Beyond Air: Emirates Skywards Members Can Now Book European Trains With Miles

Emirates Skywards is expanding beyond air travel with the launch of Skywards Rail, a new platform that allows loyalty members to redeem Miles for train journeys across Europe.

The service gives Emirates Skywards' more than 39 million members access to over 12,000 rail destinations across 12 European countries through partnerships with more than 40 rail operators. Travelers can book tickets directly through the dedicated Skywards Rail website using either their Skywards Miles or a combination of Cash and Miles.

Phioto: Emirates

The move marks another step in Emirates' efforts to transform its loyalty program into a broader travel and lifestyle platform, offering members more flexibility in how they earn and spend rewards.

Members can search train schedules, choose cabins and ticket types, and book journeys in five languages via desktop or mobile devices. Tickets can also be purchased for family members and friends, with e-tickets delivered directly by email.

Photo: Emirates

Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards: "Our members are looking for more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles, and Skywards Rail is another step in expanding the program beyond air travel," he said. "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."

Skywards Rail includes access to some of Europe's largest rail operators, including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, TGV, Renfe, and ÖBB. In the United Kingdom, members can also redeem Miles for services operated by Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Great Western Railway, and ScotRail.

Examples of redemption rates include:

-Heathrow Express from 4,700 Skywards Miles

-Berlin to Frankfurt from 4,100 Skywards Miles

-Barcelona to Madrid from 5,400 Skywards Miles

-Rome to Milan from 8,100 Skywards Miles

-London to Paris from 9,400 Skywards Miles

The launch comes as Emirates Skywards celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its debut in 2000, the loyalty program has grown to serve members in 190 countries and now adds more than 78,000 new members every week.

By integrating rail travel into its ecosystem, Emirates aims to make European journeys more connected, enabling travelers to combine flights and train trips more seamlessly while maximizing the value of their Miles.