Thalys high-speed train
The Thalys high-speed train travels at speeds of 300 kilometres per hour. It connects 17 cities across Western Europe, including Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris. Thalys trains are well-known for their efficient travel times and excellent service. If you want to travel in luxury and save as much time as you can for sightseeing, then the Thalys is your best choice.
Thalys routes
Thalys makes over 50 return trips per day and provides links to 17 cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Liège, Bruges, Ghent, and Cologne. The Thalys also connects to the Eurostar routes for speedy travel to and from the UK and makes connections to Dusseldorf airport.
Thalys trains make the following direct connections:
- Amsterdam - Brussels
- Paris - Brussels
- Paris - Amsterdam
- Paris - Liège
- Paris - Antwerp
- Paris - Cologne
- Brussels - Dortmund (via Köln Hbf)
- Brussels - Lille
Reservations
Reservations on the Thalys high-speed train are compulsory and non-refundable. They can be exchanged without fees until departure time. We recommend you make your reservations as far in advance as possible. For Thalys you can book your seat up to 3 months in advance. Your Interrail Pass has to be valid in all the countries you travel in with Thalys.
Please note that Thalys trains offer a limited number of seats for Interrail Pass holders. Once these seats are taken you will need to purchase a full-fare ticket. To avoid having to buy a full-fare ticket, we advise you to book your seat as far in advance as possible. For Thalys trains you can make reservations up to 3 months in advance.
How to make reservations for the Thalys
You can reserve your seat on the Thalys in the following ways:
- Through the Reservation Service
- Through the Rail Planner App
- Through the website of the Dutch Railways (NS)
- Through the website of the Belgian Railways (SNCB)
Reservation fees
| Train type | 1st class (Comfort class) | 2nd class (Standard class) |
|---|---|---|
| Thalys Paris - Belgium* | €32 | €27 |
| Thalys Paris - Germany | €30 | €30 |
| Thalys Paris - the Netherlands | €37 | €32 |
| Thalys Belgium - the Netherlands | €27 | €22 |
| Thalys Belgium - Germany | €32 | €27 |
*When travelling from Paris to Brussels National Airport, you'll need to pay an additional €5.
Travel classes
Travel classes on Thalys trains
There are 2 travel classes on Thalys trains available for Interrail Pass holders:
- Standard class: available for 1st and 2nd class Pass holders
- Comfort class: available for 1st class Pass holders
Please note that if you want to travel with Thalys, you need to be in the possession of an Interrail Global Pass. If you want to take an international train when you have a One Country Pass, you can go as far as the border of the country where your Pass is valid. From here you'll have to buy a point-to-point ticket to cross the border to your final destination. When using the Benelux Pass, both countries need to be included in the Pass while travelling by Thalys.
Added value to your trip
The Thalys is an exceptionally comfortable train, offering free WiFi, individual power sockets, and free newspapers. This is why reservation fees for the Thalys are higher than average. With your reservation you can also enjoy discounts on museums, exhibitions, car rentals and hotels. For more information, see the Thalys website.
Facilities and services
Change of currency
You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.