Thalys launches flexible fare structure

At the end of last year Thalys launched a new range of fares, for any rail passengers
travelling on the high speed red trains from March 11 onwards.
Thalys, which links Belgium to Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne and Rotterdam, now offers three
different types of fares so passengers can choose from three levels of flexibility to suit their
needs.
All Thalys tickets can be booked on Rail Europe’s website, where travellers will find useful
tips and maps, as well as suggested routes and itineraries to help them plan their journeys in
Europe.
The three different fares are known as Full Fare, Leisure Fare and Book Early.

Full Fares are for those passengers travelling in first class (known as Comfort 1 on the
Thalys trains). This fare offers the maximum flexibility, for example, travellers can exchange
tickets right up until the time of departure and can also take the train before, or the train after,
the train they hold a ticket for. Full Fare prices are as follows:
Taking the Thalys between Paris and Brussels is from AUS$181, between Paris and
Amsterdam the Full Fare is from AUS$281 and for the journey between Paris and Cologne
the first price is AUS$ 243.

Leisure Fares are available in both first and second class (Comfort 1&2) and offer a good
compromise on flexibility and services. Travellers who opt for the Leisure Fare will be able
to surf the internet free of charge, from March 11th, even when travelling in second class.
Other benefits of this fare type are that tickets are exchangeable, once, up to three days before
departure.
Travellers can book the Thalys Leisure fare on Rail Europe’s website and get some tips and
ideas about their trip. First class Leisure Fare prices start from AUS$85 between Paris and
Brussels.

Book Early fares are for all passengers taking a trip by Thalys in second class (Comfort 2).
These tickets offer some of the lowest prices but are non exchangeable and non refundable.
Book Early prices start from AUS$42 between Paris and Brussels.

Train passengers to Europe who are looking to travel on the high speed Thalys trains can find
information and tickets online with Rail Europe and can book online to receive their print at
home ticket, so they don’t have to queue at the station. See Rail Europe for more information.