Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about Booking & Payment

Booking Your Journey

Booking your luxury train holiday with Luxe Train Journeys is simple and personalised.

The booking process typically involves:

  • Choosing your preferred luxury train and itinerary.
  • Selecting your departure date and cabin category.
  • Confirming availability with our travel specialists.
  • Paying the required deposit or full fare, depending on the operator's booking policy.
  • Receiving your booking confirmation and travel documents.

Our experienced team will guide you through every step, helping you select the most suitable train and itinerary based on your travel interests, budget and preferred travel dates.

Booking through Luxe Train Journeys gives you access to specialist knowledge, personalised service and end-to-end holiday planning.

As a Preferred Sales Agent (PSA) for leading luxury trains, including Maharajas' Express and Golden Chariot, we assist travellers from around the world with every aspect of their journey.

Our services include:

  • Expert advice on choosing the right luxury train
  • Assistance with cabin selection
  • Luxury hotel bookings
  • Airport and railway station transfers
  • Private sightseeing tours
  • Flight arrangements
  • Tailor-made pre- and post-train holidays
  • Ongoing support before your departure

Rather than booking only a train journey, you'll have a dedicated travel specialist helping you plan a seamless luxury holiday in India.

Yes. You can submit a booking enquiry or reservation request through our website.

Once we receive your enquiry, one of our travel specialists will:

  • Confirm cabin availability
  • Explain the available fare options
  • Answer any questions you may have
  • Guide you through the payment process
  • Secure your reservation

This personalised approach ensures you receive the most up-to-date availability and expert assistance before confirming your booking.

We recommend booking your luxury train journey 6 to 12 months in advance, particularly if you plan to travel during the peak season between October and March.

Early booking offers several advantages:

  • Greater choice of departure dates
  • Better cabin availability
  • Access to promotional offers
  • More time to plan international flights and hotel stays

Popular departures during Christmas, New Year and other holiday periods often sell out well in advance, especially for premium cabin categories.

Yes, in many cases cabins can be placed on a temporary hold.

The duration of the hold varies depending on:

  • The train operator
  • Departure date
  • Cabin category
  • Availability
  • Time remaining before departure

Once the hold period expires, payment is required to confirm the reservation. As availability can change quickly, we recommend completing the booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Our team will always advise you of the applicable payment deadlines before placing your reservation on hold.

Payment & Pricing

We offer a range of secure payment options for guests booking from around the world.

Accepted payment methods generally include:

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • International bank transfers (wire transfers)

Our team will provide detailed payment instructions once your reservation is ready to be confirmed.

If you require assistance choosing the most suitable payment method, we will be happy to help.

Yes. We accept most major international Visa, Mastercard and other commonly used credit and debit cards.

Card payments provide a quick and secure way to confirm your booking, particularly for international travellers.

Please note that a payment processing surcharge may apply to card transactions. Any applicable charges will be clearly communicated before payment is processed.

Yes. We welcome international bank transfers from travellers worldwide.

Once your booking is ready for confirmation, we will provide our official bank account details together with the amount payable and any relevant transfer instructions.

Please note that:

  • Bank transfer charges imposed by your bank or intermediary banks are generally the responsibility of the sender.
  • International transfers may take several business days to reach our account.

Your booking will be confirmed once the payment has been received and verified.

Yes. A payment processing surcharge may apply when paying by credit or debit card.

The surcharge helps cover the fees charged by secure payment gateways and financial institutions for processing international card transactions.

If you prefer to avoid card processing fees, international bank transfer is often a suitable alternative.

Our team will always inform you of any applicable charges before payment is made.

Most international luxury train bookings are quoted and invoiced in US Dollars (USD), although certain services or additional arrangements may be priced in Indian Rupees (INR) where applicable.

Your invoice will clearly state:

  • The payment currency
  • Total amount payable
  • Payment deadline
  • Available payment methods

If you have any questions regarding exchange rates or payment currencies, our travel specialists will be pleased to assist.

Payment schedules vary depending on the luxury train operator and the time remaining before departure.

In many cases, a booking can be confirmed with an initial deposit, with the remaining balance payable by a specified due date. For some promotional offers or last-minute departures, full payment may be required at the time of booking.

Your travel specialist will clearly explain the applicable payment schedule before you confirm your reservation, ensuring you know exactly when each payment is due.

The final payment deadline depends on the train operator and your selected departure.

For most luxury train journeys in India, the balance is due several weeks before departure. The exact due date will be stated on your booking confirmation and invoice.

To avoid cancellation of your reservation, we recommend completing the balance payment on or before the specified deadline.

If you have any questions regarding your payment schedule, our team will be happy to assist.

Booking Policies

Once your booking has been confirmed and the required payment has been received, we will begin preparing your travel arrangements.

You will receive:

  • A booking confirmation
  • Payment receipt
  • Invoice
  • Travel advice and pre-departure information
  • Hotel and transfer vouchers (if applicable)
  • Final travel documents before departure

Our travel specialists remain available to assist you with any questions leading up to your journey.

Your booking confirmation is usually issued once your reservation has been accepted by the train operator and the required payment has been successfully processed.

Following confirmation, you will receive an email containing your booking details and invoice.

Additional documents, such as hotel vouchers, transfer confirmations and final travel documents, will be sent closer to your departure date where applicable.

In many cases, date changes may be possible, subject to the booking policies of the respective luxury train operator.

Whether a change can be accommodated depends on factors such as:

  • Availability on your preferred departure
  • The operator's amendment policy
  • The notice provided before departure
  • Any applicable fare differences or amendment fees

If you need to change your travel plans, please contact us as early as possible. We will liaise with the train operator and advise you of the available options.

Cancellation policies vary between luxury train operators and may also depend on how close the cancellation is to the departure date.

In most cases, cancellation charges increase as the departure date approaches.

Before confirming your reservation, we recommend carefully reviewing the applicable cancellation policy for your chosen train. Our team will provide full details so you understand the terms before making your payment.

If you need to cancel your booking, please contact us promptly so we can explain any applicable charges and assist with the cancellation process.

Whether a booking can be transferred to another traveller depends on the policies of the train operator.

Some operators may permit name changes or booking transfers under certain conditions, while others may require the original booking to be cancelled and a new reservation made.

If you are unable to travel, please contact us as soon as possible. We will review your booking and advise you of the options available.

Although changes are uncommon, train operators may occasionally amend schedules or cancel departures due to operational requirements or circumstances beyond their control.

If this happens, we will contact you promptly and explain the options available, which may include:

  • Transferring to another departure
  • Selecting an alternative itinerary
  • Receiving a refund or credit, subject to the operator's policy

Our team will work closely with you to minimise disruption and help you make suitable alternative travel arrangements.

Travel Documents

Before travelling to India, you should ensure you have all the necessary travel documents.

These typically include:

  • A valid passport
  • An Indian visa (where required)
  • Your luxury train booking confirmation
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Flight tickets
  • Hotel and transfer vouchers (if applicable)

We recommend checking all travel requirements well in advance of your departure to avoid any last-minute issues.

Yes. Most international travellers require a valid visa to enter India.

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, passport type and purpose of travel. Many visitors are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, while others may need to obtain a visa through the nearest Indian diplomatic mission.

As visa regulations can change, we recommend checking the latest entry requirements well before your departure.

Our travel specialists can provide general guidance, but obtaining the appropriate visa remains the traveller's responsibility.

Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to India.

A suitable travel insurance policy can provide financial protection against unforeseen circumstances such as:

  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Medical emergencies
  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Flight delays or cancellations
  • Personal liability
  • Emergency medical evacuation

While luxury train operators provide an exceptional travel experience, travel insurance offers additional peace of mind throughout your holiday.

We recommend arranging your policy soon after confirming your booking.

Your travel documents are generally issued in stages.

After your booking is confirmed, you will receive:

  • Booking confirmation
  • Invoice
  • Payment receipt

Closer to your departure, we will send:

  • Final train voucher
  • Hotel vouchers (where applicable)
  • Airport and transfer vouchers
  • Final itinerary
  • Pre-departure travel information

Our team carefully reviews all documents before sending them to ensure everything is ready for your journey.

Before You Travel

Yes. Luxe Train Journeys offers complete pre- and post-tour travel arrangements to complement your luxury rail holiday.

We can arrange:

  • Luxury hotel accommodation
  • Airport hotels
  • Heritage hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Extended stays in major cities

Many guests choose to spend a few extra days exploring destinations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi or Goa before or after their train journey.

Our travel specialists will recommend accommodation that matches your preferences and travel plans.

Yes. We can arrange private airport, hotel and railway station transfers as part of your holiday package.

Our transfer services are designed to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey between:

  • Airport and hotel
  • Hotel and railway station
  • Railway station and airport
  • Hotel and sightseeing attractions

Private transfers can be added before, during or after your luxury train journey, allowing you to travel with complete peace of mind.

Absolutely.

Many of our guests combine their luxury train journey with tailor-made holidays across India.

Popular extensions include:

  • Golden Triangle tours
  • Kerala backwaters
  • Goa beach holidays
  • Rajasthan heritage tours
  • Tiger safaris
  • Himalayan holidays
  • Varanasi spiritual experiences
  • Ayurveda and wellness retreats

We can also arrange domestic flights, private guides, luxury hotels and bespoke itineraries, creating a seamless holiday tailored to your interests.

Our travel specialists are available to assist you throughout the planning process, from your initial enquiry until your departure.

Whether you need help with:

  • Booking amendments
  • Payment queries
  • Visa guidance
  • Hotel reservations
  • Flight arrangements
  • Special requests
  • Travel documentation
  • General travel advice

our team will be pleased to help.

You can contact us by email, telephone or through the enquiry form on our website, and we will respond as promptly as possible.

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Luxe Train Journeys makes no claim over Palace On Wheels trademark and logo & they are the properties of their owners (RTDC).
PSA - Preferred Sales Agent