THALYS HIGH SPEED TRAIN

Thalys is the “red version of train” due to the color of its wedgy engine. Thalys is one of the largest international high speed train operators in Europe. When it was built, it travels between Paris and Brussels. Beyond this principal route, the Thalys service also connects the major European business and cultural capitals including Cologne, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam. It mainly covers four countries viz. Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands.

History of Thalys

The decision to build the system of high speed passenger train was taken back in 1987. The proposal to create such system was given by SNCF, NMBS/SNCB, NS and DB in 1993. According to the agreement the share is divided up between SNCF (62%), NMBS/SNCB (28%) and Deutsche Bahn (10%). French and Belgium rail network decided to operate the services under the name Westrail International. The agreement among these operators brought success and the first train left Paris on 4 June 1996 taking 2:07 hours to Brussels and 4:47 hours to Amsterdam.

Some Important Facts About Thalys:

• First train services operate on 4 June 1996 between Paris and Brussels.
• Thalys train services commenced to Cologne and Aachen in Germany, and Bruges, Ghent, Charleroi, Mons, Namur and Ostend in Belgium on 14Dec 1997.
• The route was extended to the ski resorts of Tarentaise Valley and Bourg St. Maurice on 19 Dec 1998.
• The operator changed its name to Thalys International in 1999.
• The route was extended to Marseille and Avignon in the year 2003.
• It runs on the track with the speed of 300kmh (186mph).
• The most popular route is Paris and Brussels and there are 27 Thalys trains a day running the Paris to Brussels route.
• The service from Brussels to Paris takes under 1 hour 25 minutes.
• Beyond Brussels, the main cities Thalys trains reach are Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Liège, Bruges, Ghent, Charleroi, Aachen and Cologne.
• There are four classes in Thalys International: Economy • Freedom • Comfort • Premier

ON BOARD FACILITIES - Like other Hi Speed Trains, you will find following on-board facilities -

• You will find the excellent food on board. If you are traveling in comfort 1, you don’t need to move. Everything will be serving to you at your seat.
• The menu of food and drink depends on route and time of travel.
• You will find the bar-buffet cars in carriages 4, 14 and 24 between Comfort 1 and Comfort 2. You will have everything here ranging from hot dishes, sandwiches, sweet and savory snacks to salads, hot and cold drinks, including organic and Fair-trade products.
• You will find that all carriages are spacious, air-conditioned and completely non-smoking.
• You can easily avail cheap Thalys train ticket by booking well in advance 3 months before travel.
• You can carry up to two suitcases and one piece of hand luggage on Thalys trains.
• Besides suitcases , bags and rucksacks, you can also carry Prams and buggies for small children, Bicycles contained in a loose cover 120 x 90 cm, Folding bicycles, Skis in a protective cover, Portable musical instruments.
• Baby changing areas are also available on board with a table, washbasin and bottle warmer, are available in carriages 7, 17, and 27.
• If your children is under 4, they can travel free of cost. Children under 12 years of age aren’t allowed to travel alone.
• You can find WiFi access on Thalys train with free of charge in Comfort 1. You have to pay around 6.50 euros for 60 minutes or 13 euros for your whole journey in Comfort 2.You can log on and pay on board, or buy a card in the bar car.