{"id":196657,"date":"2026-04-25T14:14:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T13:14:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/?p=196657"},"modified":"2026-04-25T14:15:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T13:15:20","slug":"thalys-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/thalys-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Thalys Train: Practical Guide to High-Speed Travel Between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam &amp; Cologne"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re searching for the thalys train, here\u2019s what you need to know: since October 2023, those distinctive red <a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/europe-bullet-train-high-speed-rail-guide\/\">h\u00f6ghastighetst\u00e5g<\/a> now operate under the <a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/rail-passes\/interrail\/interrail-on-eurostar\/\">eurostar<\/a> name. The routes haven\u2019t changed, the trains look the same, and the service remains excellent \u2013 it\u2019s just the branding that\u2019s different. Let\u2019s walk through everything you need to plan and book your journey with confidence.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_facts_what_%E2%80%9CThalys%E2%80%9D_is_today\"><\/span>Quick facts: what \u201cThalys\u201d is today<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Thalys was the red high-speed train network connecting major cities across western europe for nearly three decades. Since 1 October 2023, it operates under the Eurostar brand \u2013 sometimes called \u201cEurostar Red\u201d to distinguish it from the London services.<\/p>\n<p>The thalys routes are unchanged. Direct connections still link Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Li\u00e8ge, Aachen, and Cologne, plus seasonal Alps services in winter. For planning and booking, you\u2019ll see \u201cEurostar\u201d on tickets and at stations, but most people still search for \u201cThalys train\u201d when looking for these services.<\/p>\n<p>This guide focuses on mainland Eurostar services (the former Thalys network covering paris brussels amsterdam and Germany), not the London\u2013Paris\/Brussels Tunnel services which have different check-in and border controls.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Core corridor at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/trains-to-paris\/\">Paris Gare du Nord<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Brussels-Midi\/Brussel-Zuid<\/li>\n<li>Antwerp-Centraal<\/li>\n<li>Rotterdam centrum<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/trains-to-amsterdam\/\">Amsterdam Centraal<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Plus: Li\u00e8ge-Guillemins, Aachen, K\u00f6ln Hbf<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background_from_Thalys_launch_to_the_Eurostar_merger\"><\/span>Background: from Thalys launch to the Eurostar merger<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The network emerged from a Franco-Belgian high-speed project in the 1990s. On 4 June 1996, the first Thalys-branded train departed Paris, reaching Brussels in two hours and seven minutes and Amsterdam after four hours and 47 minutes \u2013 slower than today because high-speed lines were still under construction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key dates:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>1996:<\/strong> Commercial services start linking Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne using Alstom TGV-style trains<\/li>\n<li><strong>December 1997:<\/strong> Belgium\u2019s HSL 1 high-speed line opens, cutting Paris\u2013Brussels to about 1h25<\/li>\n<li><strong>2009:<\/strong> Dutch HSL-Zuid opens, improving Amsterdam journey times<\/li>\n<li><strong>2015:<\/strong> Thalys restructured as an independent operator headquartered in Brussels<\/li>\n<li><strong>2020:<\/strong> Green Speed project confirmed \u2013 plan to merge Thalys <a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/tickets-for-eurostar\/\">med Eurostar<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>2022:<\/strong> Formal merger creating one eurostar group across five countries<\/li>\n<li><strong>2023:<\/strong> Rebranding begins; red trains now carry the eurostar name<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The fleet still consists of 27 Alstom <a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/tgv-train\/\">TGV-t\u00e5g<\/a>, and over its lifetime the railway carried more than 155 million passengers. The loyalty scheme thalys world has been integrated into Club Eurostar, and services like lounges and free wifi were retained or enhanced.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Network_overview_where_the_former_Thalys_trains_run\"><\/span>Network overview: where the former Thalys trains run<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Think of this network as a fast, city-centre-to-city-centre alternative to flying within north-western Europe. You arrive at central stations, not distant airports \u2013 and there\u2019s no security queue eating into your day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Core international routes:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Paris \u2194 Brussels:<\/strong> Almost all trains non-stop on the high-speed line<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paris \u2194 Amsterdam:<\/strong> Via Brussels, Antwerp &amp; Rotterdam<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paris \u2194 Cologne:<\/strong> Via Brussels, Li\u00e8ge &amp; Aachen<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brussels \u2194 Amsterdam\/Rotterdam:<\/strong> Direct services without going via Paris<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Typiska restider:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Paris\u2013Brussels: about 1h22\u20131h25<\/li>\n<li>Paris\u2013Amsterdam: around 3h20<\/li>\n<li>Paris\u2013Cologne: about 3h20\u20133h25<\/li>\n<li>Brussels\u2013Amsterdam: roughly 1h50\u20132h00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Seasonal services:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Vinter:<\/strong> Eurostar Snow (successor to thalys neige) runs to the french alps \u2013 Chamb\u00e9ry, Albertville, Mo\u00fbtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Bourg-St-Maurice \u2013 from roughly December to April<\/li>\n<li><strong>Summer:<\/strong> Historical thalys sun \/ eurostar sun services to destinations in south France (Marseille, Avignon) may operate depending on the year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some trains call at secondary stops. Check current timetables for specifics on airport stations and smaller cities served.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bbb834b9-18c2-40a5-87be-8fc5aadbe68d.png\" alt=\"The image depicts a simplified schematic of Thalys routes, illustrating the high-speed train connections between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne with colored lines, highlighting popular routes in Western Europe. This visual representation emphasizes the direct connections available for travelers looking to explore these major cities.\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ticket_classes_and_what_you_get_on_board\"><\/span>Ticket classes and what you get on board<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Eurostar (formerly thalys) offers three travel classes, and every train ticket includes compulsory seat reservation. No standing, no scrambling for seats.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Standard (2:a klass):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2+2 seating layout with modern, comfortable seats<\/li>\n<li>Free Wi-Fi and power sockets at most seats<\/li>\n<li>Access to caf\u00e9-bar or trolley service only \u2013 no complimentary food<\/li>\n<li>Cheapest fares often \u201cMini\u201d type: non refundable, limited changes<\/li>\n<li>More flexible Standard fares available with partial refundability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Plus (1st class, no meal):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2+1 seating for extra space and a quieter atmosphere<\/li>\n<li>Recommended for leisure travellers wanting more comfort<\/li>\n<li>Free Wi-Fi, power sockets, larger seats<\/li>\n<li>Access to Eurostar lounges at certain stations (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, sometimes Brussels)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Premier (top 1st class):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2+1 seating with the most legroom, quieter cars<\/li>\n<li>At-seat meal service included \u2013 hot or cold dishes depending on time of day, plus drinks<\/li>\n<li>Access to lounges in major hubs: Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi, Amsterdam Centraal<\/li>\n<li>Most flexible tickets: usually fully refundable and exchangeable up to departure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Every class has reserved seating, luggage is not weighed, and there\u2019s no separate \u201cbusiness-only\u201d train \u2013 just different comfort and flexibility levels within the same service. Names and fine print may evolve, but the three-tier structure remains consistent.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_and_where_to_book_websites_apps_and_rail_passes\"><\/span>How and where to book: websites, apps and rail passes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Advance booking is essential. All seats are reservable, and the cheapest fares sell out first. Let\u2019s break down your options.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Main booking channels:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eurostar website (eurostar.com) and app:<\/strong> Primary source, no booking fee, lets you choose exact trains, seats and classes<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/sncf\/\">SNCF Connect<\/a> (France):<\/strong> For journeys combining Eurostar with French domestic TGV\/TER<\/li>\n<li><strong>SNCB\/NMBS International (Belgium):<\/strong> For itineraries from Belgian cities<\/li>\n<li><strong>NS International (Netherlands) and <a href=\"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/blog\/deutsche-bahn\/\">deutsche bahn<\/a> \/ DB Navigator (Germany):<\/strong> For connections from Dutch or German cities to the high-speed core<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pan-European retailers (Trainline, Rail Europe):<\/strong> Useful when combining multiple operators; small booking fee applies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Booking horizon and pricing:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tickets usually open around 4 months before departure (sometimes 3\u20136 months)<\/li>\n<li>Dynamic pricing: fares start low and increase as trains fill<\/li>\n<li>Cheapest \u201cMini\u201d fares are restrictive but ideal for fixed plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Rail pass validity:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Most Interrail\/Eurail passes do NOT include free travel on Eurostar<\/li>\n<li>A mandatory seat reservation and pass holder supplement is required<\/li>\n<li>Quotas exist per train \u2013 book early during peak periods<\/li>\n<li>Check Eurostar\u2019s \u201cpass holder\u201d section for current rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Advance-purchase guidance:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Peak periods<\/strong> (Christmas markets, summer Fridays, school holidays): book tickets 2\u20133 months in advance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quieter mid-week trains:<\/strong> 2\u20134 weeks ahead often yields reasonable fares, but not guaranteed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Typical_fares_on_key_city_pairs\"><\/span>Typical fares on key city pairs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Prices vary by date, demand, and class. These are approximate one-way fare ranges for Standard class \u2013 verify close to your travel date.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Standard class ballpark fares:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Paris-Bryssel:<\/strong> \u20ac29\u2013\u20ac35 advance Mini deals up to \u20ac120\u2013\u20ac140 for fully flexible<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paris-Amsterdam:<\/strong> \u20ac35\u2013\u20ac40 up to \u20ac150\u2013\u20ac160 on busy days<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paris\u2013Cologne:<\/strong> \u20ac35\u2013\u20ac45 up to \u20ac150\u2013\u20ac160<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brussels\u2013Amsterdam:<\/strong> \u20ac25\u2013\u20ac30 up to \u20ac90\u2013\u20ac110<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Higher classes:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Plus typically costs 20\u201360% more than equivalent Standard on the same train<\/li>\n<li>Premier can be significantly higher \u2013 sometimes double Standard \u2013 but includes meals, lounges, and full flexibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Value tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Travel outside rush hours (mid-morning, early afternoon, mid-week) for better prices<\/li>\n<li>Booking returns doesn\u2019t automatically give discounts \u2013 each leg is priced separately<\/li>\n<li>Consider mixing classes: Standard outbound, Plus return<\/li>\n<li>Kids, youth, and senior fares may exist; confirm current age limits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"On-board_experience_seats_Wi-Fi_luggage_and_catering\"><\/span>On-board experience: seats, Wi-Fi, luggage and catering<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Modern high speed train travel with comfortable seating, connectivity, and a quieter experience than flying. Here\u2019s what to expect when you board.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Seating and layout:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2+2 in Standard, 2+1 in Plus\/Premier<\/li>\n<li>Refurbished \u201cRuby\u201d interiors on most sets: red and grey colour scheme, improved lighting<\/li>\n<li>Tables for 4 available; some \u201cduo\u201d face-to-face arrangements in higher classes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Anslutningsm\u00f6jligheter och str\u00f6mf\u00f6rs\u00f6rjning:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Free wifi for all classes \u2013 good for browsing, email, light streaming<\/li>\n<li>Individual or shared power sockets (EU standard) at most seats<\/li>\n<li>Bring a multi-plug or USB adapter if you have multiple devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Bagage:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No formal weight limits, no check-in \u2013 carry bags on board<\/li>\n<li>Overhead racks for small suitcases and backpacks<\/li>\n<li>Larger racks at carriage ends for big cases<\/li>\n<li>Label your luggage and keep valuables close when storing bags away from your seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Catering:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Caf\u00e9-bar car (or vending machines\/trolley on some sets) offers drinks, snacks, sandwiches \u2013 paid separately in Standard\/Plus<\/li>\n<li>Premier includes at-seat food service: continental breakfast, light meals, wine and soft drinks<\/li>\n<li>Vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary needs should check menu options and bring backup snacks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Other practicalities:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Air conditioning throughout \u2013 temperatures can feel cool, so pack a light layer<\/li>\n<li>Quiet atmosphere compared with planes; phone calls allowed but keep them considerate<\/li>\n<li>Bicycles: folding bikes usually fine if bagged; full-size bikes subject to quotas and conditions (check Eurostar bike policy)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_departure_stations_and_how_to_use_them\"><\/span>Key departure stations and how to use them<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A quick station-by-station guide for first-time users.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Paris Gare du Nord:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eurostar (ex-Thalys) trains depart from upper-level platforms, clearly signed<\/li>\n<li>Arrive 30\u201340 minutes before departure to find your platform, grab food, and board without rush<\/li>\n<li>Facilities: ticket machines, counters, caf\u00e9s, pharmacies, ATMs<\/li>\n<li>Metro\/RER connections: lines 4 &amp; 5, RER B &amp; D<\/li>\n<li>Eurostar lounges for eligible passengers on a dedicated mezzanine near departure area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Brussels-Midi \/ Brussel-Zuid:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Main international hub for both Paris and Amsterdam\/Cologne services<\/li>\n<li>Arrive 20\u201330 minutes early; platforms are long and can be busy<\/li>\n<li>Domestic connections: frequent InterCity trains to Brussels-Central, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Li\u00e8ge<\/li>\n<li>Facilities: shops, supermarkets, luggage lockers, information desks<\/li>\n<li>Lounges and Eurostar areas signposted for international services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Amsterdam Centraal:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>High-speed trains use specific tracks; signage shows \u201cEurostar\u201d or train number<\/li>\n<li>Arrive 20\u201330 minutes ahead; compact station but busy with commuters<\/li>\n<li>Tram, metro, and ferry connections just outside<\/li>\n<li>Eurostar lounge for eligible passengers with Wi-Fi, drinks, workspaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Generic station tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check departure boards for train number as well as destination \u2013 multiple services may leave close together<\/li>\n<li>Print or save digital tickets offline; station Wi-Fi can be patchy<\/li>\n<li>Families and travellers with reduced mobility: arrive earlier to request assistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparing_Eurostar_ex-Thalys_with_flying_and_national_trains\"><\/span>Comparing Eurostar (ex-Thalys) with flying and national trains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For paris brussels and onward to Amsterdam or Cologne, high-speed rail is usually the most convenient \u2013 and often the fastest \u2013 city-centre option.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Versus flying:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Door-to-door time favours trains: no airport transfers, shorter security, central station arrivals<\/li>\n<li>More generous luggage norms, less waiting \u2013 boarding starts ~15\u201320 minutes before departure<\/li>\n<li>Lower CO\u2082 emissions per passenger compared with short-haul flights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Versus separate tickets on national\/intercity trains:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Slower IC trains via borders can be cheaper but take 1.5\u20132\u00d7 longer<\/li>\n<li>Eurostar gives reserved seats, guaranteed direct connections, simpler ticketing<\/li>\n<li>Rail pass holders can use regional trains to avoid reservation fees \u2013 at the cost of time and extra changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tumregel:<\/strong> For direct links between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Li\u00e8ge, Aachen, and Cologne, Eurostar (the same company now operating what was formerly thalys) delivers the best blend of speeds, comfort, and total travel time. Alternative modes \u2013 low-cost airlines, long-distance buses, slower trains \u2013 make sense primarily for very tight budgets or off-corridor journeys.<\/p>\n<p>With clear travel classes, transparent pricing, and straightforward online booking, you can plan your trip across countries served by this network with confidence. Head to eurostar.com to check current timetables and fares, book early for popular routes, and enjoy the ride.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you\u2019re searching for the thalys train, here\u2019s what you need to know: since October 2023, those distinctive&hellip;","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":196656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ilj_linkdefinition":["thalys"],"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[63],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-196657","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-train-companies","8":"cs-entry"},"acf":{"reseller_list":"","operator_list":"","destination_country":"","summary":"","related_destinations":"","dynamic_map":"","show_related_destinations":false,"faq_items":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/196657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=196657"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/196657\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":196658,"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/196657\/revisions\/196658"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/196656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=196657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=196657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyrail.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=196657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}