Eurostar, the European rail system, will join SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, as the first non-airline partner. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding that, according to an announcement, paves the way for integrated intermodal journeys via air and rail for millions of travelers. Customers, said the announcement, will be able to travel on itineraries that combine long- and medium-haul flights with sustainable rail journeys in a single reservation — while enjoying SkyTeam benefits.

Eurostar’s increased network offers many possibilities to book multicity travel between the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, according to the announcement.

Customers will be able to fly into SkyTeam’s main hubs in France, the Netherlands and the UK and other major European airports across Eurostar’s network and enjoy multicity travel in a more sustainable way. Around 13% percent of today’s Eurostar travelers are long-haul air travelers arriving at SkyTeam’s key hubs in Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris-CDG and London Heathrow, and connecting to a Eurostar destination.

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Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, said: “We are creating a future where travelers can connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways and long-haul flying, opening up our services to new markets across the globe.”

Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO, said: “Working with Eurostar as our first non-airline partner underscores SkyTeam’s commitment to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel.”
The two companies will work together in the coming months to create a more integrated experience for air-to-rail travel, ensuring customers can enjoy the benefits of both transport modes. The partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.

Eurostar and KLM, according to the announcement, continue to develop their air-rail product for customers between Amsterdam and Brussels, which has already led to a reduction in flights between the two cities.