I rode on one of Europe's fastest high-speed trains in first class from Amsterdam to Paris for $160. It easily beat flying.

Taylor RainsFeb 23, 2023, 16:53 IST

Europe's Thalys high-speed train in Paris.Taylor Rains/Insider

Europe's Thalys high-speed train is one of the fastest on the continent, able to travel at a speed of 186 miles per hour.
The service connects cities in France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

As an aviation writer, I rarely find myself traveling via train between countries — even if it is sometimes faster than flying.

The author flying on Air New Zealand in business class in September 2022 on the inaugural nonstop flight from New York to Auckland.Taylor Rains/Insider

But, on a recent trip from the Netherlands to France, I decided to skip Amsterdam's Schiphol airport and take a high-speed train.

Europe's Thalys high-speed train at Amsterdam Central Station.Taylor Rains/Insider

I booked a one-way first class ticket on Thalys, a train that reaches speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour) — here's what it was like.

Europe's Thalys high-speed train at Amsterdam Central Station.Taylor Rains/Insider

I started my 3.5-hour journey at Amsterdam Central Station where I first visited the NS International Lounge.

The NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Central Station.Taylor Rains/Insider

The space is located next to track 2A and can be accessed by a handful of first class train-goers, like those on Thalys or Eurostar.

Travelers can also access the lounge for $7 per hour, or $16 per day, according to the NS International website.Taylor Rains/Insider

The lounge was small but comfortable. There were seats to relax and tables with power outlets to work…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as free drinks, like coffee and juice. I enjoyed the quiet lounge and thought it was a great way to avoid the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam Central.

Thalys passengers get one free drink but have to pay about $3 for another, according to the signage I saw. But, the attendant let me have both for free.Taylor Rains/Insider

I spent about 20 minutes in the lounge before heading to track number 15 where the Thalys train to Paris picked up.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I boarded via coach car 11, as indicated on my ticket, and the process was pure bliss.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Instead of shuffling through airport security and waiting for my boarding zone, I simply walked onto the train and sat down. My ticket was checked after departure.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, I didn't have to fight for overhead bin space as there was more than enough shelf room for everyone's bags.

All three fare classes, including standard, comfort, and premium (first), come with two pieces of luggage.Taylor Rains/Insider

There was also an oversized luggage rack available next to the door.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Next to the rack was the restroom, which was much roomier than aircraft lavatories and featured a baby changing table and a body mirror.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Onboard, I was happy to see I was assigned a window seat — number 64.

I chose a window seat as my preference during booking.Taylor Rains/Insider

The first class section is configured in a 2x1 layout with both forward and rear-facing rows, and I was further pleased to be on the single-seat side facing forward. I loved the privacy.

The train was pretty empty when I boarded in Amsterdam but quickly filled up after we stopped at Schiphol, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Brussels.Taylor Rains/Insider

The first class section is configured in a 2x1 layout with both forward and rear-facing rows, and I was further pleased to be on the single-seat side facing forward. I loved the privacy.

After settling in, I started to explore the plethora of amenities available, which easily outshined some first class domestic seats I've flown on in the US.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The first thing I noticed was the size of the lounger, which had plush cushioning and a winged headrest.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I had plenty of legroom, and the footrest made the multi-hour journey extremely comfortable.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Granted, I'm only 5'3" and on the smaller side, so I fit into most seats — even the cramped ones on Ryanair. But, larger travelers should have plenty of room on Thalys.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Granted, I'm only 5'3" and on the smaller side, so I fit into most seats — even the cramped ones on Ryanair. But, larger travelers should have plenty of room on Thalys.

In addition to space, the lounger featured a large tray table easily big enough to fit my laptop…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a USB port and a Euro-plug outlet…

The power was attached to a box that doubled as a trash can.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a coat hook…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a seatback pocket…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and decent recline. The buttons were hidden on the right side of my lounger.

Taylor Rains/Insider

There was also a smaller table that was the perfect size for cups…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and the seatback straps were stretchy enough for storing power cables or a book.

Taylor Rains/Insider

These luxuries are available at every seat in the first class section, and the two-seater side won't have to share power as both have their own outlets.

Taylor Rains/Insider

There is also quad and dual-seating with a table in between the loungers, which are good for families or colleagues traveling together.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Shortly after departure, the attendants served food and drinks, including lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, water, juice, and alcohol.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Aside from the second class layout being 2x2 — meaning more people are packed into each car — the meal service is the core difference between Thalys' premium and standard cabins.

The second class section is also nice, and I would still choose it over flying between Amsterdam and Paris.Robin Van Lonkhuijsen/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Aside from the second class layout being 2x2 — meaning more people are packed into each car — the meal service is the core difference between Thalys' premium and standard cabins.

There were two meal options: salty or sweet. I chose the former, which was a broccoli mousse with nuts.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Having never had broccoli mousse before, the taste was different than anything I've had before. Overall, it was okay, but I'm not sure it's for everyone.

Taylor Rains/Insider

If you're not a veggie person, choose the sweet option, which was a waffle pastry with caramel and nuts.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was fortunate to try both meals, and definitely preferred the delicious waffle over the broccoli — and that's coming from someone who doesn't regularly eat sugar.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was fortunate to try both meals, and definitely preferred the delicious waffle over the broccoli — and that's coming from someone who doesn't regularly eat sugar.

For drinks, I opted for coffee with cream and red wine — both good choices.

Drinks were unlimited, and the attendants came by regularly to refill glasses.Taylor Rains/Insider

While the broccoli was my only critique, I was overall impressed with the meal. The food was served with proper plates, glasses, and silverware….

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and the huge tray table meant I wasn't scrambling for space.

Taylor Rains/Insider

After filling up, I connected to the free WiFi — which worked perfectly fine minus 20 minutes of spottiness — and worked for about two hours.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I also enjoyed the beautiful views of the European countryside and cities along the way. I loved seeing how different the buildings look compared to the US.

We passed through Belgium on our way to Paris.Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour before arriving in Paris, we were served a second meal — fish with veggies or a rice dish. I chose the fish, and this time was only able to try the one.

Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour before arriving in Paris, we were served a second meal — fish with veggies or a rice dish. I chose the fish, and this time was only able to try the one.

I thought the meal was good, especially the sauce and bread. Paired with French red wine, it was the perfect way to enter Paris.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to take the Thalys train in Europe again — and definitely recommend the upgrade to first class.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The amenity-heavy seat was only $60 more than regular coach, and $2 more than flying.

The Google Flights price history for a one-way nonstop flight between Amsterdam and Paris. The fare shown ($158 USD) is for February 2, which is the same day I bought my Thalys ticket.Taylor Rains/Insider

Only two airlines offered nonstop service on my day of travel — Air France and Dutch flag carrier KLM — negating any low-cost options like Transavia, which won't start service until the end of March.

Transavia is a Netherlands-based budget airline wholly owned by KLM.Shutterstock

Only two airlines offered nonstop service on my day of travel — Air France and Dutch flag carrier KLM — negating any low-cost options like Transavia, which won't start service until the end of March.

So, for a measly two bucks extra for the train, I avoided all the hassles of a large international airport and arrived in the center of Paris.

Paris Nor d's station had access to metro lines that could take me to different destinations in the city.Taylor Rains/Insider

This means I didn't have to pay for an expensive taxi to the city or spend an hour on public transport — both of which add time and money to flying.

Taylor Rains/Insider

And, the entire journey only took four hours, including transit to Amsterdam Central and the train ride itself.

Europe's Thalys high-speed train in Paris.Taylor Rains/Insider

Flying would be at least five hours, especially since Schiphol is notorious for long check-in lines and bottlenecks at security, which would force me to arrive at least 2-3 hours early.

Lines at Schiphol, which got so bad that the airport had to cap the number of daily travelers last summer.Grace Dean/Insider

Flying would be at least five hours, especially since Schiphol is notorious for long check-in lines and bottlenecks at security, which would force me to arrive at least 2-3 hours early.

Next time I'm in Europe, I'll easily consider taking a train between cities, first class or not — even though I do prefer to be on planes.

Taylor Rains/Insider

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I rode on one of Europe's fastest high-speed trains in first class from Amsterdam to Paris for $160. It easily beat flying.

As an aviation writer, I rarely find myself traveling via train between countries — even if it is sometimes faster than flying.

But, on a recent trip from the Netherlands to France, I decided to skip Amsterdam's Schiphol airport and take a high-speed train.

I booked a one-way first class ticket on Thalys, a train that reaches speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour) — here's what it was like.

I started my 3.5-hour journey at Amsterdam Central Station where I first visited the NS International Lounge.

The space is located next to track 2A and can be accessed by a handful of first class train-goers, like those on Thalys or Eurostar.

The lounge was small but comfortable. There were seats to relax and tables with power outlets to work…

…as well as free drinks, like coffee and juice. I enjoyed the quiet lounge and thought it was a great way to avoid the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam Central.

I spent about 20 minutes in the lounge before heading to track number 15 where the Thalys train to Paris picked up.

I boarded via coach car 11, as indicated on my ticket, and the process was pure bliss.

Instead of shuffling through airport security and waiting for my boarding zone, I simply walked onto the train and sat down. My ticket was checked after departure.

Moreover, I didn't have to fight for overhead bin space as there was more than enough shelf room for everyone's bags.

There was also an oversized luggage rack available next to the door.

Next to the rack was the restroom, which was much roomier than aircraft lavatories and featured a baby changing table and a body mirror.

Onboard, I was happy to see I was assigned a window seat — number 64.

The first class section is configured in a 2x1 layout with both forward and rear-facing rows, and I was further pleased to be on the single-seat side facing forward. I loved the privacy.

After settling in, I started to explore the plethora of amenities available, which easily outshined some first class domestic seats I've flown on in the US.

The first thing I noticed was the size of the lounger, which had plush cushioning and a winged headrest.

I had plenty of legroom, and the footrest made the multi-hour journey extremely comfortable.

Granted, I'm only 5'3" and on the smaller side, so I fit into most seats — even the cramped ones on Ryanair. But, larger travelers should have plenty of room on Thalys.

In addition to space, the lounger featured a large tray table easily big enough to fit my laptop…

…a USB port and a Euro-plug outlet…

…a coat hook…

…a seatback pocket…

…and decent recline. The buttons were hidden on the right side of my lounger.

There was also a smaller table that was the perfect size for cups…

…and the seatback straps were stretchy enough for storing power cables or a book.

These luxuries are available at every seat in the first class section, and the two-seater side won't have to share power as both have their own outlets.

There is also quad and dual-seating with a table in between the loungers, which are good for families or colleagues traveling together.

Shortly after departure, the attendants served food and drinks, including lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, water, juice, and alcohol.

Aside from the second class layout being 2x2 — meaning more people are packed into each car — the meal service is the core difference between Thalys' premium and standard cabins.

There were two meal options: salty or sweet. I chose the former, which was a broccoli mousse with nuts.

Having never had broccoli mousse before, the taste was different than anything I've had before. Overall, it was okay, but I'm not sure it's for everyone.

If you're not a veggie person, choose the sweet option, which was a waffle pastry with caramel and nuts.

I was fortunate to try both meals, and definitely preferred the delicious waffle over the broccoli — and that's coming from someone who doesn't regularly eat sugar.

For drinks, I opted for coffee with cream and red wine — both good choices.

While the broccoli was my only critique, I was overall impressed with the meal. The food was served with proper plates, glasses, and silverware….

…and the huge tray table meant I wasn't scrambling for space.

After filling up, I connected to the free WiFi — which worked perfectly fine minus 20 minutes of spottiness — and worked for about two hours.

I also enjoyed the beautiful views of the European countryside and cities along the way. I loved seeing how different the buildings look compared to the US.

About an hour before arriving in Paris, we were served a second meal — fish with veggies or a rice dish. I chose the fish, and this time was only able to try the one.

I thought the meal was good, especially the sauce and bread. Paired with French red wine, it was the perfect way to enter Paris.

Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to take the Thalys train in Europe again — and definitely recommend the upgrade to first class.

The amenity-heavy seat was only $60 more than regular coach, and $2 more than flying.

Only two airlines offered nonstop service on my day of travel — Air France and Dutch flag carrier KLM — negating any low-cost options like Transavia, which won't start service until the end of March.

So, for a measly two bucks extra for the train, I avoided all the hassles of a large international airport and arrived in the center of Paris.

This means I didn't have to pay for an expensive taxi to the city or spend an hour on public transport — both of which add time and money to flying.

And, the entire journey only took four hours, including transit to Amsterdam Central and the train ride itself.

Flying would be at least five hours, especially since Schiphol is notorious for long check-in lines and bottlenecks at security, which would force me to arrive at least 2-3 hours early.

Next time I'm in Europe, I'll easily consider taking a train between cities, first class or not — even though I do prefer to be on planes.