A new high-speed rail route between Cologne and Frankfurt will join the European high-speed network on 15 December 2002.

Stops will be made at Frankfurt main station as well as the AIRAIL terminal at Frankfurt airport.

The combination of a new shorter route and the new ICE 3 train will shorten the previous journey time of 2 hours 15 minutes between the two cities to just 59 minutes, a saving of over 70 minutes.

Instead of creating isolated airport services like Heathrow Express as in Britain, German Railways are integrating their airport services into the normal high-speed and inter-city services.

Intermodal travel is a reality in Germany, not just a politician’s catchphrase as it often is in Britain.

There is close co-operation between Lufthansa, Frankfurt Airport and Deutsche Bahn.

Passengers enjoy a smooth transition from plane to train and vice versa on the AIRAIL route between Frankfurt Airport and Stuttgart.

They can check in or pick up their luggage at Stuttgart rail station rather than at Frankfurt Airport, allowing for a more relaxed journey to and from the airport.

To book tickets for German Railways in Britain,
you can ring 08702 435363 or fax 020 8339 4700

http://www.deustche-bahn.co.uk