Part of the joy of traveling to Europe is riding on its countries’ massive rail infrastructure. Now, Delta is expanding its Air + Rail service, adding 20 more destinations, which makes it easier to book your airfare and once-in-Europe railfare, as reported by The Points Guy.
A year ago, Delta’s program began with rail service between Amsterdam and two Belgian destinations, Antwerp and Brussels. Now you can also ride the rails in the UK, Italy and Switzerland by linking your air ticket, which simplifies traveling. You’ll have one reservation and one confirmation number to keep track of. Examples include flying to Manchester, UK and connecting by rail to seven different English cities; flying to Brussels and connecting to Breda or Rotterdam in the Netherlands; flying to Rome and connecting to another Italian city (Bologna and Florence are two of the four options); or flying to Zurich or Geneva, Switzerland, and connecting to one of seven Swiss cities.
The Points Guy did a great job of cost-shopping several options and found that the air + rail ticket either saved the passenger money or let them break even, but cautioned that it was worthwhile to do your own homework.
Another benefit of the combo ticket is that if some part of your travel is delayed, you’ll automatically be rebooked on a later train or plane—like having a travel agent at the ready.
Once you arrive in Europe, you go to through customs like usual, fetch your luggage, and go to the rail station, ticket in hand. You’ll have a separate check-in for your train trip 72 hours in advance.
You won’t earn extra Delta SkyMiles beyond your air miles, but your credit card will certainly give you the train miles since the purchase is a one lump sum proposition. So, fly and ride and enjoy the best of Europe!