Thalys launches new destination

EUROPEAN high-speed train, Thalys, has extended its network to Zaventem airport in Brussels, just a few kilometres outside the city.

A daily service runs between Zaventem and Paris, with a journey time of less than two hours.

Prices start from €25 (R271) in second class and €59 (R641) in first.
The rail operator has also announced plans to launch a new range of fares for travel from March 13.

The basic pricing will remain in line with current pricing but the rules will be simplified. Fares will be split into three categories:

•    Fully flexible fares – only available in first class, will be exchangeable and 100% refundable before departure
•    Semi -flexible fares – available in first and second class, will be exchangeable once and 50% refundable before departure
•    Non-flexible fares – available only in second class and will not be exchangeable or refundable

In other news, Thalys tickets with ‘Amsterdam Central’ or ‘Rotterdam Central’ as origin or destination no longer give free access to the local trains in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

The following stations are therefore no longer accessible with a Thalys ticket:

Rotterdam area
Rotterdam Alexander, Rotterdam Bergweg, Blaak, Hofplein, Rotterdam de Kleiweg, Rotterdam Lombardije, Rotterdam Noord, Rotterdam Wilgenpass, Rotterdam Zuid, Capelle Schollevar, Schiedam Nieuwland and Schiedam Centrum.
Amsterdam area
Amsterdam Amstel, Bijlmer, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, Amsterdam RAI, Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuid/WTC, Diemen-Zuid, Duiverndrecht and Schiphol.