Qantas is starting a new codeshare arrangement with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn between Frankfurt and seven cities in Germany that will come into effect on May 1.

Qantas distribution manager Rob Gurney said the codeshare is the airline's first arrangement outside of Australia with a rail operator.

The service will connect with intercity-express (ICE) rail services from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart.

Mr Gurney said that the daily rail services complemented Qantas' air services. "Our daily flights arrive in Frankfurt at 0550 hrs with rail services departing 90 minutes after landing."

Deutsche Bahn sales vice president Thomas Drexler said: "We are pleased that Qantas has entered this codeshare agreement with us. It shows that the airlines as well as their passengers acknowledge comfortable, reliable and environmentally-friendly feeder options."