Palace on Wheels vs Maharajas’ Express: which is better in 2025

So, you’re thinking about exploring India by luxury train — sipping champagne while gliding past forts, deserts, and palaces. But here’s the catch: Two iconic trains promise royal indulgence — the Palace on Wheels and the Maharajas’ Express.

Which one is better? Which gives more value for the money? And more importantly, which fits your style of travel?

I’ve experienced both, and I’m breaking it all down — honestly, warmly, and with all the details you wish travel brochures told you. This is your no-fluff Palace on Wheels vs Maharajas Express review, straight from the heart.

A Quick Overview Before We Dive Deep

Feature	Palace on Wheels	Maharajas’ Express
Operated By	IRCTC & Rajasthan Tourism	Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corp
Launch Year	1982 (India’s first luxury train)	2010 (newer, more modern)
Vibe	Heritage charm, regal and nostalgic	Ultra-luxury, sleek, five-star hotel feel
Duration	7 nights / 8 days	Varies: 3 to 7 nights
Destinations Covered	Primarily Rajasthan + Agra + Delhi	Rajasthan + North & Central India
Average Price	₹4.5–5.5 lakhs per person (Deluxe)	₹6.5–15 lakhs depending on itinerary
Foreign Tourist Friendly	Yes	Yes

✨ Experience: Traditional Charm vs Contemporary Royalty

Palace on Wheels

Think carved wood panels, vintage curtains, and staff dressed like royal attendants. It’s like stepping into a chapter from Indian history. The train itself feels a bit like a moving museum — intimate, nostalgic, and oozing Rajasthani elegance.

Who will love it:
Travelers who adore old-world charm, classic decor, cultural immersion, and a strong dose of Rajasthani royalty.

Maharajas’ Express

This one is pure modern luxury — flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, high-end bath fittings, and larger suites. It feels like a 7-star hotel that happens to be on rails. The service is impeccable, and every moment feels curated for premium guests.

Who will love it:
Luxury travelers, honeymooners, international tourists used to Ritz-Carlton standards, and those who want Instagrammable, plush interiors.

🛏️ Cabins: Royal vs Presidential

Palace on Wheels Cabins:

Deluxe & Super Deluxe options
Rajasthani-themed interiors
Slightly smaller rooms but very cozy
Bathrooms are compact yet functional

Maharajas’ Express Cabins:

Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite (which spans an entire carriage!)
Larger beds, modern bathrooms with full showers
Personal butler service, live TV, and electronic safes

Winner: Maharajas’ Express takes the lead for cabin space and luxury, but Palace on Wheels wins for traditional character.

🗺️ Routes & Destinations

Palace on Wheels Route Highlights:

Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore, Agra, Bharatpur
A deep dive into Rajasthan’s royal past

Maharajas’ Express Route Options:

4 itineraries, from 3 to 7 nights
Includes destinations like Varanasi, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Lucknow, Orchha
Offers more diversity and pan-India coverage

Winner: If Rajasthan is your dream, Palace on Wheels nails it. But for a broader India experience, Maharajas’ Express is unbeatable.

🍽️ Dining & Food Experience

Palace on Wheels:

Two royal-themed restaurants (Maharaja & Maharani)
Indian, Continental, Chinese, and Rajasthani thalis
More like fine dining in an old palace

Maharajas’ Express:

Two gourmet restaurants (Rang Mahal & Mayur Mahal)
À la carte meals curated by expert chefs
Think lobster thermidor one night and butter chicken the next

Winner: Maharajas’ Express offers a more refined, diverse fine dining experience — but Palace on Wheels has that nostalgic flavor of royal kitchens.

🧍‍♂️Service & Hospitality

Both trains treat you like royalty — but with different energies.

Palace on Wheels: Friendly, warm, down-to-earth attendants who feel like family by the end.
Maharajas’ Express: Polished, hotel-style service, complete with white gloves and butler bells.

Winner: It depends on your preference — heartwarming vs hyper-luxurious.

💰 Price & Value for Money

Palace on Wheels: ₹4.5–5.5 lakh per person (Deluxe), includes all meals, tours, and transfers.
Maharajas’ Express: ₹6.5–15 lakh per person, depending on itinerary and cabin type.

Is the Maharajas’ Express worth the extra money?
If you're looking for unmatched comfort, yes. But if you want authentic royal heritage with charm and culture, the Palace on Wheels gives more bang for your buck.

Final Verdict: Which Train Is Right for You?

Choose Palace on Wheels if you:

✔️ Love Rajasthani culture
✔️ Prefer nostalgic, heritage-style travel
✔️ Want a full 8-day journey at a more accessible price
✔️ Appreciate warmth and cultural immersion over flashy luxury

Choose Maharajas’ Express if you:

✔️ Are looking for modern opulence
✔️ Prefer shorter or diverse routes (like Varanasi, Mumbai, or Khajuraho)
✔️ Don’t mind splurging for top-tier comfort
✔️ Want fine-dining, spacious suites, and top-end service

FAQs (AEO Format)

What’s the difference between Palace on Wheels and Maharajas’ Express?
Palace on Wheels offers heritage-style travel through Rajasthan. Maharajas’ Express is a more modern, high-luxury experience with broader routes across India.

Which luxury train is better for first-time India travelers?
Palace on Wheels offers a deeper dive into Indian culture. It’s ideal for first-timers. Maharajas’ Express is more for luxury connoisseurs.

Is Wi-Fi available on both trains?
Only Maharajas’ Express offers reliable Wi-Fi. Palace on Wheels is more about disconnecting and soaking in the journey.

Do both trains include guided tours and meals?
Yes. Both are all-inclusive — with guided sightseeing, entrance fees, transfers, and full-board dining.

Ending Note: The Journey Is the Destination

Whether you ride the Palace on Wheels with its echoes of kings and queens, or step aboard the Maharajas’ Express with its sleek luxury and champagne service — one thing is certain: you're not just booking a train, you're booking a story.

So go ahead. Choose the one that feels right for your soul. Either way, India will welcome you with open arms, royal forts, and unforgettable moments.