See inside one of Europe's fastest high-speed trains, which bolts at 186 miles per hour and serves meals in first class

Taylor RainsMay 14, 2023, 18:28 IST

The Thalys train runs at 186 miles per hour and now connects to the UK thanks to its recent merger with Eurostar.Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

Thalys is a network of high-speed trains bolting across Western Europe at 186 miles per hour.
The company recently merged with competitor Eurostar to better battle climate change and airlines.

Thalys is a 186-mile-per-hour high-speed rail network in Europe serving the countries of Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

A Thalys high-speed train in Paris.Taylor Rains/Insider

The vision started in the 1980s when Belgian politicians saw the need for quicker transport options between European nations.

The Netherlands' Central Station in 1946.Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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.

A Thalys train in Belgium.Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

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.Frank Leonhardt/picture alliance via Getty Images

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.

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

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.

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.Thierry Monasse/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.

Air France already has a Train + Air program, which was expanded in 2021 after France enacted a climate law that banned short flights.

The law applied to local traffic (not connecting passengers) traveling between cities where a train service would take less than two and a half hours.Bodo Marks/picture alliance via Getty Images

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.

KLM Cityhopper E190-E2.Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

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.Jacques Collet/Belga/AFP via Getty Images

Many people find rail travel more convenient than flying as it typically doesn't require invasive security checks, boarding gates, or crowded airports.

Security lanes at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam.Grace Dean/Insider

This competition has not escaped the minds of government officials who see the low-emitting trains as a way to also combat climate change.

TGV Duplex, Thalys, ETR 500, and Eurostar trains at the Eurailspeed 1998 exhibition in Berlin in October 1998.Schlemmer/ullstein bild via Getty Images

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.Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images

The combined company expects to handle 30 million customers per year by 2030.

The combined Eurostar and Thalys route map as of 2022. Thalys and Eurostar are owned by French train company SNCF.Eurostar, Thalys

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)

However, Arriën Kruyt of the sustainability non-profit organization European Passengers Federation warned the merger was a "monopoly" and could increase ticket prices.

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.Jonas Roosens/Belga Mag/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.

Currently, there are two options when booking a Thalys train: premium — aka first class — and regular coach.

First class seats on a Thalys train.Taylor Rains/Insider

First class is configured in a 2x1 layout, meaning a third of passengers will have a solo seat that offers added privacy.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Meanwhile, the pairs — which face both forward and backward — are perfect for duos traveling together...

Taylor Rains/Insider

...while larger parties may opt for the quad-seating, which conveniently has a table in between the two sets of chairs.

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

Each reclining seat comes with power outlets, free WiFi, and a USB port…

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

…large tray tables and seatback straps…

The seatback straps could fit charging cords.Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as a footrest, closable window shades, and a reading light.

The footrest on the dual seats.Taylor Rains/Insider

There is also plenty of overhead space for luggage…

Each fare comes with two pieces of luggage.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a small table that folds down without taking up too much personal space.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Imagine an airline's domestic business class — though some may argue the train is nicer.

A first class seat on a Delta Airbus A321, which comes with an inflight TV screen.Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

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

…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.

Economy passengers can still enjoy snacks and drinks from the "Thalys Welcome Bar" onboard, which also serves alcohol.

Thalys' Welcome Bar.Thalys

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See inside one of Europe's fastest high-speed trains, which bolts at 186 miles per hour and serves meals in first class

Thalys is a 186-mile-per-hour high-speed rail network in Europe serving the countries of Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

The vision started in the 1980s when Belgian politicians saw the need for quicker transport options between European nations.

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.

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.

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.

Air France already has a Train + Air program, which was expanded in 2021 after France enacted a climate law that banned short flights.

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.

Many people find rail travel more convenient than flying as it typically doesn't require invasive security checks, boarding gates, or crowded airports.

This competition has not escaped the minds of government officials who see the low-emitting trains as a way to also combat climate change.

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 combined company expects to handle 30 million customers per year by 2030.

However, Arriën Kruyt of the sustainability non-profit organization European Passengers Federation warned the merger was a "monopoly" and could increase ticket prices.

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.

Currently, there are two options when booking a Thalys train: premium — aka first class — and regular coach.

First class is configured in a 2x1 layout, meaning a third of passengers will have a solo seat that offers added privacy.

Meanwhile, the pairs — which face both forward and backward — are perfect for duos traveling together...

...while larger parties may opt for the quad-seating, which conveniently has a table in between the two sets of chairs.

Each reclining seat comes with power outlets, free WiFi, and a USB port…

…large tray tables and seatback straps…

…as well as a footrest, closable window shades, and a reading light.

There is also plenty of overhead space for luggage…

…and a small table that folds down without taking up too much personal space.

Imagine an airline's domestic business class — though some may argue the train is nicer.

Meanwhile, the economy cars are configured in a 2x2 layout, meaning there will more people and potentially more noise.

Each seat will still come with the same necessities as first class — minus the miniature tray table.

However, the premium seats are designed to be more comfortable and spacious to give the cars a leg up on coach.

Moreover, first class passengers get lounge access in certain cities across the network…

…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.

Economy passengers can still enjoy snacks and drinks from the "Thalys Welcome Bar" onboard, which also serves alcohol.