The Thalys trains offer frequent daily connections between Amsterdam and Paris. Thalys provides links to 17 cities such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Cologne, Ghent, Liège, Paris and Rotterdam. In my blog post I will explain you where to find saver fares, show you the train stations and explain you the train. For the ones who want to find schedules and ticket prices immediately, have a look at the booking links of b-europe, NS International and Omio.
Thalys trains from Amsterdam to Paris
The Thalys operates with TGV-like high speed trains running at up to 300km/h between Amsterdam and Paris. Trains run every one or two hours, depending on time of day and day of the week. You make intermediate stops only at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Antwerpen and Brussels. They offer 2nd and 1st class accommodation, called „Comfort 2“ and „Comfort 1“. There is a bar coach where you can buy drinks and snacks. When travelling in Comfort 1 you also get a complimentary meal according to the time of day served at your seat. WiFi is available and free of charge for all passengers.
Buy your train ticket at NS International , b-europe or Omio
Stations on the way
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is pretty much on every Interrailers list. Known for its many canals and pretty tree lined streets. The locals are very rare to find within the city center, but there’s nice food, good museums and the nightlife is pretty interesting. Renting bikes or taking a canal boat along the river are both great ways of seeing the sights.
Schiphol Airport (Sometimes Amsterdam Airport) is the international airport of the Netherlands.
Rotterdam
This is the city for you when you are looking for a city existing for themselves and not just for tourists. Rotterdam offers Europe’s largest port and has therefore a rich history. Sadly Rotterdam’s city center have been bombed in the 2nd World War by the Germans, so don’t expect any old buildings over here. Now there is some positive about this, Rotterdam is a city with architectural landmarks, a trendy nightlife city, a shopping city, and a hip artistic city.. You can go on a shopping spree, enjoy some excellent food, and visit a range of museums and attractions in and around the city centre.
Antwerpen Centraal
If you are travelling between Brussels, Antwerp and the Netherlands please have a closer look at IC Brussels service. Flo wrote a informing blog about this route. The IC is only a little bit slower but way cheaper.
Brussel Zuid / Bruxelles Midi
Change here for the Eurostar towards London.
Paris Nord
The city of love! It seems to be that every couple visits once in a lifetime Paris. The city has multiple stations at the borders of the city center. The Thalys arrives at Paris Gare du Nord. From here on you will need to travel with the underground services. I can recommend taking the Mobilis 1 day 1-2 zones ticket. You'll have to search for it on the tickets machines but with the 7,30 it's the cheapest option when you're planning more than 5 trips trough Paris.
The city of Paris advertises with the ParisVisite travel card (€12.85) what gives an additional discount on some attractions.
Other option is the 10 T+ tickets: €16 for 10 single trips.
Standard / comfort / premium
Thalys has updated (2017) there options with 3 available classes. The Comfort class is new with a seat in the first-class without the first-class services like a meal. Please read here for the update.
My personal experience with the seats in the standard class is that the legroom is on the short side but there are sockets near each seat. Internet is available for all travellers, although the speed is horrible and you've got a data-limit.
Comfort adds additional:
- Comfortable (1st class) seats with more legroom.
Premium adds additional:
- Served a included meal on your seat. With the time of the day there is an meal served on your seat.
- Free daily papers and magazines.
- La Salon is especially for business travellers. They can reserve a meeting room in front of the train.
- Entrance to the Thalys/NSInternational Lounges.
Timetable Thalys Amsterdam - Antwerp - Brussels - Paris
Timetables are as example of 2017. Please check the most recent when booking.
| Thalys Number | Dep. Amsterdam | Ar. Paris North | Extras | Thalys Number | Dep. Paris | Ar. Amsterdam | Extras | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9310 | 06.17 | 09.44 | Breakfast available | 9303 | 06.25 | 09.42 | Breakfast available | |
| 9316 | 07.17 | 10:44 | Breakfast available | 9309 | 07.25 | 10.42 | Breakfast available | |
| 9322 | 08.17 | 11.44 | Breakfast available | 9315 | 08.25 | 11.42 | Breakfast available | |
| 9328 | 09.17 | 12.44 | 9327 | 10.25 | 13.42 | Lunch available | ||
| 9340 | 11.17 | 14.38 | Lunch available | 9339 | 12.25 | 15.42 | Lunch available | |
| 9352 | 13.17 | 16.47 | Lunch available | 9351 | 14.25 | 17.42 | ||
| 9358 | 14.17 | 17.44 | Lunch available | 9357 | 15.25 | 18.42 | ||
| 9370 | 16.17 | 19.38 | Lunch available | |||||
| 9376 | 17.17 | 20.41 | Lunch available | 9369 | 17.25 | 20.42 | Dinner available | |
| 9382 | 18.17 | 21.39 | Dinner available | 9375 | 18.25 | 21.42 | Dinner available | |
| 9388 | 19.48 | 22.35 | Dinner available | 9381 | 19.25 | 22.42 | Dinner available |
Type of trains
Thalys has 2 types of trains: The PBA and PBKA serie.
- PBA (Paris - Brussels - Amsterdam) Build between 1995 and 1996
- PBKA (Paris - Brussels - Köln - Amsterdam) Build between 1996 and 1997
Both are almost technical the same where the PBKA adds the possibility to drive in Germany. For more information about Paris to Cologne read here.
The only visual difference is that the PBKA has a newer design front. The interior is just the same.
Carriages
To find your carriages have a look at the screens near each door.
Carriage 1, 11 or 21 Comfort/Premium with Salon for business and disabled seats.
Carriage 2, 12 or 22 Comfort/Premium
Carriage 3, 13 or 23 Comfort/Premium
Carriage 4, 14 or 24 Thalys Welcome Bar with Standard
Carriage 5, 15 or 25 Standard
Carriage 6, 16 or 26 Standard
Carriage 7, 17 or 27 Standard and Baby changing room
Carriage 8, 18 or 28 Standard
Ticket prices for Thalys
Thalys is a private company so they can set there own prices. And they are high! You pay seriously for the speed and service they offer. When you book your tickets far in advance you'll find a nice price. Buy your train ticket at NS International , b-europe or Omio
Traveling with Interrail/Eurail
When you travel with the Thalys including your Interrail or Eurail pass you can buy the seat reservation online at b-europe.
An overview of the reservation fees is listed here.
Updated: September 2017
👁 23180
