View source for Thalys

{{Short description|European high-speed train service, 1996–2023}}
{{distinguish|Thales (disambiguation) {{!}} Thales}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width                       = 300px
| name                            = Thalys
| other_name                      = 
| native_name                     = 
| native_name_lang                = 
| color                           = 
| logo                            = Thalys.svg
| logo_width                      = 250px
| logo_alt                        = 
| image                           = Hoofddorp Thalys TGV-PBA 4534 trein 9340 Paris-Nord - Flickr - Rob Dammers.jpg
| image_width                     = 
| image_alt                       = 
| caption                         = Thalys TGV in [[Hoofddorp]], [[Netherlands]]
| type                            = High-speed rail
| system                          = 
| status                          = 
| locale                          = 
| start                           = 
| end                             = 
| stations                        = 26
| routes                          = 
| daily_ridership                 = 
| ridership2                      = 
| planopen                        = <!--{{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}}-->
| open                            = <!--{{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}}-->
| yearcommenced                   = {{Start date and age|1996|06|04|df=yes}}
| yearcompleted                   = <!--{{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}}-->
| close                           = {{Start date and age|2023|10|01|df=yes}}
| event1label                     = 
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| event3label                     = 
| event3                          = 
| owner                           = [[Eurostar Group]]
| operator                        = 
| character                       = 
| depot                           = 
| stock                           = {{Unbulleted list
   |9 [[SNCF TGV Réseau|Thalys PBA]]
   |17 [[SNCF TGV Thalys PBKA|Thalys PBKA]]
   }}
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| old_gauge                       = 
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| routenumber                     = 
| linenumber                      = 
| electrification                 = 
| speed_km/h                      = 300
| speed_mph                       = 186
| speed                           = 
| signalling                      = 
| elevation_m                     = 
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| elevation                       = 
| website                         = {{URL|www.thalys.com}}
| map                             = {{Thalys RDT|inline=1}}
| map_name                        = Route map
| map_state                       = collapsed
| embedded                        = 
}}
'''Thalys''' (French: {{IPA|fr|talis|}}) was a brand name used for [[high-speed rail|high-speed train]] services between Paris [[Gare du Nord]] and both [[Amsterdam Centraal]] and German cities in the [[Rhein-Ruhr]], including [[Aachen]], [[Köln Hauptbahnhof|Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof|Düsseldorf]], [[Duisburg Hauptbahnhof|Duisburg]], [[Essen Hauptbahnhof|Essen]] and [[Dortmund Hauptbahnhof|Dortmund]], both via [[Brussels-South railway station|Brussels-South]].

Thalys was created out of a political ambition{{whose|date=August 2025}} formalised in October 1987 to establish a network of international high-speed railway services between the cities of Paris, Brussels, Cologne and Amsterdam. The Thalys name was created in January 1995. The company procured a fleet of [[Alstom]]-built [[TGV]] trains to operate its services as they were viewed as the only existing rolling stock suitable to the task.

On 4 June 1996, the first Thalys-branded train departed from Paris. Early services were more reliant on slower conventional lines as many of the intended new high-speed lines were still under construction. Service speeds improved with the opening of Belgium's [[HSL 1]] line in December 1997 and the Dutch [[HSL-Zuid]] in December 2009, alongside other infrastructure works. Thalys's busiest route was the Paris–Belgium corridor; various airlines, such as [[Air France]] and [[KLM]], opted to discontinue flights directly competing with Thalys's high speed services.

From 1996 to April 2022, the service was managed by '''Thalys International''', which was 70% owned by the French national railway company [[SNCF]] and 30% owned by the Belgian national railway company [[National Railway Company of Belgium|NMBS/SNCB]].<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.thalys.com/de/en/about-thalys/a-company-on-a-human-scale |title = A company on a human scale |website = Thalys |language = en |access-date = 22 January 2020}}</ref> It was operated by THI Factory, which was 60% owned by SNCF and 40% owned by NMBS/SNCB.<ref name="thalys.com" /> Between 2007 and 2013, the German national railway company {{lang|de|[[Deutsche Bahn]]|italic=no}} had also held a 10% stake in the company.

On 30 March 2015, Thalys was restructured as a conventional train operating company, becoming less reliant on SNCF and NMBS/SNCB. During September 2019, a plan was announced to merge Thalys and the [[Channel Tunnel|cross-Channel]] high-speed train operator [[Eurostar]]. Approval of the merger was issued by the [[European Commission]] on 28 March 2022. In February 2022, Thalys International was integrated into THI Factory,<ref>{{Cite web |title = Données de l'entité enregistrée {{!}} BCE Public Search |url = https://kbopub.economie.fgov.be/kbopub/toonondernemingps.html?lang=fr&ondernemingsnummer=0541696005 |access-date = 30 March 2022 |website = kbopub.economie.fgov.be}}</ref> which in turn was acquired by the holding company [[Eurostar Group]] during the following month. From April 2022 to September 2023, Thalys services were operated by the Eurostar Group. Since 29 September 2023, the services operate under the [[Eurostar]] name; sometimes referred to as '''Eurostar Red''', based on the colour of the trains.

==History==
===Background and establishment===

Prior to the creation of Thalys, an express rail service had long been operating between the capital cities of Paris and Brussels, the earliest being run in 1924 in the form of the train service l'[[Étoile du Nord (train)|Étoile du Nord]]. By the 1970s, the conventional service connecting the two cities had a journey time of around two hours and 30 minutes.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} In the following decade, interest in an international high-speed train service along a similar route was gaining traction amongst various governments.<ref name = "25th howstart">{{cite web |url = https://www.railtech.com/policy/2021/06/02/25th-anniversary-of-thalys-how-did-it-start/?gdpr=deny |title = 25th anniversary of Thalys: how did it start? |publisher = railtech.com |date = 2 June 2021}}</ref>

During October 1987, the political decision to create a network of high-speed services among the cities of Paris, Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam was made in Brussels.<ref name = "25th howstart"/> However, in 1991, the Dutch parliament initially rejected the project; continued discussions led to an agreement being reached with Belgium for a route via [[Breda]] instead of [[Roosendaal]]. The building of the [[HSL-Zuid]] high speed line in the Netherlands was finally approved in 1996.<ref name = "25th howstart"/> Meanwhile, Germany decided against the construction of a new railway between Aachen and Cologne, instead opting to renovate the existing track between [[Duren]] and [[Cologne]], which resulted in a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour along this section.<ref name = "25th howstart"/> On 28 January 1993, SNCF, SNCB/NMBS,<ref name="thalys.com" /> {{lang|nl|[[Nederlandse Spoorwegen]]|italic=no}} and {{lang|de|[[Deutsche Bundesbahn]]|italic=no}} (which became part of {{lang|de|[[Deutsche Bahn]]|italic=no}} in 1994) signed an agreement to operate the axis on a joint basis.<ref name="2006thalystory" />

During January 1995, ''Westrail International'' was created by the French and Belgian national railways to operate the new international services. That same month, both the logo and brand of ''Thalys'' were also created; the word deliberately lacked any particular meaning, save for being pronounceable in the languages of all the countries served.<ref name = "25th howstart"/> It was decided to procure [[Alstom]]-built [[TGV]] trains, similar to those already used by SNCF on the French national railways, as these were the only suitable rolling stock available at the time. Another key decision was to launch the service in advance of many of the planned high speed lines, being initially reliant upon slower conventional lines until these were eventually completed; the existing international services that used conventional rolling stock were deliberately withdrawn in preparation for the running of Thalys trains in early June 1996.<ref name = "25th howstart"/>

On 4 June 1996, the first Thalys-branded train departed Paris, this maiden journey took two hours and seven minutes to reach to Brussels, and four hours and 47 minutes to arrive in Amsterdam.<ref name=thalyshistory /> Initially, Thalys services only operated four times per day to Amsterdam and Cologne, while a far greater volume were run between Paris and Belgium. While quite restricted early on, the number of Thalys services would be gradually expanded over time, as would the high speed network that supported it.<ref name = "25th howstart"/>

===Changes and improvements===

During December 1997, the Belgian [[HSL 1]] line, allowing {{convert|300|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} and running from the French border to the outskirts of Brussels, was inaugurated.<ref name = "25th howstart"/> On 14 December 1997, the first Thalys train from Paris to Brussels ran on the HSL 1, reducing travel time to 1:25 hours. At the same time, service commenced to Cologne and [[Aachen]] in Germany, and [[Bruges]], [[Charleroi]], [[Ghent]], [[Mons, Belgium|Mons]], [[Namur]] and [[Ostend]] in Belgium. On 19 December 1998, the Thalys Neige service started to the ski resorts of [[Tarentaise Valley]] and [[Bourg-Saint-Maurice]]. In May 1999, the new high-speed line serving [[Charles de Gaulle Airport]] opened, and Thalys started direct services from [[Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport]] to Brussels, including [[codeshare agreement]]s with [[Air France]], [[American Airlines]] and [[Northwest Airlines]]. On 28 November 1999, Westrail International changed its name to Thalys International.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://trimis.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/project/documents/20101004_214019_53137_TREND-Deliverable_B6_final_20060904.pdf |title = Towards new Rail freight quality and concepts in the European Network in respect to market Demand |publisher = trimis.ec.europa.eu |date = 4 October 2010}}</ref>

In 2000, Thalys started a daily service between Brussels and Geneva. With its {{lang|fr|Thalys Soleil}} (French for 'Thalys Sun'), it started offering direct connections to [[Provence]], initially to [[Valence (city)|Valence]], and extended to [[Avignon]] and [[Marseille]] in 2002. Service between Brussels and Cologne was improved in December 2002 when trains began running on the new [[HSL 2]] in Belgium. During 2003, Thalys services started to [[Brussels Airport]] and the Thalys Nuits d'Été service to [[Marne-la-Vallée]]. In 2007, Deutsche Bahn purchased a 10% shareholding, while SNCF reduced its stake to 62% and SNCB to 28%.<ref name=thalyshistory /><ref name="TodaysRailways" />

Beginning on 14 June 2009, the journey between Brussels and Cologne was shortened by 19 minutes when the new high-speed line [[HSL 3]] between Liège and Aachen opened using Deutsche Bahn's thrice-daily [[Intercity-Express|ICE]] trains running between Brussels and Frankfurt.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.ertms.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/12.-ERTMS-deployment-in-Belgium.pdf |title = ERTMS deployment in Belgium |publisher = ertms.net |access-date = 3 July 2022}}</ref> While HSL 3 was completed during 2007, Thalys trains had not been initially equipped with the [[European Train Control System]] (ETCS) signaling equipment necessary to use the new line. Following the completion of installation and testing work, Thalys began operating on HSL 3 on 13 December 2009. For the same reasons, Thalys started operating on the [[HSL 4]]/[[HSL-Zuid]] high-speed line between [[Antwerp]] and Amsterdam on 13 December 2009, two years after the line's construction.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.eurotrib.com/story/2009/12/13/52450/860 |title = Delays come to an end (EU HSR 2009) |publisher = eurotrib.com |date = 13 December 2009}}</ref>

Since 29 August 2011, one return journey to Cologne has been extended to [[Essen Hauptbahnhof]],<ref name=thalysruhr /> and since 30 October 2011, one return journey to Brussels had been extended to [[Brussels National Airport railway station|Brussels National Airport]].<ref name="LaLibre2011" />

On 9 June 2013, {{lang|de|Deutsche Bahn|italic=no}} permanently ceased the sale of tickets for Thalys services, forcing affected travellers to purchase separate tickets. The company also opted to sell its 10 per cent shareholding in Thalys, marking a general parting of ways between the two operators.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.businesstravelnewseurope.com/Ground-Transport/Deutsche-Bahn-to-stop-selling-Thalys-tickets |title = Deutsche Bahn to stop selling Thalys tickets |publisher = businesstravelnewseurope.com |first = Alex |last = McWhirter |date = 17 May 2013}}</ref>

Since the winter 2013 schedule, Thalys has operated services stopping at [[Düsseldorf Airport station]].<ref name="2013ThalysWinterSched" /> On 12 April 2014, it launched a regular service between Lille Europe and Amsterdam Centraal.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/thalys-launches-amsterdam-lille-high-speed-services/ |title = Thalys launches Amsterdam - Lile services |publisher = railjournal.com |first = Quintus |last = Vosman |date = 14 April 2014}}</ref>

At the end of March 2015, Thalys dropped the Paris – Oostende and the Paris – Brussels – [[Mons railway station|Mons]] – Charleroi – Namur – Liège routes; this withdrawal was reportedly due to a lack of funding from the Belgian government.<ref name = "keeptrack 2015">{{cite web |url = https://www.europebyrail.eu/keeping-track-of-thalys/ |title = Keeping Track of Thalys |first1 = Nicky |last1 = Gardner |first2 = Susanne |last2 = Kries |date = 26 March 2015}}</ref>

On 30 March 2015, Thalys was restructured as a conventional train operating company, adopting the name ''THI Factory'', and has since operated under its own train operator certificate.<ref name="2015ThalysPressRelease" /> Prior to this date, the ownership of Thalys's 26 multi-voltage TGVs had been divided between the four national railway operators holding stakes in the company; they were transferred to the company at this point. These changes were promoted as making Thalys a truly independent company, reducing its interactions with both SNCF and SNCB; headquarters were established in Brussels, with a branch office in Paris.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/regions/europe/thalys-set-to-become-independent-in-2015/ |title = Thalys set to become independent in 2015 |first = David |last = Briginshaw |date = 10 November 2014}}</ref>

On 21 March 2016, services in Germany were extended to [[Dortmund]].<ref>{{Cite web |date = 23 March 2016 |title = Les trains Thalys Paris-Dortmund en circulation depuis le 21 mars 2016 |url = https://www.kelbillet.com/blog/thalys-2/les-trains-thalys-paris-dortmund-en-circulation-depuis-le-21-mars-2016/ |access-date = 29 April 2022 |website = KelBillet}}</ref>

In March 2018, Thalys ceased all its operations from Lille-Europe, citing disappointing demand (despite lower-than-average ticket prices) and financial results.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jaladis |first=Stephane |date=2018-03-15 |title=Thalys to cancel its Lille-Amsterdam service |url=https://www.voyages-d-affaires.com/en/thalys-cancels-lille-amsterdam |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Business travel |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Merger with Eurostar===
{{main|Eurostar}}

[[File:Thalys Eurostar Red logo in Paris-Nord.jpg|thumb|Two Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains coupled in [[Gare du Nord|Paris-Nord station]] on 19 October 2023: one of them still wears the Thalys logo.]]
In September 2019, the shareholders of the cross-Channel high speed train operator [[Eurostar]] and Thalys introduced a plan to merge the two companies, named project ''Green Speed''. Both companies already operate in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with Eurostar also operating in the United Kingdom, and Thalys also operating in Germany, while SNCF already held a [[majority stake]] in both operators. The project was promoted as reducing costs and providing a more seamless experience to passengers via the use of a single [[Electronic ticket|ticketing system]] and [[loyalty program]].<ref>{{Cite web |date = 27 September 2019 |title = Eurostar-Thalys merger proposal revealed |url = https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/eurostar-thalys-merger-proposal-revealed/ |access-date = 2 May 2022 |website = International Railway Journal |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name="EurostarThalys" />

During September 2020, the merger between Thalys and [[Eurostar International]] was confirmed,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/09/16/eurostar-and-thalys-to-merge-in-2021/ |title = Eurostar and Thalys to merge in 2021 |work = Business Traveller |date = 16 September 2020 |access-date = 5 January 2021}}</ref><ref name="RailGazette" /><ref name="RailMag" /> In October 2021, it was announced that, upon the completion of the merger, it was intended for all of Thalys's services to be rebranded as Eurostar.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/eurostar-brand-to-remain-after-thalys-merger/60033.article |title = Eurostar brand to remain after Thalys merger |work = Railway Gazette International |date = 5 October 2021 |access-date = 5 October 2021}}</ref>  On 28 March 2022, the [[European Commission]] approved the merger.<ref>{{Cite web |title = Competition Policy |url = https://ec.europa.eu/competition-policy/index_en |access-date = 30 March 2022 |website = ec.europa.eu |language = en}}</ref> The rebranding of Thalys services commenced in the autumn of 2023, and was planned to be completed by early in 2024. All services of the Eurostar brand will carry a common Eurostar logo, but with the cross-channel trains retaining their dark blue livery, and Thalys's rolling stock retaining its deep red livery.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Timothy |date = 3 November 2021 |title = Eurostar ex-Thalys trains will keep 'ruby' red livery after 2024 merger |url = https://tripbytrip.org/2021/11/03/eurostar-ex-thalys-trains-will-keep-ruby-red-livery-after-2024-merger/ |access-date = 30 March 2022 |website = Trip By Trip |language = en}}</ref> In April 2022, THI Factory was acquired by a new holding company, [[Eurostar Group]]; its former shareholders received a corresponding stake in the new holding company.<ref name="apil22 merged">{{Cite web |date = 2 May 2022 |title = Eurostar, Thalys merge to bring more high-speed rail routes to Europe |url = https://www.railway-technology.com/news/eurostar-thalys-high-speed-rail/ |access-date = 2 May 2022 |website = Railway Technology |language = en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/eurostar-thalys-merger-completed/ |title = Eurostar - Thalys merger completed |publisher = railjournal.com |date = 13 May 2022}}</ref>

The change of logo on the trains took time to complete; during a transition period, some PBA/PBKA trains with the new "Eurostar" logo could be seen together with others still wearing the older "Thalys" logo.

==Routes==

[[File:Networks of Major High Speed Rail Operators in Europe.gif|right|thumb|300px| High-speed rail networks in Europe. Thalys line network shown in burgundy.]]
{{see also|List of TGV services}}
Beyond [[Brussels]], the main cities Thalys trains reached were [[Antwerp]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Liège]], [[Aachen]] and [[Cologne]]. Trains to these destinations ran partly on dedicated high-speed tracks, and partly on conventional tracks shared with normal-speed trains. The high-speed lines formerly used by Thalys are [[HSL 1]] between Paris and Brussels, [[HSL 4]]/[[HSL-Zuid]] between Antwerp and Amsterdam, and the [[HSL 2]] and [[HSL 3]] between Brussels and Aachen. For its seasonal operations within France, other high-speed lines were used.

Journeys from Brussels ([[Brussels-South railway station|Brussels-South]]) to Paris (''[[Gare du Nord]]'') were normally 1 hour and 22 minutes, for a distance of approximately {{convert|300|km|mi}}. The peak service speed was {{convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} while travelling a dedicated high-speed railway track, which is typically electrified at 25 kV AC by an overhead line.

The ''ligne à grande vitesse'' ([[Lignes à Grande Vitesse|LGV]]) link with Charles de Gaulle Airport allowed Air France to withdraw its air service between Paris and Brussels; instead, Air France transferred connecting passengers onto Thalys trains.<ref name="USGAO" /> Thalys had been given the [[Airline codes|IATA designator]] 2H. This is used in conjunction with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. American Airlines had a code-sharing agreement with Thalys for rail service from Charles de Gaulle airport to Brussels-South. The [[airline alliance]] [[SkyTeam]] also had a code-sharing agreement with Thalys for rail service connecting its hub Amsterdam [[Schiphol International Airport|Schiphol Airport]] with Antwerp-Centraal and [[Brussels-South railway station|Bruxelles Midi/Brussel Zuid]]. Thalys and the Dutch flagcarrier [[KLM]] jointly collaborated on ''AirRail'', an initiative to encourage passengers to travel by train to connect with KLM flights; this effort led to KLM reducing air services between Brussels and Amsterdam.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/133482/klm-and-thalys-agree-to-continue-developing-airrail-product/ |title = KLM and Thalys agree to continue developing AirRail product |publisher = globalrailwayreview.com |first = Elliot |last = Robinson |date = 11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/88594/klm-replace-brussels-amsterdam-service/ |title = KLM to replace Brussels to Amsterdam flight with high-speed train service |publisher = globalrailwayreview.com |date = 17 September 2019}}</ref>

== Market ==

Thalys targeted a passenger market in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

The percentage of income coming from different routes<ref name="ChiffresClés" /> demonstrated on which routes the company was most used:
* Paris-Brussels: 55.6%
* Paris-Belgium (outside Brussels): 8.9%
* Paris-Belgium-Netherlands: 21.3%
* Paris-Belgium-Germany: 11.8%
* Others: 2.4%

52% of customers were from the leisure market, while 48% were from the business market. A large segment of Thalys's total sales and income came from the connection between Paris and Brussels.<ref name = "keeptrack 2015"/>

Unlike many national train companies, Thalys did not allow children below 12 years old to travel alone. Children onboard Thalys services had to be accompanied and possess appropriate travel documents as required by the relevant national authorities pertaining to the journey being made.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.thalys.com/be/en/info-services/travelling-with-children#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20cross%20any,of%2012%20to%20travel%20alone. |title = Travelling with Children |publisher = thalys.com |access-date = 2 July 2022}}</ref>

On 24 August 2010, a supplement of €7 was charged for Thalys's (and other international high-speed services') tickets bought at SNCB/NMBS ticket offices at train stations (but not on tickets bought over the Internet). This was to compensate for a reduction of the sales fee paid by Thalys and Eurostar to the Belgian rail company.<ref name="LaLibre2010" /> The supplement increased over time and by June 2019 had risen to €9.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

{| border="1" cellpadding="4" style="border-collapse:collapse; margin:1em auto"
|+ '''Thalys yearly passengers and revenue'''
|- style="background:lightblue;"
!
!1996
!1997
!1998
!1999
!2000
!2001
!2002
!2003
!2004
!2005
!2006
!2007
!2008
!2009
!2010
!2011
!2012
!2013
!2014
!2015
!2016
!2017
!2018
!2019
!2020
!2021
!2022
|-
|Passengers
|
|
|4.72<ref name="DeFinancieel-EconomischeTijd" />
|4.98<ref name="NRCHandelsblad" />
|5.5<ref name="DeFinancieelEconomischeTijd2001" />
|5.8<ref name="NRCHandelsblad2002" />
|6.0<ref name="nieuws" />
|5.8<ref name="BN_DeStem" />
|5.95<ref name="Rotterdam" />
|6.15<ref name="2006AlgemeenDagblad" />
|6.5<ref name="2007DeTijd" />
|6.2<ref name="2008DeTijd" />
|6.5<ref name="Thalys2008PressRelease" />
|6.07<ref name="Volkskrant2011" />
|6.45<ref name="Volkskrant2011" />
|6.65<ref name="Thalys2011PressRelease" />
|6.60<ref name="Thalys2012PressRelease" />
|6.69<ref name="Thalys2013PressRelease" />
|
|6.90<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20160301_02158345/thalys-verliest-reizigers-door-terreur |title = Thalys verliest reizigers door terreur |website = Gazet van Antwerpen |date = March 2016 |language = nl-BE |access-date = 17 February 2020}}</ref>
|6.70
|7.20
|7.51
|7.85<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.rtbf.be/info/economie/detail_nombre-record-de-passagers-pour-thalys-en-2019?id=10406778 |title = Nombre record de passagers pour Thalys en 2019 |date = 13 January 2020 |website = RTBF Info |language = fr |access-date = 17 February 2020}}</ref>
|2.7
|2.5
|6.5
|-
|Revenue
|60<ref name="1999AlgemeenDagblad" />
|115<ref name="1999Volkskrant" />
|190
|220
|266
|294
|310
|301
|318
|335
|363
|364
|392
|382
|432
|470
|479
|487<ref name="2014Treinreiziger" />
|
|487<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.bruzz.be/samenleving/20-jaar-thalys-de-cijfers-2016-06-02 |title = 20 jaar Thalys: de cijfers |website = www.bruzz.be |language = nl |access-date = 17 February 2020}}</ref>
|457
|509
|527
|
|}
<small>All figures in millions. Revenue in millions of [[euro]]s. </small>

=== Accessibility ===
Thalys trains were wheelchair-accessible, with the assistance of the train staff. Bicycles were not allowed on Thalys unless disassembled or packed in a special wrap. Folding bikes were allowed.<ref name="2014RailEurope" />

In February 2020, Thalys announced that its new first-and-last mile travel service 'My Driver by Thalys's enabled passengers to choose between around 50 local taxi fleets to complete their rail journeys.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/96405/my-driver-by-thalys-new-mobility-options/ |title = My Driver by Thalys's service adds new mobility options |publisher = globalrailwayreview.com |date = 11 February 2020}}</ref>

=== Thalys Lounge ===
Thalys operated station lounges in Brussels and Paris. Opened on 9 July 2015, the lounge in Paris' [[Gare du Nord]], located on 
{{Interlanguage link|Rue de Dunkerque|fr}}, offered travelers with a valid ''My Thalys World'' membership (Thalys's loyalty program) a variety of services, including free WiFi and a luggage storage service. For business travelers, a fully equipped meeting room was available for up to six people.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.thalys.com/be/en/info-services/enjoy-the-comfort-of-our-lounges |title = Conditions of Access to Thalys lounges & partner lounges |publisher = thalys.com |access-date = 2 July 2022}}</ref>

===Partnership with Airlines===
Prior to September 2023, Thalys had [[Codeshare|codeshare agreements]] with the following airlines:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Brussels Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Brussels Airlines and Jet Airways join forces with Thalys to link their networks to the centre of Paris via Brussels Airport|url=https://press.brusselsairlines.com/brussels-airlines-and-jet-airways-join-forces-with-thalys-to-link-their-networks-to-the-centre-of-paris-via-brussels-airport}}</ref>
*[[Delta Air Lines]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Delta introduces Air+Rail programme in partnership with Thalys|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/delta-airrail-programme-thalys/}}</ref>
{{div col end}}
Prior to September 2023, Thalys had [[Interlining|Interline agreements]] with the following airlines:
*[[KLM]]<ref>{{cite web|title=KLM and Thalys make train travel more appealing to intercontinental and European transfer passengers|url=https://news.klm.com/klm-and-thalys-make-train-travel-more-appealing-to-intercontinental-and-european-transfer-passengers/}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
Thalys used two models of trains, both of which were part of the [[TGV]] (''train à grande vitesse'') family of high-speed trains built by [[Alstom]] in France.

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Class&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Type&nbsp;
! colspan="2" |&nbsp;Top speed&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Number&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Built&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Notes&nbsp;
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!&nbsp;km/h&nbsp;
!&nbsp;mph&nbsp;
|-
|[[SNCF TGV Réseau|PBA]]
|[[File:Thalys PBA redesign.jpg|100px]]
|[[Electric multiple unit]]
|300<ref name="1997RailwayGazetteInternational" />
|186
|9<ref name="Thalysfig" />
|1996
|Tri-current; Not equipped for Germany; operates only between Amsterdam, Brussels and various French destinations.
|-
|[[SNCF TGV Thalys PBKA|PBKA]]
|[[File:Thalys PBKA Refurbished Nederland.jpg|100px]]
|[[Electric multiple unit]]
|300
|186
|17
|1997
|Quadri-current; Can operate on all Thalys routes across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
|}

==Accidents and incidents==
{{Further|TGV accidents}}
* On 9 May 1998, a truck was struck by a Thalys PBKA on an unprotected [[level crossing]]; it had attempted to cross the tracks at the crossing when the train arrived. The truck driver was killed in the impact and the train's power unit and first two passenger carriages derailed; the trainset was left heavily damaged. Six passengers were injured and the tracks and catenary were broken in the incident. Passenger carriages R1 and R2 had to be scrapped. The trainset was later repaired with the R1 and R2 carriages from a regular TGV trainset.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

* On 11 October 2008, a Thalys PBA set bound for Amsterdam collided with a national [[NS Intercity Materieel|ICM]] train set at [[Gouda railway station]] in the Netherlands. The Thalys train set had been diverted via Gouda due to engineering work on its usual route. None of the passengers were seriously injured, but both trains incurred serious damage. An investigation concluded that staff of the ICM train was to blame, as they left the station while still under a red signal.<ref name="Goudaaccident" /><ref name="Goudaivwrapport" />

* On 21 August 2015, [[2015 Thalys train attack|a gunman attacked passengers]] on an Amsterdam–Paris train near [[Arras]]. The incident was treated as a terrorist attack. Three passengers along with the gunman received non-fatal injuries.<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="monde" />

==See also==
* [[Cologne–Aachen high-speed railway]]
* [[HSL 1]]
* [[HSL 2]]
* [[HSL 3]]
* [[HSL 4]]
* [[HSL-Zuid]]
* [[LGV Nord]]
* [[Train categories in Europe]]
* [[IZY]] – Thalys low-cost service

==References==
{{reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="Thalysfig">{{cite web |url = http://www.thalys.com/fr/en/about-thalys/key-figures |title = Thalys: Key figures |date = 16 September 2008 |website = thalys.com |publisher = Thalys |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080916195617/http://www.thalys.com/fr/en/about-thalys/key-figures |archive-date = 16 September 2008 |access-date = 8 November 2019 |ref = Thalysfig }}</ref>

<ref name="thalys.com">{{cite web |url = http://www.thalys.com/be/en/about-thalys/corporate |title = About Thalys: Corporate |date = 17 December 2007 |website = thalys.com |publisher = Thalys |language= en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071217071047/http://www.thalys.com/be/en/about-thalys/corporate |archive-date = 17 December 2007 |access-date = 8 November 2019 |ref = thalys.com }}</ref>

<ref name="2006thalystory">{{cite web |url = http://www.thalys.com//a-propos-de-thalys/presentation?date=1976 |title= 1976–1995 The train: economic development drive |date = 24 November 2006 |website = thalystory.com |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061124080402/http://www.thalystory.com/en/story/periode.html?date=1976 |archive-date = 24 November 2006 |url-status = usurped |access-date = 8 November 2019 |ref = 2006thalystory }}</ref>

<ref name="thalyshistory">{{cite web |url = http://www.thalys.com/de/en/about-thalys/history |title = Thalys: History |date = 8 June 2008 |website= thalys.com |publisher = Thalys |language= en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080608160014/http://www.thalys.com/de/en/about-thalys/history |archive-date = 8 June 2008 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |ref = thalyshistory }}</ref>

<ref name="TodaysRailways">{{cite magazine |date = 1 August 2007 |title = DB buys into Thalys |magazine = [[Today's Railways Europe]] |language = en |issue = 140 |page = 40 |issn = 1354-2753 |ref = TodaysRailways |title-link = Deutsche Bundesbahn }}</ref>

<ref name="thalysruhr">{{cite news |last1 = Hermsen |first1 = Stephen |date = 22 December 2010 |title = Thalys verbindet das Ruhrgebiet mit Paris |trans-title = Thalys connects the Ruhr area with Paris |url = https://www.derwesten.de/region/rhein-und-ruhr/thalys-verbindet-das-ruhrgebiet-mit-paris-id4089452.html |url-status = live |work = DerWesten |language = de |location = [[Essen]] |publisher = [[Funke Mediengruppe]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180516024918/https://www.derwesten.de/region/rhein-und-ruhr/thalys-verbindet-das-ruhrgebiet-mit-paris-id4089452.html |archive-date = 16 May 2018 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |quote = Ab August 2011 ist das Ruhrgebiet direkt mit der Stadt der Liebe verbunden. Einmal täglich fährt dann der Schnellzug Thalys nicht mehr nur bis nach Köln, sondern auch über Düsseldorf und Duisburg nach Essen. |ref = thalysruhr }}</ref>

<ref name="LaLibre2011">{{cite news |date = 14 September 2011 |title = Brussels Airport à 1h47 de Paris via Thalys |trans-title = Brussels Airport 1h47 from Paris via Thalys |url = https://www.lalibre.be/economie/entreprises-startup/brussels-airport-a-1h47-de-paris-via-thalys-51b8da2ee4b0de6db9c329c0 |url-status = live |work = [[La Libre Belgique]] |language = fr |publisher = La Libre Belgique |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120924112229/http://www.lalibre.be/economie/actualite/article/685230/brussels-airport-a-1h47-de-paris-via-thalys.html |archive-date = 24 September 2012 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |quote = Une liaison Thalys quotidienne entre Brussels Airport et Paris-Nord, via Bruxelles-Midi, sera ouverte dès le 30 octobre, ont annoncé mercredi Thalys et... |ref = LaLibre2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="2013ThalysWinterSched">{{cite web |url = https://www.thalys.com/de/de/ |title = Fahrkarten nach Paris, Brüssel, Amsterdam, Köln |date = 7 December 2013 |website = thalys.com |publisher = Thalys |language = de |trans-title = Tickets to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131207230002/https://www.thalys.com/de/de/ |archive-date = 7 December 2013 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |ref = 2013ThalysWinterSched }}</ref>

<ref name="2015ThalysPressRelease">{{cite press release |date = 1 April 2015 |title = Thalys is now a train operating company |url = https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf |language = en |publisher = Thalys International |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150926032734/https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf |archive-date = 26 September 2015 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |quote = On Monday 30 March, {{ill|Agnès Ogier|fr|Agnès Ogier}}, CEO of Thalys, [[Jo Cornu]], CEO of SNCB, and {{ill|Rachel Picard|fr|Rachel Picard}}, Managing Director of Voyages SNCF, signed the agreements to complete Thalys's formal transformation into a train operating company. |ref = 2015ThalysPressRelease }}</ref>

<ref name="EurostarThalys">{{cite news |last1 = Coffey |first1 = Helen |date = 30 September 2019 |title = Eurostar and Thalys could combine to form high-speed train network in response to climate change |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/sncf-eurostar-thalys-merge-high-speed-train-network-europe-sustainable-climate-change-a9126301.html |url-status = live |work = [[The Independent]] |issn = 0951-9467 |oclc = 185201487 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191004161937/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/sncf-eurostar-thalys-merge-high-speed-train-network-europe-sustainable-climate-change-a9126301.html |archive-date = 4 October 2019 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |quote = Plans are afoot to merge two high-speed train companies – Eurostar and Thalys – to form one mega rail network spanning five countries, in a response to increasing demand for more sustainable travel options. |ref = EurostarThalys }}</ref>

<ref name="RailGazette">{{cite news |date = 27 September 2019 |title = Thalys-Eurostar merger planned under Green Speed initiative |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/thalys-eurostar-merger-planned-under-green-speed-initiative/54709.article |url-status = live |work = [[Railway Gazette International]] |language = en |location = Europe |publisher = [[DVV Media Group]] |issn = 0373-5346 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191018075712/https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/thalys-eurostar-merger-planned-under-green-speed-initiative/54709.article |archive-date = 18 October 2019 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |quote = SNCF, SNCB and the Patina Rail investment vehicle announced on September 27 their intention to combine the Eurostar and Thalys high speed rail operations, reporting that outline proposals were being presented to their respective boards. |ref = RailGazette }}</ref>

<ref name="RailMag">{{cite magazine |date = 1 November 2019 |title = Eurostar to merge with Thalys to form Green Speed |magazine = [[The Railway Magazine]] |language = en |issue = 1424 |page = 11 |issn = 0033-8923 |ref = RailMag }}</ref>

<ref name="USGAO">{{cite book |date = 1994 |title = Intermodal Transportation |language = en |publisher=[[Government Accountability Office|United States Government Accountability Office]] |page = 27 |isbn = 978-1-4289-3337-8}}</ref>

<ref name="ChiffresClés">{{cite web |url = http://www.thalys.com/be/fr/a-propos-de-thalys/chiffres-cles |title = Chiffres Clés  |date = 22 January 2008 |website = thalys.com |publisher = Thalys |language = fr |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080122090730/http://www.thalys.com/be/fr/a-propos-de-thalys/chiffres-cles |archive-date = 22 January 2008 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |ref = ChiffresClés }}</ref>

<ref name="LaLibre2010">{{cite news |date = 24 September 2010 |title = Thalys et Eurostar économisent sur le dos de la SNCB |trans-title = Thalys and Eurostar save on the back of SNCB |url = https://www.lalibre.be/economie/entreprises-startup/thalys-et-eurostar-economisent-sur-le-dos-de-la-sncb-51b8c313e4b0de6db9bd21b7 |url-status = live |work = [[La Libre Belgique]] |language = fr |publisher = La Libre Belgique |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191109232013/https://www.lalibre.be/economie/entreprises-startup/thalys-et-eurostar-economisent-sur-le-dos-de-la-sncb-51b8c313e4b0de6db9bd21b7 |archive-date = 9 November 2019 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |quote = "L'augmentation de 7 euros, c'est l'un des effets de la libéralisation du trafic international effectif depuis le 1er janvier, précise Michel Praillet, secrétaire national CGSP Cheminot. Dans ce contexte, la commission versée à la SNCB est passée de 10% du prix des tickets à 5%, affirme Michel Praillet. Une diminution de moitié, donc, qui aggrave les problèmes financiers de la SNCB. Est-ce que la SNCB espère ramener les comptes à l'équilibre via ce supplément de 7 euros ? En tout cas, cela devrait combler une grosse partie de la diminution de recettes liées à la décision des opérateurs", ajoute-t-il. |ref = LaLibre2010 }}</ref>

<ref name="DeFinancieel-EconomischeTijd">{{cite news |date = 20 January 1999 |title = Thalys trook 57 procent meer treinreizigers in 1998; NMBS: Internationaal treinverkeer zit duidelijk in de lift. |trans-title = Thalys drives 57 percent more train passengers in 1998; NMBS: International train traffic is clearly on the rise. |work = [[De Tijd|De Financieel-Economische Tijd]] |language = nl |publisher = [[Mediafin]] |page = 26 |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |issn = 0771-6079 |oclc = 917185135 |ref = DeFinancieel-EconomischeTijd }}</ref>

<ref name="NRCHandelsblad">{{cite news |date = 8 February 2000 |title = Thalys vervoert bijna 5 miljoen passagiers |trans-title = Thalys carries almost 5 million passengers |work = [[NRC Handelsblad]] |language = nl |publisher = [[Mediahuis]] |page = 15 |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |issn = 0002-5259 |oclc = 795962805 |ref = NRCHandelsblad }}</ref>

<ref name="DeFinancieelEconomischeTijd2001">{{cite news |date = 10 January 2001 |title = Opnieuw goed jaar voor Thalys |trans-title = Another good year for Thalys |work = [[De Tijd|De Financieel-Economische Tijd]] |language = nl |publisher = [[Mediafin]] |page = 9 |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |issn = 0771-6079 |oclc = 917185135 |ref = DeFinancieelEconomischeTijd2001 }}</ref>

<ref name="NRCHandelsblad2002">{{cite news |last1 = Van der Heide |first1 = Lolke |date = 27 July 2002 |title = Vliegen zonder vleugels; Hogesnelheidstrein komt nog niet los van strijd om nationaal belang |trans-title = Flying without wings; High-speed train is not yet released from the struggle for national interest |work = [[NRC Handelsblad]] |language = nl |publisher = [[Mediahuis]] |page = 11 |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |issn = 0002-5259 |oclc = 795962805 |ref = NRCHandelsblad2002 }}</ref>

<ref name="nieuws">{{cite news |date = 6 January 2003 |title = Thalys: zes miljoen passagiers in 2002 |trans-title = Thalys: six million passengers in 2002 |url = http://buitenland.nieuws.nl/67003l |work = [[w:nl:Nieuws.nl|Nieuws.nl]] |language = nl |publisher = Nort Groep |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120425062235/http://buitenland.nieuws.nl/67003l |archive-date = 25 April 2012 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |ref = nieuws }}</ref>

<ref name="BN_DeStem">{{cite news |date = 16 January 2004 |title = Thalys vervoert minder passagiers |trans-title = Thalys carries fewer passengers |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2004/01/16/thalys-vervoert-minder-passagiers-7669968-a803065 |url-status = live |url-access = subscription |work = [[NRC Handelsblad]] |language = nl |publisher = [[Mediahuis]] |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |issn = 0002-5259 |oclc = 795962805 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191110015059/https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2004/01/16/thalys-vervoert-minder-passagiers-7669968-a803065 |archive-date = 10 November 2019 |access-date = 9 November 2019 |quote = De hogesnelheidstreinen van de Thalys hebben in 2003 2,4 procent minder mensen vervoerd dan het jaar ervoor. Het totaal aantal kwam uit op 5,8 miljoen, het concern was uitgegaan van 6,5 miljoen reizigers. Dat is gisteren bekendgemaakt |ref = BN_DeStem }}</ref>

<ref name="Rotterdam">{{cite news |date = 20 January 2005 |title = Recordjaar voor Thalys |trans-title = Record year for Thalys |work = [[Algemeen Dagblad|AD Rotterdams Dagblad]] |language = nl |publisher = [[DPG Media]] |page = 716 |ref = Rotterdam }}</ref>

<ref name="2006AlgemeenDagblad">{{cite news |date = 3 January 2006 |title = Kort Nieuws |trans-title = Short News |work = [[Algemeen Dagblad]] |language = nl |publisher = [[DPG Media]] |page = 3 |ref = 2006AlgemeenDagblad }}</ref>

<ref name="2007DeTijd">{{cite news |date = 10 January 2007 |title = 6,5 miljoen reizigers voor Thalys |trans-title = 6.5 million travelers for Thalys |work = [[De Tijd]] |language = nl |publisher = [[Mediafin]] |page = 4 |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |issn = 0771-6079 |oclc = 917185135 |ref = 2007DeTijd }}</ref>

<ref name="2008DeTijd">{{cite news |date = 16 January 2008 |title = Thalys verliest reizigers maar behoudt omzet |trans-title = Thalys loses travelers but retains revenue |work = [[De Tijd]] |language = nl |publisher = [[Mediafin]] |page = 6 |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |issn = 0771-6079 |oclc = 917185135 |ref = 2008DeTijd }}</ref>

<ref name="Thalys2008PressRelease">{{cite press release |date = 22 January 2009 |title = THALYS POURSUIT SA CROISSANCE EN 2008: HAUSSE DE SON CHIFFRE D'AFFAIRES DE 9,2% AUGMENTATION DU TRAFIC DE 5,2%  |trans-title = THALYS CONTINUES ITS GROWTH IN 2008: INCREASE IN REVENUE BY 9.2% INCREASE TRAFFIC BY 5.2% |url = https://www.thalys.com/img/pdf/presse/release/fr/THALYS_-_Resultats_2008.pdf |language = fr |location = Paris |publisher = Thalys International |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120406201729/https://www.thalys.com/img/pdf/presse/release/fr/THALYS_-_Resultats_2008.pdf |archive-date = 6 April 2012 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = Pour la 5ème année consécutive, Thalys affiche une belle croissance, avec un chiffre d'affaires enprogression de 9,2%, soit un total de 392,1 millions d'euros en 2008. |ref = Thalys2008PressRelease }}</ref>

<!-- 2019-11-10: Note, this URL is not available at the Internet Archive. I've tried several times, but the site wants you to accept cookies, and that's the problem Internet Archive is having. -->

<ref name="Volkskrant2011">{{cite news |date = 25 January 2001 |title = Flink meer reizigers voor Thalys |trans-title = A lot more travelers for Thalys |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/mensen/flink-meer-reizigers-voor-thalys~b3b4a724/ |work = [[de Volkskrant]] |language = nl |location = [[Brussels]] |publisher = [[DPG Media]] |agency = [[Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau|ANP]] |oclc = 781575477 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = BRUSSEL – Het spoorbedrijf Thalys heeft vorig jaar een omzet geboekt van 432 miljoen euro, 13 procent meer dan een jaar eerder. Het aantal passagiers steeg met 6,25 procent tot 6,45 miljoen. |ref = Volkskrant2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="Thalys2011PressRelease">{{cite press release |date = 31 January 2012 |title = Meer reizigers en hogere omzet voor Thalys in 2011 |trans-title = More travelers and higher sales for Thalys in 2011 |url = https://www.thalys.com/img/pdf/presse/release/nl/1328101836_12.01.31._Persbericht_resultaten_2011_N.pdf |language = nl |location = [[Rotterdam]] |publisher = Thalys International |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222021014/https://www.thalys.com/img/pdf/presse/release/nl/1328101836_12.01.31._Persbericht_resultaten_2011_N.pdf |archive-date = 22 February 2014 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = Thalys heeft het jaar 2011 afgesloten met een omzet van 470 miljoen euro; een stijging van 8,4% ten opzichte van 2010. Ook het aantal reizigers nam met 3,1% toe. Meer dan 6,6 miljoen mensen werden vorig jaar vervoerd door Thalys |ref = Thalys2011PressRelease }}</ref>

<ref name="Thalys2012PressRelease">{{cite press release |date = 21 February 2013 |title = Hogere omzet voor Thalys in 2012 |trans-title = Higher turnover for Thalys in 2012 |url = https://www.thalys.com/img/1361457823/pdf/presse/release/nl/1361457807_13.02.21._Persbericht_resultaten_2012.p.pdf |language = nl |location = [[Rotterdam]] |publisher = Thalys International |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222034454/https://www.thalys.com/img/1361457823/pdf/presse/release/nl/1361457807_13.02.21._Persbericht_resultaten_2012.p.pdf |archive-date = 22 February 2014 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = Rotterdam - Thalys sluit het jaar 2012 af met een omzet van 479 miljoen euro, een stijging van 2,1% ten opzichte van 2011. In totaal reisden 6,6 miljoen mensen met Thalys. Over het gehele netwerk is dat een daling van 1% in vergelijking met het jaar ervoor. Het aantal reizigers tussen Nederland, Brussel en Parijs is echter gestegen.  |ref = Thalys2012PressRelease }}</ref>

<ref name="Thalys2013PressRelease">{{cite press release |date = 17 February 2014 |title = Hogere omzet voor Thalys in 2013 |trans-title = Higher turnover for Thalys in 2013 |url = https://www.thalys.com/img/pdf/presse/release/nl/1392636871_14.02.17.Hogere_omzet_voor_Thalys_in_20.pdf |language = nl |location = [[Rotterdam]] |publisher = Thalys International |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222063615/https://www.thalys.com/img/pdf/presse/release/nl/1392636871_14.02.17.Hogere_omzet_voor_Thalys_in_20.pdf |archive-date = 22 February 2014 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = Rotterdam, 17 februari 2014 – Thalys sluit het jaar 2013 af met een omzet van 487 miljoen euro, een stijging van 1,9% ten opzichte van 2012. In totaal reisden bijna 6,7 miljoen mensen met Thalys in 2013. Over het gehele netwerk is dat een stijging van 1,8% in vergelijking met het jaar ervoor. Vooral het treinverkeer tussen Nederland en België is met een toename van 46,3% aanzienlijk gestegen. Tussen Nederland en Frankrijk is er een lichte stijging van verkeer van 0,6% ten opzichte van 2012. |ref = Thalys2013PressRelease }}</ref>

<ref name="1999AlgemeenDagblad">{{cite news |last1 = Botman |first1 = Hans |date = 27 March 1999 |title = Thalys raast door |trans-title = Thalys rushes through |work = [[Algemeen Dagblad]] |language = nl |publisher = [[DPG Media]] |page = 49 |ref = 1999AlgemeenDagblad }}</ref>

<ref name="1999Volkskrant">{{cite news |last1 = Van Gelder |first1 = Harry |date = 22 March 1997 |title = Thalys levert NS komende jaren 200 miljoen verlies op |trans-title = Thalys will cause NS to lose 200 million in the coming years |url = http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2680/Economie/archief/article/detail/491319/1997/03/22/Thalys-levert-NS-komende-jaren-200-miljoen-verlies-op.dhtml |work = [[de Volkskrant]] |language = nl |location = [[Amsterdam]] |publisher = [[DPG Media]] |oclc = 781575477 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120316051957/http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2680/Economie/archief/article/detail/491319/1997/03/22/Thalys-levert-NS-komende-jaren-200-miljoen-verlies-op.dhtml |archive-date = 16 March 2012 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = De Thalys, de hogesnelheidstrein die sinds juni 1996 vijf keer per dag van Amsterdam naar Parijs rijdt, bezorgt de Nederlandse Spoorwegen de komende acht jaar een verlies van minstens 200 miljoen gulden.... |ref = 1999Volkskrant }}</ref>

<ref name="2014Treinreiziger">{{cite web |last1 = Nl |first1 = Treinreiziger |url = https://www.treinreiziger.nl/fors-meer-reizigers-voor-thalys-naar-belgie.-totale-reizigersgroei-beperkt/ |title = Fors meer reizigers voor Thalys naar België. Totale reizigersgroei beperkt |date = 17 February 2014 |website = treinreiziger.nl |language = nl |trans-title = Significantly more travelers for Thalys to Belgium. Total passenger growth limited |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073233/http://www.treinreiziger.nl/fors-meer-reizigers-voor-thalys-naar-belgie.-totale-reizigersgroei-beperkt/ |archive-date = 4 January 2018 |url-status = live |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = Het is op tal van plaatsen te lezen: hogesnelheidstrein Thalys heeft vorig jaar 46,3 procent meer reizigers tussen Nederland en België vervoerd. Dat is een forse groei, maar de reizigers naar België blijven in de Thalys in de minderheid. De totale treinmarkt tussen Nederland en België is met zes procent gegroeid. |ref = 2014Treinreiziger }}</ref>

<ref name="2014RailEurope">{{cite web |url = http://raileurope.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=1709 |title = Can I take my bike? Provisions for cyclists on the Thalys |date = 1 December 2010 |website = raileurope.co.uk |publisher = [[Rail Europe, Inc.]] |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101201054403/http://raileurope.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=1709 |archive-date = 1 December 2010 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = You can take your bike as carry-on luggage as long as it either folds up or, with the front wheel removed, can be held in a loose cover measuring up to {{convert|190|x|90|cm|in|2|abbr=on}}. |ref = 2014RailEurope }}</ref>

<ref name="1997RailwayGazetteInternational">{{cite magazine |date = 1 October 1997 |title = Manufacturers must share the risk |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/manufacturers-must-share-the-risk.html |url-status = live |magazine = [[Railway Gazette International]] |language = en |publisher = [[DVV Media Group]] |issn = 0373-5346 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121001094923/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/manufacturers-must-share-the-risk.html |archive-date = 1 October 2012 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |ref = 1997RailwayGazetteInternational }}</ref>

<ref name="Goudaaccident">{{cite news |date = 11 October 2008 |title = Twee treinen botsen bij Gouda |trans-title = Two trains collide at Gouda |url = https://www.nu.nl/algemeen/1784587/twee-treinen-botsen-bij-gouda.html |url-status = live |work = [[NU.nl]] |language = nl |location = [[Gouda, South Holland|Gouda]] |publisher = [[Sanoma]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090522094442/https://www.nu.nl/algemeen/1784587/twee-treinen-botsen-bij-gouda.html |archive-date = 22 May 2009 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = GOUDA - Bij station Gouda zijn zaterdagochtend twee treinen op elkaar gebotst. Het gaat om de intercity van Den Haag naar Groningen en de Thalys van Parijs naar Amsterdam. Volgens een woordvoerder van het [[Korps landelijke politiediensten|Korps landelijke politiediensten (KLPD)]] zijn er door het ongeval geen mensen gewond geraakt. |ref = Goudaaccident }}</ref>

<ref name="Goudaivwrapport">{{cite news |url = http://www.ivw.nl/actueel/nieuws/treinbotsinggoudadoorsamenloop.aspx |title = Treinbotsing Gouda door samenloop |date = 18 May 2009 |website = ivw.nl |agency = [[w:nl:Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport|Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat]] |language = nl |trans-title = Train collision Gouda due to confluence |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090617024539/http://www.ivw.nl/actueel/nieuws/treinbotsinggoudadoorsamenloop.aspx |archive-date = 17 June 2009 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = De zijdelingse aanrijding bij Gouda tussen de intercity en de Thalys op zaterdag 11 oktober 2008 is het gevolg geweest van een opeenvolging van onjuiste handelingen door de conducteurs en machinist van de intercity. Dit blijkt uit onderzoek van de Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat. Bij de aanrijding met lage snelheid vielen geen gewonden, wel was de materiele schade groot. |ref = Goudaivwrapport }}</ref>

<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |date = 22 August 2015 |title = France train shooting: Hollande thanks 'heroes' who foiled gunman |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34023361 |url-status = live |work = [[BBC News]] |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150821201516/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34023361 |archive-date = 21 August 2015 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = French President [[François Hollande]] has thanked three American men hailed as heroes for overpowering a heavily-armed gunman on a train in northern France. |ref = bbc }}</ref>

<ref name="monde">{{cite news |date = 21 August 2015 |title = Deux blessés par balle dans un Thalys reliant Amsterdam à Paris |trans-title = Two shot dead in Thalys between Amsterdam and Paris |url = https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2015/08/21/trois-blesses-par-balle-dans-un-thalys-reliant-amsterdam-a-paris_4732947_3224.html |url-status = live |work = [[Le Monde]] |language = fr |agency = [[Agence France-Presse]] |issn = 1950-6244 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150821203413/https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2015/08/21/trois-blesses-par-balle-dans-un-thalys-reliant-amsterdam-a-paris_4732947_3224.html |archive-date = 21 August 2015 |access-date = 10 November 2019 |quote = Un homme a ouvert le feu, vendredi 21 août, dans un train Thalys entre Amsterdam et Paris, avant d'être maîtrisé par des passagers. |ref = monde }}</ref>
}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin|indent=yes}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Brunhouse |first1 = Jay |date = 1 July 2001 |title = Traveling Europe's Trains |language = en |publisher = [[Pelican Publishing Company]] |isbn = 978-1-56554-854-1 |lccn = 2001032741 |oclc = 46936207 |ol = OL3946616M |ref = 2001Brunhouse }}
* {{cite book |last1 = Solomon |first1 = Brian |date = 1 April 2001 |title = Bullet Trains |series = Enthusiast Color Series |language = en |publisher = [[The Quarto Group#Imprints|Motorbooks International]] |isbn = 978-0-7603-0768-7 |oclc = 45172807 |ol = OL8010840M |ref = 2001Solomon }}
* {{cite journal |last1 = Xia |first1 = H |last2 = De Roeck |first2 = G |last3 = Zhang |first3 = N |last4 = Maeck |first4 = J |date = 13 November 2003 |title = Experimental analysis of a high-speed railway bridge under Thalys trains |journal = [[Journal of Sound and Vibration]] |language = en |volume = 268 |issue = 1 |pages = 103–113 |doi = 10.1016/S0022-460X(03)00202-5 |bibcode = 2003JSV...268..103X |issn = 0022-460X |quote = The bridge is composed of multi-span simply supported PC girders with spans of 50 m and U-shaped sections. The loads are the high-speed Thalys trains with articulated vehicles. The speeds of the Thalys trains were between 265 and 310 km/h. In the experiments, the dynamic responses of the bridge such as the deflections, the accelerations and the strains that were measured by a laser velocity displacement transducer accelerometers and strain gauges, respectively. |ref = XiaDe Roeck2003 }}
* {{cite journal |date = 2003 |title = A star is born |journal = [[International Railway Journal]] |language = en |publisher = [[Simmons-Boardman Publishing]] |issn = 0744-5326 |ref = Star2003 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{commons category inline|Thalys}}
* [https://www.thalys.com/ Official website]

{{Lignes à grande vitesse}}
{{High-speed rail}}
{{SNCF Group}}
{{Train types in the Netherlands}}

[[Category:High-speed trains]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in Belgium]]
[[Category:Named passenger rail services of France]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in Germany]]
[[Category:TGV trainsets]]
[[Category:Electric multiple units with locomotive-like power cars]]
[[Category:SNCF brands]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1995]]
[[Category:Rail transport brands]]