Hotel & Tours Group

A new codeshare agreement between German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and Qantas was announced yesterday, which will affect Frankfurt and seven cities in Germany commencing May 1. Qantas has stated that the codeshare will allow customers to connect with Intercity-Express (ICE) rail services from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart.

“This is Qantas’ first codeshare arrangement outside of Australia with a rail operator and it will provide our customers with an opportunity to tour Germany in two-class seating with views a little closer to the ground,” said Qantas Group General Manager Sales and Distribution, Rob Gurney. “Our daily flights arrive in Frankfurt at 0550 with rail services departing approximately 90 minutes after landing, depending on the destination.”

The daily rail services will benefit travellers as they complement Qantas’ air services. The ICE trains will also provide a quiet trip with a fully air conditioned cabin, luggage space in each coach and a bistro service offering snacks, meals and beverages.

"We are very pleased that Qantas has entered this codeshare agreement with us. It shows that the airlines as well as their passengers acknowledge comfortable, reliable and environmentally-friendly feeder options,” said Vice President Sales Channel Management of Deutsche Bahn, Thomas Drexler.

Qantas uses Terminal Two at Frankfurt Airport, and a shuttle bus service connects passengers to the long distance railway station, adjacent to Terminal One.