Online rail sales made easy for Eurostar and lastminute.com

Selling railways online is challenging. A consumer can go to any travel website and purchase practically any air product across the globe. But while consumers seamlessly buy other travel services online, why is it not possible for rail? 

Eurostar is a train operating company and not a distributor of rail or a technology provider and therefore wanted a partner who could fill this gap in an independent way.

Working closely with Amadeus and lastminute.com as their launch partner, Eurostar implemented Amadeus Rail Web Services to connect to hundreds of thousands of potential customers.

Amadeus Web Services enable railways to connect to the whole digital market place through one single connection to Amadeus. Railways are able to compete more effectively with other transport modes and to increase bookings in both existing and new markets. It makes rail services a more visible choice for the prospective travellers, giving them a true choice of travel options and an easy way to compare them.

- Darren Williams, Head of Global Sales, Eurostar

Eurostar has exceeded their sales targets on lastminute.com in the first year since the platform has been available.

This success can be explained by lastminute.com doing a great job selling Eurostar, as well as benefiting from the superior functionality of the new product; with more choice, easier comparison and a smoother booking flow.