Thalys is a brand run by two companies, Thalys
International, whose shareholders are French, Belgian and German
rail companies, with Dutch Railways (NS) as a privileged partner,
and also The Railway Company THI Factory, 60% of whose capital
is held by SNCF, and 40% by SNCB.
It runs rail services linking Paris and Brussels with Amsterdam
or Cologne. The trains are similar in design to
French TGVs and can reach up to 190mph (305km/h)
when travelling on dedicated high speed lines.
Comfort 1 (First Class) passengers benefit from spacious seating
and are usually served complimentary light refreshments once
underway. Both Comfort 1 and Comfort 2 (Standard Class) passengers
have access to the Thalys Bar, which serves a selection of snacks,
meals and hot and cold drinks during most journeys.