Air Canada Expands Rail Connectivity in Germany With New Codeshare on Lufthansa Express Rail
MONTREAL, June 26, 2025 — Air Canada is deepening its presence in the German travel market by expanding its codeshare agreement with Lufthansa to include Lufthansa Express Rail services operating out of Frankfurt Airport, in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn. This update offers travelers a fully integrated air-to-rail itinerary through a single booking, increasing both flexibility and convenience for passengers connecting to Air Canada's up to five daily flights to Frankfurt.
The extended codeshare is a strategic move to bolster Air Canada’s intermodal offerings, now active in multiple countries including France, Italy, Spain, the UK, South Korea, and more. This seamless travel experience not only simplifies transfers but also ensures added protection for passengers in the event of delays or disruptions.
One Booking, Endless Possibilities
“We’re proud to enhance our intermodal network in Germany,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. “This upgraded partnership with Lufthansa Express Rail ensures a smoother journey for our customers, combining rail and air travel into one reservation — complete with check-in and transfer guarantees.”
With the new codeshare model, travelers arriving or departing from Frankfurt can now access up to 24 Deutsche Bahn destinations using their Air Canada booking reference. Frankfurt remains a vital hub for Air Canada, which has significantly increased its flight frequency to the city in 2025.
Intermodal Strategy Reaching Across Continents
Since 2023, Air Canada has steadily grown its intermodal network, providing air-to-rail connections in eight countries. In Europe, this includes partnerships with France’s TGV-SNCF, Austria’s ÖBB, Italy’s Trenitalia, Spain’s Renfe, and Switzerland’s Federal Railways. In Asia, the airline partners with KORAIL’s KTX in South Korea. British travelers benefit from access to leading rail operators such as LNER, Great Western Rail, and National Express.
Through digital integration with systems like AccesRail and WorldTicket, passengers can enjoy a streamlined booking experience — unifying flights with rail and coach travel in a few simple steps, all through Air Canada’s platform.
A Global Network, Built for Travelers
Over the past decade, Air Canada has doubled its global partnerships, reaching over 1200 destinations through a mix of joint ventures, codeshares, interline, and intermodal agreements. This broad connectivity empowers travelers to build custom journeys that bridge flights, trains, and buses in one itinerary.
FAQs About Air Canada’s Expanded Codeshare With Lufthansa Express Rail
What does the new codeshare between Air Canada and Lufthansa Express Rail include?
This expanded agreement allows travelers to book a combined air and rail journey through Air Canada, including rail segments operated by Deutsche Bahn from Frankfurt Airport to up to 24 destinations across Germany.
Can I book both my flight and train in one reservation?
Yes. With the new intermodal partnership, passengers can reserve both their Air Canada flight and Deutsche Bahn rail ticket in a single booking, ensuring a seamless and protected travel experience.
What are the benefits of booking an intermodal trip?
Benefits include coordinated check-in, guaranteed transfer support in case of delays, fewer logistical hassles, and access to a wider network of destinations beyond the airport.
Which cities are included in the rail connection from Frankfurt?
Passengers can travel to up to 24 cities using Lufthansa Express Rail services, including major hubs like Cologne, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg — all accessible via a single itinerary linked to their flight.
Is this service available for international travelers?
Absolutely. International passengers flying to Frankfurt with Air Canada can include the rail segment in their booking and travel directly to their final destination within Germany by train.
Does Air Canada offer similar intermodal options in other countries?
Yes. Air Canada has developed air-to-rail partnerships across several countries, including France (TGV), Italy (Trenitalia), Spain (Renfe), Austria (ÖBB), South Korea (KTX), and the UK (National Express and others).
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