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The best credit card for luxury train journeys across India.

Updated

Why this card

Chase Sapphire Reserve for luxury train journeys across India.

The Maharajas' Express, Deccan Odyssey, and Palace on Wheels are themed multi-day journeys between Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Varanasi. None of them are bookable on hotel points. The play here is on the cash spend, which runs $5,000 to $12,000 per person for a 6 to 8 night journey.

Annual fee

$795

Best earn rate

4 points per dollar on hotels booked direct, 3x on dining and other travel

Signup bonus

Currently around 100,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

A typical $8,000 Maharajas' Express booking on the Reserve earns 24,000 to 32,000 Chase points outright, which is itself another Hyatt night in India. Trip delay, trip interruption, and emergency evacuation coverage all matter here because these journeys cross remote stretches where missed connections are expensive to fix. Priority Pass gets you the Plaza Premium lounge at Delhi T3, where you usually start.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: American Express Platinum.

Several luxury train operators are bookable through Amex Travel with Fine Hotels and Resorts style benefits including a property credit. Upgrade on cabin category and a $100 onboard credit can apply on the most expensive itineraries.

American ExpressAnnual fee $895

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecChase Sapphire ReserveAmerican Express Platinum
Annual fee$795$895
Best earn rate4 points per dollar on hotels booked direct, 3x on dining and other travelSee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 100,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Luxury train itineraries book out 6 to 12 months ahead during the October to March peak season. The included sightseeing stops are real value because individual guides and gate fees at sites like Ranthambore and the Taj Mahal add up. Tip the train staff at the end (a hundred dollars per couple for the cabin attendant is normal).

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for luxury train journeys across India?

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Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase. A typical $8,000 Maharajas' Express booking on the Reserve earns 24,000 to 32,000 Chase points outright, which is itself another Hyatt night in India. Annual fee is $795.

Is the American Express Platinum a better choice for luxury train journeys across India?

expand_more

Several luxury train operators are bookable through Amex Travel with Fine Hotels and Resorts style benefits including a property credit. Upgrade on cabin category and a $100 onboard credit can apply on the most expensive itineraries. Annual fee is $895.