2024 has proven to be a record-breaking year for Lufthansa Express Rail, with over 432,000 travelers choosing the efficient and eco-friendly service to and from Frankfurt Airport. This marks a 28% increase over the previous year, and by the end of 2024, over 500,000 bookings are expected. This impressive growth highlights the increasing popularity of the Lufthansa-DB (Deutsche Bahn) partnership, which offers seamless connections between Germany’s key cities and one of Europe's largest airports. This year alone, the network has expanded to include four new cities—Augsburg, Siegburg/Bonn, Wolfsburg, and Essen—bringing the total number of feeder destinations to 28. Notably, the expansion now covers more cities than Lufthansa's direct flight network, with faster travel times thanks to the addition of high-speed Sprinter trains.
Lufthansa Express Rail not only caters to domestic travelers but has also introduced international connections, including a link from Munich Central Station to Zurich Airport, with additional stops in Bregenz, Austria. This network expansion is made possible by the ongoing partnership between Deutsche Bahn and Lufthansa, which continues to enhance the convenience and flexibility of the service for passengers. Over 240 daily ICE connections with Lufthansa flight numbers are now available, making it easier than ever to travel to and from the airport.
The success of this service can be attributed to the growing demand for sustainable travel options. According to Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport, the combination of rail and air travel is increasingly popular with passengers who seek a more climate-conscious way to reach their flights. Dieter Vranckx, Executive Board Member at Lufthansa, adds that the cooperation with Deutsche Bahn has enabled them to offer more options, better frequencies, and improved comfort for their customers, setting a new standard in intermodal travel.
The integration of air and rail services continues to strengthen, with other Star Alliance airlines now joining the Lufthansa Express Rail network. United Airlines has already signed on, and more are expected to follow. This growing collaboration promises to offer travelers even more seamless connections, with the hope of further expanding services, especially with the much-anticipated ICE connection to Munich Airport. As sustainability and convenience become more important to travelers, Lufthansa Express Rail is paving the way for a future where rail and air travel work in harmony to meet modern travel demands.
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