Paris - Brussels - Amsterdam (Thalys Train)

The journey between Paris and Amsterdam is very fast onboard this Thalys service. However, if travelling from the United Kingdom towards Amsterdam, you are best off taking the Eurostar to Brussels, and then joining this Thalys service there (rather than going into Paris), as it is much cheaper and quicker.

Thalys

High-speed Thalys services link France to Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands. The trains are spacious and comfortable, with all the features you would expect with European high-speed services. As an added bonus, regular Thalys customers can collect points using Thalys' loyalty card, rather unimaginatively named "The Card". Every journey made using the card accrues points, which can be exchanged for benefits such as access to First Class Lounges, hotel discounts, taxi reservations etc.

Services feature a bar-buffet car serving hot and cold food and drinks. First class passengers are treated to complimentary meals depending on the time of day of the journey.

Passengers may bring two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage onboard with them, and all items must be appropriatley labelled. Domestic animals may also be carried, with a maximum of 2 dogs or pet carriers per passenger.

Comfort 1 (First Class):

First class seats are comfortable, with a table and footrest, as well as power sockets in the newer trains. From January 2011, First Class passengers may also choose to take advantage of a separate seating area for up to four passengers, which has four leather seats around a table; Le Salon (prices detailed below). An at-seat meal is included with all First Class fares, with either breakfast, lunch or dinner served depending on time of day (vegetarian meals may be requested onboard).

First Class passengers may choose from a selection of daily newspapers and magazines, as well as taking advantage of the taxi booking service for Paris and Brussels arrivals, and free WiFi internet access. At popular stations, passengers also have access to VIP Lounges.

Comfort 2 (Standard Class):

Standard Class seats are perfectly comfortable, with power sockets available in all new Thalys carriages. Tickets for public transport can be bought from the bar, which also serves a range of food and drinks. WiFi access can be bought on-demand (unlimited access - €13, or €6.50 per hour). 

Services between Paris and Amsterdam are hourly during the day (except one missing service at lunch time in either direction). From December to April, an additional service operates between Brussels and Amsterdam, the Thalys Niege service. 

Brussels to Amsterdam:

* No service at 13.25
06.25 service Monday - Friday only
07.25 service Monday - Saturday only
11.25 service Saturday and Sunday only
16.25 service Friday and Sunday only
18.25 service Monday - Friday, Sunday

Amsterdam to Brussels:

* No service at 12.16
06.16 and 09.16 service Monday to Friday only
07.16 service Saturday only
10.16 service Saturday and Sunday only
16.16 service Friday only
19.16 service Monday - Friday, Sunday
20.16 service Sunday only

A full breakdown of fare information for this route can be found on the Thalys website. The fares below are for one-way journeys. The earlier you are able to book your ticket, the lower the fare. Remember though, that like most European train journeys, tickets can only be booked up to three months in advance.

Paris - Amsterdam:

Brussels - Amsterdam:

Hi-Life: One-way fare. Unlimited ticket flexibility before departure, and up to 1 hour after departure (at the Thalys departure station). 100% refundable before departure and up to 1hour after departure (at the Thalys departure station). 50% refundable after 1hour after departure.

OptiWay: Ticket available up to one day before departure. One-way fare. Exchangeable once up to one day before departure. 50% refundable before departure and up to 1 hour after (at Thalys departure station).

Smoove: Tickets available up to 15 days before departure.

Youth: Passengers aged 12-25. One-way fare. Exchangeable once up to one day before departure, and up to 1 hour afterwards at the station of departure. 100% refundable before departure and up to 1 hour afterwards at the station of departure.

Senior: Passengers aged 60 years and over. One way fare. Exchangeable once up to one day before departure, and up to 1 hour afterwards at the station of departure. 100% refundable before departure and up to 1 hour afterwards at the station of departure.

Kid: For children under 12. One-way fare. Children under the age of 4 may accompany a fare-paying adult for free and sit on the adult's lap. If a seat is required for the child, a Kid ticket must be purchased. Unlimited exchange before departure. 100% refundable before departure and up to 1 hour afterwards at the station of departure. 50% refundable after 1 hour after departure.

Kid & Co: For one or two people accompanying a child under 12. On sale up to the day before departure. One way fare. Unlimited exchange until the day before departure. 100% refundable before departure and up to 1 hour afterwards at the station of departure. 50% refundable after 1 hour after departure.