Thalys is an international high-speed train operator, mainly active between Paris (France), Brussels (Belgium), Cologne (Germany) and Amsterdam (the Netherlands).
Thalys routes:
- Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam
- Paris – Brussels – Liège – Köln
- Paris – Brussels – Oostende
- Paris – Mons – Namur – Liège
Eurail pass conditions
Eurail pass holders pay a supplement for travel with the Thalys. Thalys offers two types of fares:
- Pass 1: for holders of passes covering the whole of the journey on Thalys.
- Pass 2: for holders of passes partially covering the journey on Thalys.
Reservation fees start from €32 (2nd class) and €51 (1st class, including drink & snack). You can check the exact pass fares for various routes at thalys.com.
Please note that the special passholders fare is subject to availability, so try to reserve as early as possible.
Average travel times:
- Paris – Brussels: 1 hrs 25 min.
- Paris – Amsterdam: 4 hrs.
- Paris – Liège: 2 hrs 25 mins.
- Paris – Antwerp 2 hours 20 mins.
- Paris – Cologne (Köln): 3 hrs. 45 mins.
Alternative routes
In case the Thalys is fully booked or if you find the reservation fees too high these are interesting alternatives, :
- TGV Paris – Brussels, reservation compulsory. Fee €5 (for 1st and 2nd class).
- ICE Paris – Cologne (Köln) (change trains in Mannheim) reservation compulsory. Fees: 2nd class: € 10 / 1st class : € 25 (includes meal).
- InterCity Brussels – Amsterdam: reservation not required.
More about Thalys
The traditional 1st and 2nd classes have been renamed “Comfort 1” and “Comfort 2” calling to mind the idea that the level of service is the main difference between them. In Comfort 1 passengers are served a light meal or a snack and drink. In the Netherlands Thalys is closed for domestic traffic.
All Thalys trains offer Wi-fi internet. The service is free for first class passengers. Passengers in 2nd pay €6.50 for an hour of Wi-fi connection or €13 for the entire trip.
More info at www.thalys.com.
