Dubai: Emirates Skywards has expanded its loyalty programme with the launch of Skywards Rail, enabling members to redeem Miles for rail travel across more than 12,000 destinations in Europe.The new platform gives the programme's global membership access to rail services operated by more than 40 operators across 12 European countries, allowing customers to book train tickets using Skywards Miles through the dedicated website, www.skywardsrail.com.Members can search schedules, select ticket types and cabin classes, and choose to pay entirely with Miles or combine Cash + Miles. Rail tickets can also be purchased for family members and friends, with e-tickets delivered directly by email.Expanding reward optionsDr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, said: "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."Rail travel across EuropeThe platform provides access to major rail operators including:EurostarDeutsche BahnSNCFTrenitaliaTGVRenfeÖBBIt also includes extensive UK rail networks such as:Heathrow ExpressGatwick ExpressThameslinkGreat Western RailwayScotRailSample redemption ratesPopular routes available through Skywards Rail include:Heathrow Express from 4,700 Skywards MilesBerlin–Frankfurt from 4,100 Skywards MilesBarcelona–Madrid from 5,400 Skywards MilesRome–Milan from 8,100 Skywards MilesLondon–Paris from 9,400 Skywards MilesGrowing lifestyle loyalty programmeEmirates said the launch supports its strategy of expanding redemption opportunities beyond flights and positioning Emirates Skywards as a broader lifestyle loyalty programme.Founded in 2000, Emirates Skywards recently marked its 25th anniversary and now serves more than 39 million members across 190 countries, with more than 78,000 new members joining each week.The new rail platform allows members to combine air and rail travel more seamlessly, creating additional ways to use Miles across Europe.
