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' Thalys'   high-speed  trains . . .

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Thalys is a consortium of the French, Belgian, Dutch & German national railways formed to run the high-speed trains between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam & Cologne.  How to buy Thalys tickets.

First class seats on a high-speed Thalys train. Second class on board a 'Thalys' high-speed train to Cologne
1st class seats on Thalys... 2nd class seats on Thalys... A Thalys about to leave Brussels...

Facilities on board Thalys & at stations...

  • All Thalys trains have 1st & 2nd class seats and a cafe-bar.  On Thalys, 1st class is marketed as 'Comfort 1' and 2nd class as 'Comfort 2'.

  • Like Eurostar, advance reservation is obligatory and special fares apply, which include a seat reservation on a specific train.  Ordinary 'open' rail tickets are not valid. 

  • Railpass holders must pay a special fare costing a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, 62 euros in 1st class, if your pass covers all the countries you will pass through.  This is only 6 euros less than the cheap 'Smoove' fare you can get without a pass at www.thalys.com.

  • Food & drink included in 1st class:  Comfort 1 fares include a complimentary meal served at your seat between Paris & Brussels, or drinks & snacks served at your seat between Brussels & Amsterdam or Cologne.

  • Seat numbering plan for Thalys:  Click here.

  • Power sockets:  There are power sockets for laptops & mobiles (2-pin, 220v) at all seats in both Comfort 1 & Comfort 2.

  • WiFi for laptops & smartphones is available on all Thalys trains, free of charge in Comfort 1, in Comfort 2 it costs 6.50 euros for 60 minutes or 13 euros for your whole journey.  You can log on and pay on board, or buy a card in the bar car.

  • Baby changing facilities are available in cars 7, 17 & 27.  There are special family areas in cars 6 & 7.  Children under 12 are no longer allowed to travel alone on Thalys trains.

  • Wheelchair spaces are provided in cars 1, 11 & 21, together with wheelchair-accessible toilets.  There's more information for travellers with disabilities at www.thalys.com.

  • Luggage & bikes:  All luggage must be labelled with your name.  Folding bicycles and bikes in zip-up bike bags no bigger than 120cm x 90cm are carried, but not undismantled bikes.  There's more detailed information at www.thalys.com.  For information on taking bikes by train in Europe, see the bike by train page.

  • Dogs & pets:  Small dogs & pets in carriers no bigger than 55 x 30 x 30cm travel free, but larger dogs require a special ticket (not bookable online), see www.thalys.com for more details (UK travellers should note that Eurostar does not carry dogs, see advice here).  Guide dogs go free on both Eurostar & Thalys.

  • First class lounges at Amsterdam, Schiphol, Rotterdam & Cologne:  Anyone with a 1st class international ticket or railpass can use the elegant first class lounges at these stations, with complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks and beer.  In the Netherlands, look for signs to the 'NS HiSpeed lounge'.  In Germany, look for signs to the 'DB Lounge'.

  • First class lounges at Paris & Brussels:  Unfortunately, only holders of special frequent traveller cards can use the lounge.  If you intend travelling 1st class on Thalys make sure you apply online for a free 'TheCard' at www.thalysthecard.com before you travel, then you can use the lounges.

A Thalys high-speed train arrived at Paris Gare du Nord   Cafe-bar car on a refurbished Thalys high-speed train   Breakfast served in first class on Thalys trains

A Thalys arrived at Paris Gare du Nord...

 

Cafe-bar car:  All passengers may use the Thalys cafe-bar car...

 

First class food:  An at-seat meal or snack is included in the 1st class fare on Thalys.

NS HiSpeed lounge at Schiphol station   First class snack & wine on Thalys   A civilised table for two in first class on a Thalys train

1st class lounges1st class travellers may use the lounges in Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Cologne.

 

An at-seat meal or snack is included in the 1st class fare.  This is an afternoon snack with wine...

 

Seating tip:  If you're a couple in 1st class, book a 'Club Duo' table-for-two, much nicer than a 'Duo' pair of side-by-side seats.

   
Thalys power car, earlier type...   Unrefurbished 1st class seats...   Unrefurbished 2nd class seats...

Thalys timetables, fares & how to buy tickets...

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