Skywards members can redeem Miles for travel across Europe through Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, and over 40 additional rail networks.
Dubai: Travellers flying from the UAE to Europe on Emirates or flydubai can now use Emirates Skywards Miles to extend their journeys with additional travel options, the airline announced on Monday.
The airline’s award-winning loyalty programme has launched a new rail booking platform, providing members with access to more than 12,000 train destinations across Europe.
Known as Skywards Rail, the new service enables members to redeem Skywards Miles for rail journeys operated by more than 40 train companies across 12 European countries, offering greater flexibility for travellers to continue their journeys beyond the airport.
Members can access the dedicated Skywards Rail platform via desktop or mobile devices in five languages, with the option to pay entirely using Skywards Miles or through a combination of Cash + Miles. Tickets can also be purchased for family members and friends, with electronic tickets sent by email after booking.
According to Emirates Skywards, the new service allows members to check train schedules, compare ticket options, choose from available cabin classes, and complete their bookings through a single platform.
The launch supports Emirates Skywards’ broader strategy of extending the programme beyond air travel, offering members more opportunities to redeem their Miles throughout their journeys while enhancing overall value for travellers.
Connecting seamlessly across Europe
Emirates said the new platform is designed to make onward travel across Europe more convenient, allowing passengers to continue their journeys after landing, whether travelling between major cities, connecting beyond an Emirates or flydubai flight, or visiting destinations outside the airlines’ networks.
Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, said: “Our members are seeking more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles, and Skywards Rail represents another step in expanding the programme beyond air travel.”
“By providing access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across Europe, we are giving members greater flexibility to create seamless journeys using their Miles — whether travelling between major cities, continuing their journey after an Emirates or flydubai flight, or exploring new destinations,” he said.
He added that the initiative reflects the programme’s ongoing focus on delivering “more choice, greater value, and rewarding travel experiences” throughout every stage of the journey.
Popular European rail routes
Skywards Miles can now be redeemed for journeys operated by leading European rail providers, including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, TGV, Renfe, and ÖBB. The offering also covers several UK rail services such as Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Great Western Railway, and ScotRail.
Examples of Skywards Miles redemption rates include:
- Heathrow Express journeys from 4,700 Skywards Miles
- Berlin to Frankfurt travel from 4,100 Skywards Miles
- Barcelona to Madrid journeys from 5,400 Skywards Miles
- Rome to Milan routes from 8,100 Skywards Miles
- London to Paris journeys from 9,400 Skywards Miles
Emirates said the launch broadens redemption opportunities beyond air travel as it continues to evolve Emirates Skywards into a more comprehensive lifestyle loyalty programme.
The programme, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has grown to more than 39 million members across 190 countries and attracts over 78,000 new enrolments each week.
