Can anyone share information on general reliability of Thalys trains (e.g., how often late/cancelled, how late, etc.)? Specific information on the Brussels-Paris route also welcome. I tried the obvious (and not-so-obvious) websites, but perhaps I missed something. <BR><BR>Thanks in advance,<BR>--Scott V.

I took the Thalys from Brussels to Paris last week. <BR><BR>At the airport, buy a ticket and ride the commuter train to the Brussels Midi station. When you arrive at Midi, there will be a ticket counter on your right. It is a long counter, and the last positions on the right (as you face the counter) are for walk-up tickets for the next train. I bought my ticket ($58.62 USD) and the train left about 10 minutes later. It was very easy. There are 25 trains to Paris each day, so you won't have to wait long.

I've taken the Thalys from Brussels to Paris dozens of time (last week, again Wednesday, home on Friday, then back again on Monday) and find it extremely reliable. It has been late only twice--one of those times it was only 5 minutes late, another time the delay was caused by a serious rail problem near the Gare du Nord station. You can pretty much count on it being on time. <BR>BTilke (Brussels)<BR>(however, on one Sunday morning trip to Paris, we had just boarded when I discovered my wallet had disappeared. The Thalys train manager very kindly held the train for five minutes while we raced down to see if we could spot it anywhere--of course it was stolen and gone forever.)<BR>BTilke (Brussels)

We took Thalys roundtrip from Paris to Brussels in 1999-first time for us all on a high-speed train. It was comfortable and on time. No complaints.

We will be landing at Schipol, and later going by train from Amsterdam-Brussels, then Brussels-Paris. I am thinking of reserving my tickets via Thalys website and picking both sets up at Schipol before going on into Amsterdam. Is this a good plan (for October)? I understand there is no speed benefit to Thalys for the 1st leg, but Dutch rail doesn't divulge how much a regular train costs. I'm not good at 'last-minute'arrangements, more comfortable with having things settled as much as possible before leaving. Thanks.

I wouldn't do it. Just buy a ticket at Schiphol when you arrive. There are many trains to Brussels. If your plane is delayed, you will have paid for a Thalys ticket that you can't use.

Thanks, Sjoerd... We are leaving 3 days later, rather than same day as arrival. So - we arrive Friday, leave Monday for Brussels; leave Brussels Wednesday for Paris. Would prefer morning departures, ie. 9:00. Should there be no problems with 2nd cls. seat reservations at these times? It isn't peak tourism but maybe it is heavy 'commuterism' time? Thanks for your responses.