Our company
Eurostar and Thalys have joined forces under the Eurostar name, kick-starting an exciting new era for international train travel. We’re now one single rail network connecting France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK on high-speed direct and indirect routes.
Here’s a bit more about our history and what we do.
Who are we?
Our high-speed trains make travel easier, more sustainable and more enjoyable for everyone.
The very first Eurostar and Thalys trains departed in 1994 and 1996 respectively. Since then, we’ve carried millions of passengers through the Channel Tunnel from London and between some of the most exciting European cities including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Cologne.
Setting the standard for international train travel
Innovation’s always been our thing, and we’ve often found ourselves out in front when it comes to cutting edge ideas and technology in our industry.
Eurostar was one of the first train companies to introduce business lounges and a reward programme. Meanwhile, Thalys was one of the first train companies in the world to have onboard wi-fi as well as the first European company to join the Science Based Targets Initiative, taking the lead in finding solutions in the fight against climate change.
How fast do our trains go?
Well, they’re not called high-speed trains for nothing. They can reach a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour (that’s 186 miles per hour) on high-speed lines in the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Going through the Channel Tunnel’s a little slower - 160 kilometres per hour (or 100 miles per hour) to be precise. But that’s still pretty quick.
An exciting new era for rail
Coming together in October 2023, Eurostar now offers the very best of both Eurostar and Thalys. We’re looking forward to a bright new future for rail. And we’ll be working tirelessly to make train travel more seamless, sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.
Our fastest journey times are:
London to Paris - 2 hours 16 minutes
London to Brussels - 1 hours 53 minutes
London to Lille - 1 hour 22 minutes
London to Amsterdam – 3 hours 52 minutes
London to Rotterdam – 3 hours 13 minutes
Paris to Amsterdam - 3 hours 20 minutes
Paris to Brussels - 1 hour 22 minutes
Paris to Cologne - 3 hours 20 minutes
Brussels to Amsterdam - 1 hour 53 minutes
