajasthan and Mumbai on one seamless itinerary.
Palace on Wheels – Classic Rajasthan Loop (7N/8D)
The original 7-night royal Rajasthan and Taj Mahal journey from Delhi.
branch into Central and Western India.
Which train is better for first-time visitors to India?
Best for a straightforward “classic India” week
If your ideal first trip is “Rajasthan + Taj + tigers in one week” and you like a single, classic itinerary,
Palace on Wheels is the obvious fit. You board in Delhi, unpack once and the train
delivers you to forts, palaces, deserts, wildlife and the Taj in a neat loop.
Best for covering more regions or flexible trip lengths
If you want to cover more regions in one trip (or you’ve already seen Rajasthan) and prefer shorter or
varied durations (3–7 nights), Maharajas’ Express usually works better. Its multiple
itineraries let you plug the train into a larger India plan with more variety.
into one curated journey.
Cabins, suites & onboard comfort
On both trains, you get private en-suite cabins, air-conditioning, fine dining, lounges and attentive staff.
The difference lies in space, fit-out and overall level of luxury.
Maharajas’ Express cabins & suites
Cabins on Maharajas’ Express are larger, more contemporary and more sound-insulated than typical
Indian trains. Expect state-of-the-art fittings, high-quality bedding and personal butler service
in the higher categories.
- Deluxe Cabin
- Junior Suite
- Suite
- Presidential Suite (spanning an entire carriage)
Palace on Wheels cabins & décor
Palace on Wheels cabins are cosier and more heritage-styled, with intricate décor and a strong
old-world ambience. Comfort remains high, but the focus is more on nostalgia than sleek modern design.
- Deluxe cabins and higher-category cabins
- Twin or double beds, en-suite bathroom with shower
- Wardrobe, writing desk and heritage-inspired furnishings
- Each coach themed after a former princely state of Rajasthan
contemporary finish.
Dining, bars & onboard atmosphere
Both trains serve multi-course meals in elegant dining cars and feature well-stocked bars, but the
look-and-feel and service style differ.
Palace on Wheels
- Two restaurants serving Indian and continental cuisines with plenty of Rajasthani specialities.
- Strong heritage interior design – carved panels, rich fabrics, vintage tableware.
- Evenings often feature themed dinners and cultural performances on or off the train.
Maharajas’ Express
- Two themed restaurants with à la carte menus including Indian, Asian and Western dishes.
- Dedicated bar/lounge and, on some itineraries, an observation car.
- Presentation and service levels close to top global luxury hotels – this is where the per-night premium shows.
Dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) can generally be catered to on both trains with advance notice.
Off-train excursions: forts, palaces, safaris & more
Palace on Wheels excursions
- Fort and palace tours in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur.
- Private or semi-private palace dinners and cultural evenings.
- Safari in Ranthambore National Park.
- Heritage walks, museum visits and local markets.
Maharajas’ Express excursions
- Safaris and heritage site visits, including places like Ajanta Caves or Khajuraho on select routes.
- Cultural evenings with Rajasthani music and dance.
- More curated experiences such as high tea at palaces or special city tours.
Who is each train best for?
High-level fit
-
Choose Maharajas’ Express if you want maximum luxury, more flexible routing and are comfortable
with a higher per-night budget. -
Choose Palace on Wheels if you’re more value-conscious but still want a genuinely royal
experience focused on Rajasthan and the Taj.
| Best for | Highlights & recommendations |
|---|---|
| Couples & honeymooners |
Both trains work well. Maharajas’ Express suites feel more private and indulgent; Palace on Wheels offers more “vintage romance” with its heritage décor and slower, nostalgic feel. |
| Retired couples / 55+ friends |
Either is fine; the decision should hinge on budget and comfort sensitivity. ILT can customise pre- and post-stays to keep the pace manageable and build in rest days where needed. |
| Families with children |
Limited capacity and a quiet onboard atmosphere mean neither train is ideal for very young kids. Always check current child policies and cabin limits before deciding. Older, mature children and teens who enjoy culture and history can do very well. |
| Small groups |
Both trains can host small groups; Maharajas’ Express tends to offer better suite configurations and possible group-level exclusives. Palace on Wheels works beautifully for friends sharing a heritage experience together. |
How much do they cost – and what’s included?
Fares for both trains change by season, cabin type and itinerary and must always be reconfirmed at booking time.
What doesn’t change is the overall price positioning:
- Palace on Wheels is generally less expensive per night for a full 7-night journey.
- Maharajas’ Express is more expensive overall, especially in suites and the Presidential Suite, but shorter itineraries can reduce total trip cost.
Palace on Wheels fare band & inclusions
Fares are often quoted from roughly USD 4,000–4,500+ per person for a 7-night journey
in a standard cabin, depending on season and offers.
Typically includes:
- Accommodation onboard
- Most meals
- Scheduled excursions with entrance fees and local guides
- Some onboard soft beverages
Maharajas’ Express fare band & inclusions
Shorter 3–4-night itineraries can start from around USD 4,000 per person in a Deluxe Cabin,
while longer 6–7-night trips and premium suites can be significantly higher.
Typically includes a similar bundle:
- Onboard accommodation and most meals
- Guided excursions and entrance fees
- A higher level of onboard service and, on some itineraries, more premium inclusions
ILT will quote up-to-date fares in your home currency, factoring in current promotions, exchange rates and your preferred cabin category.
Best time of year to travel & how early to book
Both trains primarily run in the cooler, drier months, making them ideal winter escapes.
Operating window
- Palace on Wheels: usually September/October to April.
- Maharajas’ Express: largely October to April (with some variations by year).
Month-by-month comfort snapshot (Oct–Apr)
- October–November: Warm days, pleasant evenings, post-monsoon freshness; great for wildlife and outdoor dinners.
- December–February: Cool to cold mornings/evenings in North India, comfortable midday sightseeing; highest demand and often priciest period.
- March–April: Hotter afternoons but fewer crowds; good value, with early starts and AC coaches keeping things comfortable.
How far in advance should you book?
- Peak season (Nov–Feb): Aim to book 6–9 months ahead for specific cabins and dates.
- Shoulder months: 3–6 months can still work, especially with ILT checking live inventory.
The most popular suites and key festive departures can sell out well in advance, so early enquiries give you
more choice and sometimes better promotional fares.
Flights & how to reach the starting points
Most itineraries start or end in Delhi, with some Maharajas’ Express journeys using Mumbai as a terminus.
International arrival hubs
- Delhi (DEL): primary hub for Palace on Wheels and many Maharajas’ Express itineraries.
- Mumbai (BOM): gateway for several Western India routes of Maharajas’ Express.
ILT can:
- Match your train dates to flight schedules from major US/UK/AUS and other international airports.
- Add a buffer night in Delhi or Mumbai to absorb jet lag and avoid last-minute disruptions.
“Talk to ILT about ideal arrival and departure dates from your country.”
What is life like on board day-to-day?
Daily life on Palace on Wheels
- Days are busy and fairly structured, especially on safari and major sightseeing days.
- You’ll often return to the train pleasantly tired – this is a high-activity, high-sightseeing experience.
- Evenings often have themed dinners and cultural shows, reinforcing the royal Rajasthan mood.
Daily life on Maharajas’ Express
- Still active, but many itineraries build in slightly more “luxury downtime” at lunches or during scenic stretches.
- More exclusive add-ons such as special palace dinners on select departures.
- Service is highly personalised, with butlers coordinating wake-up calls, tea/coffee, laundry and small details.
Connectivity, laundry & other practicalities
- Wi-Fi: available on both trains but can be patchy; fine for messages and email, not for heavy streaming.
- Laundry: limited onboard laundry services may be available, especially helpful on longer itineraries.
- Dress code: smart casual by day; smart or ethnic festive wear encouraged on some evenings but rarely mandatory.
How does Indian Luxury Trains (ILT) support you?
ILT isn’t just a booking engine. You receive pre-trip consultations, clear documentation and practical advice
tailored to your age group, health and travel history.
- Honest guidance if a route, season or pace isn’t ideal for your comfort level.
- Pre-departure documents with day-by-day plans, packing tips and emergency contacts.
- Support during your journey, with ILT and its partners reachable for emergency coordination or itinerary adjustments.
“Share your age group and any health considerations when you enquire – ILT will advise honestly if a route or season isn’t ideal.”
Still undecided? Use this quick decision filter
Run through these questions to see which train naturally fits your preferences.
-
What’s more important: modern luxe or vintage royal charm?
Prefer contemporary, spacious suites, tech and dedicated butlers? → Maharajas’ Express.
Prefer old-world salons, carved woods and a nostalgic “Maharaja coach” feel? → Palace on Wheels.
-
How many nights can you realistically spend on the train?
3–4 nights available: Maharajas’ Express (shorter itineraries like Treasures of India).
Comfortable with a full 7-night rail journey: both work; Palace on Wheels offers a classic loop, while several Maharajas’ Express itineraries give broader coverage.
-
Where do you want to focus?
Mainly Rajasthan + Taj in depth: Palace on Wheels.
Rajasthan plus Mumbai, Ajanta, Varanasi or Central India: Maharajas’ Express.
How to book safely with Indian Luxury Trains (ILT)
ILT has specialised in luxury rail and inbound travel to India for decades, working directly with train
operators and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of schedules, cabins and promotions.
1. Send an enquiry
Share your preferred train, travel month/year, cabin type and party details
(ages, mobility, special occasions, etc.).
2. Get a tailored quote
ILT checks live availability and current offers for both trains and sends you a side-by-side proposal
covering routes, dates, fares and pre/post suggestions.
3. Refine the itinerary
Adjust dates, add extensions (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa or another region) and refine cabin
choices until the trip feels perfect.
4. Booking & payment
Once you approve, ILT holds cabins where possible and shares secure payment options with clear terms.
5. Confirmation & documentation
Receive official booking confirmation, a detailed day-by-day plan, packing tips and emergency contacts.
6. Pre-departure support
ILT provides visa guidance, health advisories and up-to-date departure timings, and remains available if your flights or plans change.
FAQs about Maharajas’ Express vs Palace on Wheels
Which train is more luxurious?
Both are genuine luxury trains, but Maharajas’ Express is generally considered more luxurious overall,
with larger suites, more modern interiors, advanced suspension for smoother rides and highly
personalised butler service.
Which is better for first-time visitors to India?
For a straightforward first trip focused on Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal, Palace on Wheels is ideal thanks
to its classic 7-night loop. For first-time visitors who want to see a broader range of destinations in
one trip or more flexibility in journey length, Maharajas’ Express is usually the better choice.
Do both trains include meals and excursions?
Yes. Both trains operate as all-inclusive luxury trains. Your fare typically covers accommodation onboard,
most meals, scheduled off-train excursions, entrance fees and local guides. Some premium drinks, spa
treatments and optional experiences may be charged separately.
Is Wi-Fi available on these trains?
Both trains offer Wi-Fi in selected areas, but the connection can be slow or intermittent due to the
routes they take. It’s usually fine for messaging and email, but not for heavy streaming or large downloads.
How far in advance should I book?
For peak-season departures between November and February, aim for 6–9 months in advance, especially for
popular cabin categories. Shoulder-season departures in October, March and April may still be available
3–6 months out, but early enquiries give you more choice.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes – strongly recommended. These are high-value trips; comprehensive travel insurance should cover
medical issues, cancellations, delays and lost luggage.
Can ILT help with visas, flights and hotels?
Yes. Indian Luxury Trains specialises in building complete itineraries around your chosen train journey.
The team can advise on visa timing and arrange pre- and post-hotel stays, transfers and internal flights.
Is Maharajas’ Express really worth paying extra for?
It is if you value newer rolling stock, a smoother ride, bigger cabins/suites and highly choreographed,
premium-feeling experiences – and your budget allows for it. If your priority is seeing Rajasthan and
the Taj on a luxury train with better overall value, Palace on Wheels will often feel like the smarter deal.
Which train works better for older travellers with knee or back issues?
Both require guests to manage some steps and walking. Maharajas’ Express offers a smoother ride and more
modern amenities, which many older guests find easier. The best choice depends on your exact mobility
level and overall itinerary pace – ILT can advise honestly for your situation.
Can I add Kerala, Goa or another region before or after the train journey?
Absolutely. You can add Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, or another region before or after the train journey.
ILT stitches flights, transfers and hotels together so the whole itinerary feels like one continuous journey.
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