The efficiency of DNA-based bioelectronic devices strongly depends on the way DNA molecules are linked to the electronic component. Commonly, DNA is tethered to metal electrodes via an alkanethiol linker representing an additional barrier for electron transport. Here we demonstrate that the replacement of the alkanethiol linker for a phosphorothioated adenosine tag increases the rate of DNA-mediated electron transfer (ET) up to 259 s(-1), representing the highest hitherto reported rate of electrochemically-modulated ET, and improves the stability of DNA-electrode surface binding. Both results offer pronounced technological and scientific benefits for DNA-based electronics.