The most amazing way to explore India’s vintage lands, including majestic palaces, long-forgotten memorials, age-old crafts, and traditional practices, is to book tickets on the Maharaja Express India well in advance. Nonetheless, UK travellers must be thoroughly acquainted with important travel policies rolled out by IRCTC for embarking on the royal train ride, such as the refund policies, prohibited items, booking procedures online, applicable tariff, and other guidelines.

Travel Fare and Pricing Policies

Seasonal Variations in Cost

• The Maharaja train fare is usually determined based on the itinerary chosen, along with the luxury train tariff, which is subject to change.
• Traveling during lean months helps save significantly compared to the peak tourist season, as more bookings are available at discounted prices.
• An additional GST is levied by the Government of India on top of the mentioned fare online.
• You might have to pay an additional fee if you are planning to take a signature journey via the Maharaja Express India or travelling on special occasions such as the New Year, Christmas, and more.

Child Fare

• Children below 5 years are not charged.
• Children below 12 years and travelling via the Maharaja Express have to pay 50% of the ticket fare.

Payment Policy

• At the time of online booking, travellers need to pay approximately 30% of the total fare, along with the applicable taxes.
• The remaining amount must be paid within 90 days before the date of departure.

In case you book a ride within the last 90 days of the train departure estimated date, 100% of the train fare needs to be paid at the time of booking.

The Final Price Inclusive of All Taxes

• The prices listed on the Maharajas’ Express train do not include taxes.
• The final payable fare, including payable taxes, will be shared during the booking process.

Cancellation and Refunds

Train Bookings can be cancelled, but the amount of refund you will receive upon cancellation depends on how early you do so! If you cancel your train booking:

• 90 days or more before departure, 70% of the train fare will be refunded.
• 75 to 89 days before departure, 50% of the train fare will be refunded.
• 0 to 74 days before departure, no money will be refunded.

If the minimum number of reservations for a planned tour is not met, the governing authorities have every right to cancel the trip. The complete amount will be refunded, or a new journey date will be provided to UK travellers. All travellers will be notified about the changes at least 30 days before the date of departure.

Booking and Visa Requiremets

E-ticket Booking

• Tickets for the Maharajas’ Express can be reserved right away by filling out the online form on the official website.
• To issue e-travel documents, all passengers must have a valid Indian visa, passport copies, and the booking confirmation to complete the process.
• Passengers are requested to carry their passports, Indian Visa, and proof of booking confirmation, as they may be asked to present them at multiple checkpoints.

Visa Application for UK Residents

• Those planning to travel via the Maharaja Express India must obtain a valid Indian Visa from an authorised Indian Mission.
• Make sure that the visa shows accurate entry dates along with the number of entries.
• India offers an e-visa service for Maharaja Express Travellers. The application procedure is quite simple and user-friendly, but we suggest you apply at least a few weeks in advance to avoid last-minute delays