Thalys

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An introduction to the high speed Thalys

The facilities onboard

Thalys Train Guide

Since the opening of a new high speed line in the Netherlands, journey times on the high speed Thalys service have been reduced by nearly an hour. Taking the train between France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands is now even more convenient and enjoyable.

Watch our great video about travelling on Thalys.

Joined-up travelling

Comfortable and stylish Thalys trains run up to 24 times daily between Brussels and Paris in 1 hour and 22 minutes. They run up to 11 times daily between Amsterdam and Paris in 3 hours 18 minutes and up to 5 times daily between Cologne and Paris in 3 hours and 14 minutes - with intermediate stops along the way. There are 3 services from Paris to Essen including one per day to Dusseldorf Ariport. There are also seasonal high speed services from Brussels for winter sports enthusiasts and dedicated sun-worshippers, to Bourg St Maurice and Marseille respectively.

This is the epitome of cutting-edge rail travel, with every amenity considered. You’ve got Wifi access* throughout the train – it’s free in first class – and all taste buds are catered for with organic, fairtrade and veggie choices.

Two classes, both classy

On Thalys services you can choose between first class (Comfort 1) and standard class (Comfort 2).

Seats are similar in both classes but you’ve more space in first class. An at seat meal service and Wifi access is also included with these tickets. If you’re starting your trip by Eurostar, this will give you a good idea of the kind of experience to expect in each class.

Great getaways

Cologne and Amsterdam make for exciting city break destinations. Thanks to the new high speed Thalys link, opened in December 2009, both are now under 2 hours from Brussels and just over 3 hours from Paris.

So with Eurostar on the first leg, you can enjoy comfortable high speed rail all the way from the UK – arriving within a single morning or afternoon.

Fares for all budgets

Thalys offers a range of fares that vary in price according to how far in advance you book and how much flexibility you require with your ticket.

Please use the Rail Tickets Planner on the right of this page to get a more accurate price for the exact date that you want to travel.

Here are a few examples of some of the lowest fares available:

Popular Journey	Average journey time	Return price from
Brussels - Cologne	1hr 47mins	£34
Brussels - Amsterdam	1hr 49mins	£52
Paris - Amsterdam	3hr 16mins	£63

Journey times are approximate and may vary. Please double check all trains when you book. Prices are per person based on the cheapest available return adult standard class fare.

* Depending on technical availability of this service, provided by 21Net and activated by Nokia Siemens Networks and Telenet.