An international workgroup was created for the project, which officially launched in June 1996. The first Thalys-branded train ran on the Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam route.
Early operations used conventional tracks as the high-speed lines were still being built. So, it wasn't until December 1997 that the first super-speedy tracks opened between Brussels and Paris — cutting the travel time from two hours to 90 minutes.
A Deutsche Bahn AG train next to a Thalys train at Munich Central Station in April 1997.
The trains used were derived from TGV, meaning Train à Grande Vitesse — or high-speed train in English. They were made by the manufacturer Alstom and first ran in 1981 across France.
Former French president Francois Mitterrand and his family at the TGV inauguration in 1981.
Beucelle Armel/Sygma via Getty Images
Today, the Thalys train remains one of the fastest on the continent. In fact, the Paris to Brussels corridor is so busy that airlines have adjusted their strategies to promote rail travel.
Thalys has a train that directly connects Schiphol airport in Amsterdam to CDG airport in Paris.
Meanwhile, Dutch flag carrier KLM bought up more Thalys tickets for passengers connecting from Amsterdam to Brussels this summer. It has also nixed one flight frequency on the route.
These types of partnerships go back decades, like when SN Brussels Airlines established a similar Thalys service between Brussels Airport and Paris in 2003.
An SN Brussels Airlines model plane in front of a Thalys train.
Many people find rail travel more convenient than flying as it typically doesn't require invasive security checks, boarding gates, or crowded airports.
As a way to further reduce Europe's carbon footprint, Thalys merged with high-speed competitor Eurostar in 2022 to create one giant system under the Eurostar brand.
The merger was first proposed in 2019 and named Project Green Speed. Pictured is a Thalys and a Eurostar train side-by-side with the new company logo.
However, Arriën Kruyt of the sustainability non-profit organization European Passengers Federation warned the merger was a "monopoly" and could increase ticket prices.
Kruyt spoke at RailTech Europe 2021, which is conference for the railway sector.
Robin Van Lonkhuijsen/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
But, that likely won't keep people from rail travel. See what passengers can expect onboard Thalys' super-speedy train, which will be rebranded to Eurostar come October 2023.
A rebranded Eurostar high-speed train that was previously Thalys.
Meanwhile, the economy cars are configured in a 2x2 layout, meaning there will more people and potentially more noise.
Quad-seating is also an option in economy.
Robin Van Lonkhuijsen/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
Each seat will still come with the same necessities as first class — minus the miniature tray table.
Power outlets in the economy section.
Thalys
However, the premium seats are designed to be more comfortable and spacious to give the cars a leg up on coach.
A Thalys train at Brussels station.
Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
Moreover, first class passengers get lounge access in certain cities across the network…
Thalys passengers get one free drink but have to pay about $3 for another, according to signage inside the lounge.
Taylor Rains/Insider
…as well as two meals included in the fare, which has options like broccoli mousse, a waffle pastry, fish with veggies, or a rice dish — though the menu rotates.
Examples of the food and drinks included in the Thalys first class ticket.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Economy passengers can still enjoy snacks and drinks from the "Thalys Welcome Bar" onboard, which also serves alcohol.
