Emirates Skywards is now also valid for 12,000 European train destinations
Emirates Skywards members can now use miles to purchase train tickets with over 40 carriers. The new service makes it easier to connect Emirates and flydubai flights with further train travel through Europe.
Emirates is expanding its loyalty programme beyond air travel. The new Skywards Rail platform allows members to redeem Skywards Miles for domestic, international, and high-speed rail journeys in 12 European countries.
Users have access to over 12,000 destinations, giving the programme a significantly broader role in organising the entire trip. Instead of using miles solely for flights and related services, members can now convert them into onward travel tickets after landing in Europe.
Cards can be paid for with miles or a combination.
Bookings are made via a dedicated online platform, which is also adapted for mobile devices and available in five languages. The traveller can select the timetable, class and type of ticket, and then pay the full amount with miles or use the Cash + Miles model.
Miles can also be used for tickets for family members or friends. After the purchase is completed, an e-ticket will arrive by email.
Among the available carriers are Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, Renfe and ÖBB. The platform also includes a number of British operators, such as Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Great Western Railway and ScotRail.
From Berlin to Paris with Skywards miles
Starting prices depend on the route and availability. Travel from Berlin to Frankfurt is available from 4,100 miles, while the Heathrow Express starts from 4,700 miles. A ticket between Barcelona and Madrid requires a minimum of 5,400 miles, and between Rome and Milan 8,100 miles.
Travelling with Eurostar from London to Paris is available from 9,400 Skywards Miles. Emirates states that the values shown are for information only and may change depending on the fare and availability.
Loyalty programmes are increasingly covering the entire journey
Skywards Rail demonstrates how airline loyalty programmes are gradually transforming into broader travel platforms. For Emirates, the ability to link flights with the European rail network is particularly important, even when the airline and rail ticket are not part of the same booking.
Such a model could also be of interest to travel agencies and TMC companies. It gives passengers an additional option for using miles and opens up space for tour operators to combine air and rail transport into more practical itineraries. Skywards currently has over 39 million members in 190 countries, so the new option could further increase demand for European rail links.
