For anyone with experience on both lines, which is better for a first class trip? I'm thinking in terms of service quality, cleanliness, food, WiFi, whatever. Overall, which is better in your opinion, or are they about the same? Price and times are good on both. I'm familiar with ICE but not Thalys...perhaps they're both about the same? Thanks.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Thalys is definitely better for first-class. Included with your ticket you get free WiFi, beverage service, and a light meal served to your seat. I've never experienced that on any ICE train. http://www.thalys.com/be/en/services/on-board/comfort-1
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33553 posts
Just one other thing - if you are just buying First class tickets disregard the following. But - if you are using a Pass, be aware that for travel on Thalys you will need a Passholder reservation, and from what I have heard they can be quite rare and may be difficult to snag. or, I could be spouting hot air... let us know, OK?
Posted by
San Francisco
14800 posts
Hi, I have ridden on both lines, first and second class on ICE, only second class on Thalys. For first class I would take ICE any day for the criteria above, including comfort. I don't know about Thalys but on 1st class ICE and TGV you get a meal and hot coffee. As far as price goes maybe this helps: In 2009 I went from Köln Hbf-Paris Nord, 2nd class, paid 29 Euro for the reservation on Thalys. In 2010 from Frankfurt Hbf-Paris Est, 1st class, paid 25 Euro for the reservation on ICE, a last min. reservation. If both are available, take the ICE.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33553 posts
They alternate times, more Thalys than ICE if I remember. 6 of one half a dozen of the other. Thalys is red themes, ICE, more white. Thalys is a consortium of Dutch, Belgian and French folk.
ICE is German. Its only a very short trip, by the time you are settled in First the trip will be over. First is money for very little on that route. They will both be fine. Take whichever goes when you are going.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
I think you will find full fare on the German Rail connections (including the ICE) a little less than full fare on Thalys. However, both "trains" have an advance purchase Savings Fare as low as €29. "Thalys is a consortium of Dutch, Belgian and French folk.
ICE is German." German Rail is part of the Thalys consortium. That's typical in Europe; the consortium consist of all countries in which the train travels.
Posted by
OP
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Yeah, my guess was that there probably isn't much of a difference, but I wanted to ask since I've not ridden Thalys before. You never know...sort of like airlines...there's a big difference IMHO between economy on Swiss compared to economy on Delta. Thanks for the info.
Posted by
OP
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I don't use rail passes. As Lee pointed out, the advance fare for both is only €29, so that's a wash. If I'm recalling correctly, ICE first class also has meal service at your seat, so I'll need to double check on that one. I don't believe all ICE trains have WiFi, however, so that may be one small difference. I think ICE3 has leather seats, but I'm not sure if this is an ICE3 route or not. Anyway, I haven't heard anyone say that the service or overall experience sucks for one and is far superior on the other. All other things being relatively equal, I'll probably just end up buying an advance fare with whichever option is available at the time I need to leave Brussels. This is the only first class leg I'm doing on a larger trip. I'll be back there in second class where I belong for the rest of the trip. :) Thanks again.