Emirates Skywards has introduced Skywards Rail, a booking tool that lets members redeem Miles for train travel across Europe, covering more than 12,000 destinations through partnerships with over 40 rail operators in 12 countries.
The tool is accessible online and via mobile in five languages. Members can search schedules, choose cabin class and ticket type, and pay fully in Miles or through a Cash + Miles split. Tickets can also be purchased on behalf of family and friends, with e-tickets delivered by email.
Operators included in the network span Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, TGV, Renfe and ÖBB, along with a range of UK services including Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Great Western Railway and ScotRail.
Example redemption rates give a sense of the pricing: the Heathrow Express starts from 4,700 Miles, Barcelona to Madrid from 5,400, Rome to Milan from 8,100, Berlin to Frankfurt from 4,100, and London to Paris from 9,400.
Divisional Senior Vice President Dr Nejib Ben Khedher described the launch as part of a broader push to expand how members use their Miles outside of flights. “Our members are looking for more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles, and Skywards Rail is another step in expanding the programme beyond air travel. By unlocking affordable access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across Europe, we’re giving members the freedom to create seamless journeys using Miles, whether that’s travelling between major cities, connecting onwards from an Emirates or flydubai flight, or discovering somewhere new. It’s all part of our commitment to offering more choice, greater value and rewarding travel experiences at every stage of the journey,” he said.
Emirates Skywards, founded in 2000, now has more than 39 million members across 190 countries, with the programme recording over 78,000 new enrolments each week.
