Are Indians Allowed to Travel with the Maharaja Express Train?

The Maharaja Express train offers 4 different routes with varying durations. Each journey has unique itineraries and can be availed by both Indian nationals and foreign passengers with valid passports.

Must-Have Information for Travelling in Maharaja’s Express

Indians can travel. 

Every Indian national can travel in the Maharaja’s Express. There are no restrictions on who can travel in the Maharaja’s Express. 

Foreign nationals

A valid passport and a valid Indian visa are required for all foreign nationals travelling on Maharaja’s Express. There are other relevant documents required or stated by the Government of India and IRCTC. 

Children Policy

Children must be accompanied by adults, and there is no minimum age for travelling in Maharaja’s Express. However, the fare may vary depending on the age of the child.

• Children below 5 years: They can travel free, but only if they share a bed with their parents.
• Children between 5 and 12 years: 50% of the fare must be paid, and they can share a bed with the adults. If you want them to stay in a separate cabin or bed, it will be charged.
• Children above 12 years: They must be accompanied by adults, but will be charged full fare.

Alcohol Consumption

Every citizen can consume alcohol in the train and will be served only to travellers aged 21 years old and above. 

Is the Booking Process Different For Indian and Foreign Nationals?

Indian citizens and foreigners can book tickets on Maharaja’s Express following the same process. However, the foreigners are required to have different documentation and modes of payment. 

Basic Booking Steps – Same for All 

• Choose the itinerary along with the journey dates and route.
• Select the cabin category and check its availability.
• Fill in the booking details.
• Make the payment (generally a percentage of it upfront) to get the reservation, and once you get the confirmation, pay the rest of the amount for a confirmed reservation ticket within the stipulated timeline.
• You will then receive the confirmed ticket along with the other necessary documents.

Booking Differences Between Indians and Foreigners

Document submission

• During the booking, foreigners must fill in and submit passport details, and they might have to submit valid visa details within a stipulated time.
• Indians can use their domestic IDs for their booking and do not require passport information.

Mode of Payment

Foreign nationals have to pay in USD or use a valid international credit card. The official website and some travel agents convert the fare in INR and secure the payment based on that day’s exchange rate.

Indians can pay in INR and can do the payment with UPI, net banking, credit/debit cards, EMI, etc.

Check the Maharaja Express Ticket Price 

Tour Operators or Travel Agents

• For an easy and hassle-free process, documentations and payments, many foreign tourists use travel agents or tour operators for booking
• Indians can use travel agents or tour operators, but can also avail special discounts when booking directly via the IRCTC website.

Why is it Often Thought Maharaja’s Express is for Foreigners? 

The ticket is quite expensive and creates the perception that it caters to foreigners only. Also, the curated cultural experiences and the iconic destinations that are often famous among foreigners are part of the itineraries. This also results in the misnomer that it is for foreign nationals only.