The Maharajas’ Express Fare 2025: Why Is It So Expensive?

The Maharajas' Express is so luxurious that stepping aboard feels less like catching public transport and more like being treated like royalty for a week. That's the Maharajas' Express, India's most luxurious way to travel. It's a train that doesn't just take you places—it sweeps you into a world of palaces, tigers, temples, and pure luxury. But, fair warning: this experience comes with a hefty price tag, as the Maharaja Express fare can be quite high.

How hefty, you ask? Let's just say tickets range from USD 4,000 for the entry-level cabin to a mind-blowing USD 25,000 for the Presidential Suite. For perspective, that's enough to buy a decent car—or a lifetime supply of peanut butter, depending on your priorities. So, why does it cost so much? Here's what makes the Maharaja Express fare worth it.

Why Maharaja Express Fare is so Expensive?

The short answer? It's not just a train ride. It's an all-inclusive, top-tier experience that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Bollywood dream sequence. Here's what makes the Maharajas' Express so pricey:

1. The Cabins: Travel Like a King (or Queen)

Think of the cabins as hotel rooms that happen to roll along on train tracks. Even the "basic" Deluxe Cabins are dripping with elegance, and then there's the Presidential Suite—a rolling palace with its own living area, bedroom, and a bathroom so fancy you'll wonder if you should take off your shoes before stepping in.

2. The Destinations: A Perfect Treasure Hunt

This isn't your average sightseeing tour. The train stops at India's greatest hits: the Taj Mahal, Jaipur's royal forts, Udaipur's sparkling lakes, and Ranthambore's tiger-filled forests. At each stop, you're treated like visiting royalty, complete with flower garlands, cultural performances, and the kind of exclusive access that would make regular tourists green with envy.

3. Service That'll Spoil You for Life

The staff on this train seem to know what you want before you do. Fancy a cup of chai while watching the sunrise? It'll be in your hand before you can say “extra sugar.” Lost a button? Someone will sew it back on. You might have a personal butler, whose sole purpose in life appears to be making sure you're as comfortable as possible.

4. Everything Else: Dining, Bars, and a Spa (on a Train!)

This train doesn't just have a dining car. It has two gourmet restaurants where the food is as grand as the decor. There's a bar where you can sip cocktails while watching the countryside blur past, and—because why not?—a spa where you can get a massage while traveling through Rajasthan.

What's in the Itineraries?

Each journey is a carefully planned mix of India's cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Here's a quick rundown of the main trips:

Treasures of India (3 Nights & 4 Days)

This short but sweet itinerary covers the Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. You'll see the Taj Mahal (yes, it's just as magical as everyone says), spot tigers at Ranthambore National Park, and wander through Jaipur's Amber Fort.

The Heritage of India (6 Nights & 7 Days)

This trip is like a royal history lesson on wheels. You'll visit Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and the ancient Ajanta Caves. Expect plenty of palaces, forts, and moments where you wonder if you accidentally time-traveled to the Mughal era.

The Indian Panorama & The Indian Splendour (6 Nights & 7 Days)

Indian Panorama takes you to the spiritual and cultural heart of India, with stops at Varanasi (where people worship along the Ganges), Khajuraho (famous for its, um, artistic temples), and Lucknow (where the kebabs are legendary).

Indian Splendour is a Rajasthan adventure with tigers, forts, lakes, and plenty of chances to imagine yourself as a character in a movie.

Is It Worth It?

So, should you sell a kidney to ride this train? Well, maybe not literally. But if you can manage the cost, the Maharajas' Express is more than a vacation—it's a ticket to a different way of life. For a few glorious days, you'll be treated like Indian royalty, complete with grand accommodations, incredible food, and memories that will make you smile for years.

Yes, the Maharaja Express fare is expensive. Yes, it's over the top. But sometimes, life calls for a little indulgence. And if you're going to treat yourself, why not do it while traveling through India on a train that could outshine a palace?