Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn have reached new heights with an exceptional collaboration in air and rail transport. In 2024, they have succeeded in connecting more German cities, as well as Switzerland, via their " Lufthansa Express Rail ". This initiative marks a record number of joint bookings, with around 500,000 customers, and aims for 5 million in the long term. This cooperation strengthens the coverage of both partners, enabling passengers to benefit from convenient, integrated connections, while responding to criticism concerning the ecological impact of short-haul flights.
Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn recorded an all-time record of joint bookings this year, a vibrant testimony to their fruitful cooperation in intermodal transport. Thanks to their partnership, the traditional boundaries between sky and rail have been redrawn, offering travelers a unified, convenient experience like never before.
A growing strategic alliance
The recent successes of this collaboration clearly demonstrate the growing importance of combined transport in an ever-changing world. With air fares on the rise due to inflation, it's a godsend for passengers looking for an economically viable way to travel. The desire to interconnect more cities in Germany thanks to Lufthansa Express Rail testifies to the commitment of the two transport giants to meeting passengers' needs.
Synergy between heaven and earth
This partnership extends beyond Germany's borders. Indeed, for the first time, the infrastructures of Deutsche Bahn and Lufthansa are also being extended to Switzerland. The express network plans to connect a multitude of cities, with a bold forecast to reach 5 million passengers by next year. Combined tickets offered by Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn offer a practical solution for those seeking to minimize transfer times between train arrival and plane take-off.
Cooperation strengthened by new alliances
Visit Star AllianceThe Lufthansa Group has been enriched by the integration of Deutsche Bahn as its first train partner. This inclusion marks a key step towards providing a comprehensive service for international travellers. Such cooperation, coupled with DB's rail transport expertise, is an inspiring model for other possible partnerships between major transport companies around the world.
Challenges and innovations
Like any meaningful collaboration, this partnership also faces challenges. Obstacles such as the criticism of short flights have spurred these companies to turn to more innovative and sustainable solutions. On the other hand, parallel collaborations, such as that between British Airways and Bangkok Airways prove that the market is in perpetual expansion and in constant search of optimization.
A promising future for integrated travel
With this dynamic collaboration between Lufthansa and Deutsche BahnWith the advent of new technologies and strategies, as explored by industry alliances, we are witnessing a new era of travel where air and rail come together in perfect harmony. Combining comfort, efficiency and environmental commitment, this model could well become the norm in the near future.
Record collaboration between Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn
| Aspect | Detail |
| Partners | Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn |
| Booking record | Achieved by October |
| New connections | More connected cities |
| Target clientele | Air and rail passengers |
| Geographic expansion | Germany and Switzerland targeted |
| Customer capacity | 500,000 planned, 5 million targeted |
| Economic impact | Stimulates the transport network |
| Associated program | Lufthansa Express Rail |
| Competitive advantage | Integrated flights and trains |
| Alliance longevity | Over 20 years |
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