Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn strengthen intermodal travel: baggage at the station as the next big step
Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn are working intensively on a new phase of air and rail transport integration in Germany, with a clear goal: to enable passengers a simpler, faster and more comfortable journey from home to their international destination.
Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter has told Funke Media Group that he wants to introduce the option of checking in luggage at major train stations such as Hamburg or Cologne. Passengers would then only receive their luggage at the destination airport, which would significantly simplify connections – especially in Frankfurt, Lufthansa's largest hub.
This system would significantly increase the attractiveness of combined train and air travel, especially for passengers arriving from more distant parts of Germany.
The cooperation between the two companies has already yielded concrete results: from March 2025, the Express-Rail ticket will also be valid on public transport (ÖPNV), making the final leg of the journey easier for passengers.,
Ritter reiterated an important strategic demand – a direct ICE connection to Munich Airport. Lufthansa's second-largest hub still lacks a high-speed rail connection, which remains a key area for development.
Although the dates are unconfirmed, Lufthansa and DB are continuing to work on solutions to make “door-to-door” travel completely seamless. Following the expansion of the Express Rail service, the logical next step is baggage – a key element that defines the intermodal travel experience most.
