ADVERTISEMENTTravelling across Europe by both plane and train is set to get easier thanks to a new partnership between Eurostar and a global airline alliance.
From early 2025, passengers will be able to book long- and medium-haul flights plus rail journeys with a single reservation.
It comes after SkyTeam, which represents the likes of Air France, Delta Air Lines and SAS, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the high-speed rail company last week.
“Offering travellers the choice to see Europe in the most sustainable and convenient way by rail is a key component of Eurostar’s vision for growth,” says Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave.
“We are creating a future where travellers can connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways and long haul flying, opening up our services to new markets across the globe.”
The new offer builds on KLM’s current agreement with Eurostar, whereby rail tickets are automatically included in passengers' journeys if they leave from Brussels-Midi/Zuid train station or Antwerp Central station to catch a flight.
That deal has led to a drop in flights between Amsterdam and Brussels, according to SkyTeam.
The alliance also includes Air Europa, China Airlines, Czech Airlines, ITA Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, alongside numerous other airlines.
And with Eurostar offering the largest international high-speed network in Europe - serving 28 destinations in Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK - the partnership paves the way for more sustainable onward travel for international tourists.
Currently around 13 per cent of Eurostar travellers are long-haul fliers arriving at SkyTeam’s hubs in Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris-CDG and London Heathrow, and connecting to a Eurostar destination.
“Working with Eurostar as our first non-airline partner underscores SkyTeam’s commitment to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel,” says SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux.
“One of the world’s most-loved train operators, with a reputation for customer service, Eurostar is a natural fit for SkyTeam.”
The two companies are working out the details over the next few months, with the air-to-rail travel option expected to launch in the first half of 2025.