How to save money on your next train trip: loyalty programmes
Welcome to the first article from our series on how to make the most out of railway travel in Europe. Today, we take a closer look at loyalty programmes of various European railway companies. It does not matter if you travel by train regularly or just occasionally for holidays. The loyalty programmes of railway companies in several European countries can save you money and offer special service.
UK
Virgin trains offers its Traveller loyalty scheme to their regular customers. Once you qualify, you get a free first class travel on any weekend. London North Eastern Railway has partnered up with the Nectar loyalty programme and now you can get 2 points for every £1 you spend booking tickets for a LNER service. These can be redeemed on all kinds of rewards from the Nectar loyalty programme.
Germany
You might already know the DB’s BahnCard, but not that many people are aware of the BahnBonus Card. In contrary to BahnCard, a BahnBonus card is completely free and if you additionally sign up for the newsletter of Deutsche Bahn, you will immediately get an upgrade to first class for your next ride.
You can collect two kinds of points with the BonusCard: “Status points” and “Premium points”. 2,000 of Status points will guarantee you the “BahnComfort” status which gives you e.g. free access to DB Lounges around Germany and also to Railteam lounges in the UK, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and in the Benelux. The Premium points can be redeemed for free upgrades, tickets or non-monetary bonuses.
Italy
If you use the Italian high-speed Italo trains, the loyalty programme Italo Piu might be the right thing for you. Under circumstances, for five trips you can already receive a free ticket for your next trip. As a slightly frequent traveller, you can also reach the Italo Più Privilege tier status, giving you access to the exclusive Lounge Italo Club and at least 5 free travel upgrades.
France
The loyalty programme of the French national carrier SNCF is called “SNCF Voaygeur”. After ten journeys, you can get discounts for your next trips. After 20 journeys per year (or by accumulating 800 points) you get a “Grand Voyageur” status giving you e.g. access to SNCF’s lounges and special services.
Spain
The +Renfe (read Masrenfe) loyalty programme has even Renfe’s own American Express card as an option for the frequent travellers. That gives you 15% discounts on all journeys paid by Renfe points. The welcome package entails 1,200 Renfe Points, equivalent to €120, if you spend €2,000 with your card in the first six months. If you are a less frequent traveller, don’t worry. The standard +Renfe card gives discounts and promotions for money spent, too.
Czech Republic
If you live in the Czech republic and travel by train regularly, you should definitely check out the railway programmes offered by CD, the national carrier, and by Leo Express, which runs the frequent route between Prague and Ostrava.
International travel
The Eurostar trains running between London, Paris and Brussels has its very own Club Eurostar programme, giving e.g. discounts on tickets after £200 spent or a free return ticket after £1,000 spent.
Another alternative railway service provider in the area, Thalys, rewards its customers loyalty within the “TheCard” programme. Already the free registration gives you access to its Thalys Lounge areas. By collecting points you can get travel rewards like free tickets (one ride for €1,000 spent), cheaper taxi rides, museum tickets and more.
Summary
Have I encouraged you to become member at one of the mentioned programmes? If yes, let us know about your experience. Is this article missing information about your favorite railway loyalty scheme? Let us know too! What else to add? Enjoy the spring travelling safely & comfortably all around Europe. Follow us here on Medium or subscribe to our bi-weekly Digest in order to get updated with our upcoming articles. We will, e.g., take a detailed look on how can commuting by train be easier, cheaper, and more comfortable than driving in various European countries. We will also share our personal experience with railway companies across Europe. Stay tuned!
