Palace on Wheels Ticket Price: Full Fare, Cabins & More

Palace on Wheels is not a regular train ticket, which is the first point to understand regarding the cost. It is the original luxury heritage train in India and offers a 7-night 8-day royal journey through Rajasthan, so the ticket is a package deal which covers your cabin, meals, sightseeing, tours and monuments’ entrance, not just the transportation itself. That is why the Palace on Wheels Ticket Price starts from Rs. 39,000 per night or roughly Rs. 2.7 lakhs for the whole journey in Deluxe cabin, and much more for suites.

This guide will show you the true price details that separate pages do not mention: the prices per night and for 7 nights in total for each type of cabin, the crucial difference between prices per person and per cabin which influences the cost of the ticket for a couple, the difference between peak and lean season prices, the included services and non-included ones, the itinerary you are going to pay for, and the ways to save money. If you are a domestic or international traveler, this guide will help you to know everything about the cost of Palace on Wheels in 2026.

The quick answer: the Palace on Wheels is an all-inclusive 7-night package, per person per night pricing. Double Deluxe cabin costs roughly Rs. 39,000 (650 USD) per night in peak season and Rs. 30,000 (500 USD) in lean season, roughly Rs. 2.7 lakhs (4,550 USD) for the whole trip. Single Deluxe cabin is more expensive, while Super Deluxe suite is per cabin and costs around Rs. 1,08,000 per night. There is GST extra, while the fare includes cabin, all meals, sightseeing and tours.

Table of Contents

Palace on Wheels at a Glance

About Palace on Wheels	Detail
What It Is	India’s original luxury heritage train; a 7-night, 8-day royal journey
Launched	1982; among the world’s first luxury trains
Operated By	Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) with Indian Railways
Departs	Every Wednesday from Delhi (Safdarjung station), in season
Route	Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Agra, Delhi
Pricing	Per person per night (Deluxe); per cabin (Suites); by season and occupancy
Fare Model	All-inclusive package, not a point-to-point ticket
Season	September to April only; NO departures May to August
Cabins	Deluxe, Super Deluxe (Suite), and Presidential Suite

First, Understand What You Are Paying For

It’s primarily because people assume that the Palace on Wheels ticket rate is equivalent to that of regular train tickets. But the fare is not of that kind; rather, it includes an entire tour package and then the rate sounds reasonable enough.

What your fare consists of, in total for the seven nights of your trip, includes: cabin stay, meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with beverages (non-alcoholic), sightseeing in each city you visit, monument entry fee and other special activities that include camel riding at Jaisalmer, jeep ride at Ranthambore, boat ride at Udaipur, and rickshaw ride at Bharatpur, and also onboard entertainment. Therefore, one can say that you are buying a guided Rajasthan tour package with accommodation facility within it, in essence.

Palace on Wheels Rate Per Night

The price is given per night and varies depending upon your cabin and occupancy as well as the season. Here are the 2026 prices per night.

Cabin / Occupancy	Peak (Oct-Mar) per night	Lean (Sep, Apr) per night
Deluxe, double (per person)	Around USD 650 (Rs. 39,000)	Around USD 500 (Rs. 30,000)
Deluxe, single (per person)	Around USD 865 (Rs. 51,900)	Around USD 650 (Rs. 39,000)
Super Deluxe Suite (per cabin)	Around USD 1,800 (Rs. 1,08,000)	Around USD 1,800 (Rs. 1,08,000)
Presidential Suite (per cabin)	Highest; on request	Highest; on request

Deluxe cabin (double occupancy): Indians (OCI holders also with valid proof) have to pay approximately Rs. 39,000 per person per night during peak season (October – March) and Rs. 30,000 per person per night during lean season (September & April). For single cabin, the charges are much more, for instance, Rs. 51,900 per person per night during peak season.

Prices for Super Deluxe Suites are based on cabin (not per person) and costs around Rs. 1,08,000 per night while Presidential Suite is the costliest, and the price depends on the request made. All prices for foreigners are calculated in USD slab wise. GST and additional 10% surcharge are applicable during Christmas and New Year season. These are official rates provided by the RTDC.

Per Person Per Cabin: Budgeting Trap: This will trick most travelers. The price of the deluxe cabin is per person, so a couple staying in a deluxe cabin will pay double per person price. Two people staying in the deluxe cabin at the price of around Rs. 39,000 each will amount to Rs. 78,000 per night for the cabin. However, the cost of Super Deluxe suite and Presidential suite is per cabin, one price for both. Hence, always check if the cost per cabin or per person before you make budget, because it is the difference between half and double.

7-Night Entire Journey: The Amount You Will Actually Pay

As this journey will take seven days, the overall amount will be approximately the night cost multiplied by seven (or a little differently by some providers). Here you have the actual cost for the entire journey.

Full 7-Night Journey (approx)	Peak Season	Lean Season
Deluxe, double (per person)	Around Rs. 2.7 lakh / USD 4,550	Around Rs. 2.1 lakh / USD 3,500
Deluxe, single (per person)	Around Rs. 3.6 lakh / USD 6,055	Around Rs. 2.7 lakh
A couple in a Deluxe cabin (2 x per person)	Around Rs. 5.4 lakh+	Around Rs. 4.2 lakh+
Super Deluxe Suite (per cabin, 7N)	Around Rs. 7.5 lakh+	Around Rs. 7.5 lakh+

For a Deluxe cabin on double occupancy, the total cost for the complete 7-night trip is about Rs. 2.7 lakhs (USD 4,550) per person in peak season, and about Rs. 2.1 lakhs in lean season. Hence, a couple taking the Deluxe cabin should budget at least Rs. 5.4 lakhs or higher in peak season, excluding GST and other expenses. A Super Deluxe suite is priced at around Rs. 7.5 lakhs or higher for the entire trip. Children between 5 to 12 years of age are charged approximately 50% of the tariff of the adult, while children under 5 travel free sharing beds. GST and personal expenditure are additional.

Peak Season vs. Lean Season: The Same Route, Different Pricing

The Palace on Wheels operates only between September and April, without any trains from May to August, since Rajasthan gets too hot during these months. Within these six months, there is a further split into two seasons, and understanding them well saves money.

Peak season (from October to March): Best weather conditions and highest fares of around Rs. 39,000 per night for a Deluxe cabin (double). December is the most expensive, where there is an additional surcharge of 10% on Christmas and New Year trips.

Lean season (September and April): Shoulder months, around 10% to 25% cheaper (Rs. 30,000 per night on average for a Deluxe cabin), warm but still pleasant weather. The value option.

Travel in September or April to save: If your budget is more important than the weather conditions, choose a lean-season trip in either September or April. You will receive the same train, same route, same cabin, and same inclusions but for around Rs. 9,000 less per person per night, or Rs. 60,000 less per person for the entire journey, than peak season. Try to avoid late December departures, as they have an additional 10% surcharge.

The Route: The 7 Nights That You Are Booking

The fare includes a fixed 7-night loop from Delhi through the most important cities of Rajasthan and Agra, departing every Wednesday. Knowing the route helps you appreciate the value packed within the fare.

Day 1: Boarding at Delhi (Safdarjung station) in the evening.
Day 2: Jaipur, the Pink City, Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal.
Day 3: Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore jeep safari), Chittorgarh (the great fort).
Day 4: Udaipur, the City of Lakes, City Palace, and boat ride in Lake Pichola.
Day 5: Jaisalmer, the Golden Desert City, Fort and camel ride on dunes.
Day 6: Jodhpur, the Blue City, Mehrangarh Fort.
Day 7: Bharatpur (Keoladeo bird sanctuary rickshaw ride), Agra (Taj Mahal).
Day 8: Returning to Delhi in the morning.

What Is Included, and What Is Not

Included in the Fare

Accommodation: Cabin for all 7 nights.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with non-alcoholic beverages, onboard and at some venues.
Sightseeing and guided tours: At every city along the way, with guides.
Entry fees: All monuments, forts, and palaces of the route (video camera fee not included).
Special experiences: Camel ride (Jaisalmer), Jeep safari (Ranthambore), boat ride (Udaipur), rickshaw ride (Bharatpur).
Onboard entertainment: Cultural programmes.

NOT Included (Extra)

GST: Charged on the fare as per government norms.
Alcohol and premium beverages: Paid extra.
Tips, laundry, telephone calls, WiFi, spa services, and video-camera fee: Personal expenditure.
Personal items and optional extras: Anything of personal nature.

Budget for GST and extras on top: The quoted fare does not include GST and all personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, tips, laundries, spa services, and video camera fee. With GST alone being a significant amount on such a big trip, it is always best to confirm the all-in fare, including tax before booking, and carry a card for onboard extras. While the core of the trip is all included, the extras can add up on a week-long luxury journey.

How to Book the Palace on Wheels

Official Channels: Book through the RTDC or the official operator of Palace on Wheels, and authorised luxury train agencies.
Book Early: There are limited cabins and it is known to sell out for peak dates, so it is recommended to book a few months before departure.
Payment Terms: Typically 25% on booking, with balance 75% payable around 60 days before departure.
Documents: Valid photo ID of all passengers; Passport/OCI card for Indian nationals to qualify for INR (Indian National) rates, otherwise USD is applicable. Passport is required for foreign nationals.
Confirm all-infare: Including GST and any surcharge applicable on specific dates.

How to Spend Less on the Palace on Wheels

Travel in lean season: Saves you Rs. 9,000 per person per night in comparison to peak season.
Share a Deluxe cabin (double occupancy): The per person double occupancy price is much lower than single occupancy.
Avoid Christmas and New Year departures: They are subject to an additional 10% surcharge.
Book early: Get better cabin availability and early booking deals.
Think of it as a package, and not a train: As compared to a week of 5-star hotels, private guides, and transfers to seven Rajasthan cities, it can be a very value for money deal.
Qualify for the INR fare: Indian nationals/OCI holders qualify for the rupee rates; carry proper documents.

What to Carry and Know Before You Board

Valid photo ID and passport: For booking proof, and for foreign passengers for travel; Indians should carry passport/OCI for INR rates.
Smart casual and some formal wear: For dining and cultural evenings, plus comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.
Layers: Rajasthan evenings and desert nights are cooler in winters.
Personal medication: With prescription, in hand luggage.
A card and some cash: For alcohol, tips, spa services, laundries, and shopping at each station.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: For day time sightseeing and desert.
Reach in time to board: Check-in at Safdarjung station is on the Wednesday evening; reach early.

Palace on Wheels: Pros and Cons

Pros

Truly all-inclusive: Cabin, meals, tours, entrance and experiences are all in one fare.
Explore Rajasthan in 7 days: Seven cities, plus Agra, with your hotel moving with you.
Heritage and prestige: India’s first luxury train since 1982, and an experience to royalty.
Guide at every station: Guided tours at every stop and organized excursions at every stop.
Value in lean season: September and April are cheaper by quite a bit.

Cons

Expensive: Starting at Rs. 2.7 lakh per person for the complete trip, plus GST and extras.
Per person for Deluxe: A couple needs to pay twice the per person rate for a Deluxe cabin.
Limited period of operation: Does not operate between May and August.
Additional expenses: GST, alcohol, tips and personal expenditure are additional.
Fixed route and schedule: Fixed itinerary and pace with early start for sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Palace on Wheels ticket price in 2026?

The journey takes place on a 7-night all-inclusive package. A Deluxe cabin on double occupancy will cost approximately Rs. 39,000 (USD 650) per person per night in peak season and Rs. 30,000 (USD 500) in lean season, which comes down to Rs. 2.7 lakh (USD 4,550) per person in total for the entire tour. Suites are charged per cabin with approximately Rs. 1,08,000 per night. GST is additional.

Is the price per person or per cabin?

It depends on the cabin type. In case of Deluxe cabins, the tariff is charged per person, which means a couple sharing will have to pay two times per person’s tariff. Whereas, the Super Deluxe and Presidential suites are charged per cabin for both people. Therefore, make sure to know about the tariff first while budgeting.

What is the fare for the Palace on Wheels tour?

Cabin for 7 nights, all meals inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages, daily sightseeing and excursions, entry fees to monuments and palaces, special activities such as camel ride at Jaisalmer, jeep safari at Ranthambore, boat ride at Udaipur, rickshaw ride at Bharatpur, onboard entertainment, and GST. Additional costs such as tips, GST, alcohol, and other personal expenses are not covered.

Is Palace on Wheels cheaper in lean season?

Yes, of course. In the lean season (September and April), the cost is 10% to 25% cheaper than the peak season (October to March) which stands at Rs. 30,000 versus Rs. 39,000 per night for a double Deluxe cabin and saves about Rs. 60,000 per person overall in the tour cost. December and Christmas and New Year departures (plus 10% surcharge) are the most expensive ones.

What is the tour route and duration?

The route includes 7-night, 8-day round trip from Delhi (on every Wednesday in the season) through Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra (Taj Mahal) and back to Delhi. The tour operates from September to April only and doesn’t have any departures from May to August.

How can I book the Palace on Wheels?

You must book through RTDC or the official operator and the authorized luxury trains agents and do it in advance as there are limited cabins available. Usually, payment is 25% in advance on booking and 75% around 60 days prior to the departure. Indian nationals and OCI holders can pay INR tariff with valid proof, and others pay in USD. Make sure about the all-in fare inclusive of GST.

Are children charged less for the Palace on Wheels tour?

Yes, they are charged less. Children between the ages of 5 to 12 years, sharing cabins with adults, are charged at 50% of the adult tariff, and children under 5 years travel free sharing a bed (extra bed is not provided). You must confirm the latest child policy at the time of booking.

Is the Palace on Wheels worth its price?

For those planning an extravagant tour in Rajasthan, it is a great deal to consider as the tariff includes a week of accommodation, all meals, guided tours, monument entrance, and special activities in seven different cities and Agra. Compared to arranging separate five-star hotels, guides, and transfer, this package tour is quite value for money.

Conclusion: Budgeting for the Palace on Wheels in 2026

The tariff of Palace on Wheels is useless if you do not know that it is not about railways at all, but about the entire package tour for 7 nights in Rajasthan in palace on wheels. With approximately Rs. 39,000 per person per night in the peak season (Rs. 30,000 per person per night in the lean season), or around Rs. 2.7 lakh per person for the entire journey in the Deluxe cabin, you will have accommodation, all meals, guided tours, entrance fees to monuments and special events in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, and Agra.

For better budgeting, remember that the tariff of Deluxe cabin is calculated per person, which means a couple will pay two times while the tariff of Suites cabin is calculated per cabin. Additional expenses include GST and any personal costs like alcohol and tips. What’s more, you can reduce the expenses by going for September or April departures in the lean season, choosing a Deluxe cabin on double occupancy, avoiding expensive Christmas and New Year departures and planning the trip in advance. In this case, you will enjoy a week of royal Rajasthan with your mobile palace for the reasonable price compared to what you think.

The tariffs of Palace on Wheels are established by RTDC and the operator and change from time to time, including GST and seasonal surcharges, so it is highly recommended to find out the most recent all-inclusive tariff for your cabin, occupancy, season and departure date on the official site of the Palace on Wheels or RTDC.