I just booked the Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris and printed my ticket at home. Where is the luggage storage (large suitcase) on the train and are there overhead bins where I can store a backpack? Seeing as I have already printed the ticket can I go straight to my seat or do I have to go through some type of security check? I know this train stops in Brussels. How long does it usually stop and do I have to do any car change? Thanks.

It is doubtful you have to change cars in Brussels - if your ticket/booking has "changes=0" then you don't, if it's "changes=1" then you do. Another way to look at it is how many seat reservations you were assigned. The stop at the Brussels station is very short, maybe 5-10 minutes.

Large luggage can go in an open storage area at the end of the car. Smaller luggage (carryon size) can go on rack overhead.

There is no security or pre-boarding check. The conductor will eventually come around to look at your 'ticket' and id.

The Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris generally does not require a change in Brussels; the stop in Brussels as noted is usually short but be aware that at Brussels, the section coming from Cologne hooks up with the section coming from Amsterdam and I have been delayed a bit if the Cologne train is late (about 10 to 15 minutes, but don't count on it).

If you're familiar with Eurostar or TGV, the cars use the same exact equipment except are painted some sort of maroon I suppose you would call it as opposed to the TGV which is blue and Eurostar which is yellow...large racks at the front and back of each car for large baggage and an area above your head at your seat to store smaller carry ons.

Thanks Travelnut and xyz123.

The Thalys locomotives are special TGV versions that can accept the different voltages and currents in the Belgium, Netherlands and Germany system.

But for the passengers, they are the same design.

Travelnut, sorry if I'm sort of highjacking this thread, but I read in one of your postings that you were taking the Thalys from Cologne to Paris. We are doing the same, an early departure and will be arriving in the Cologne Hauptbahnhof from Essen. I believe the train from Essen comes into the same station that the Thalys departs from. My question is, how soon before the departure time do we need to be at the track there? Since we'll have assigned seating would it just be a few minutes to find the track and a seat? Don't want to miss it as it will be prepaid and want to get a fairly early start in Paris.

Also do you know anything about that train station? Is it difficult to maneuver from regular train to Thalys?

Anyone else have any advice?

I might have asked a question when those airfare specials to Cologne were happening, but no, I'm not going to be traveling through or from Cologne...

We used the main station a few years ago on a trek from Amsterdam to Zurich. Generally speaking, the Thalys trains allow about 15 minutes to board - I try to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes ahead so I can find the signs that show what tracks, then find the track. I don't think the Cologne station (we used the one by the Cathedral) is that huge and you shouldn't have much trouble. I recall a long walk from the track to the doors to go out of the station, but then again, we went out the wrong side and had to go back..!

Those Cologne airfares were unbelievable. Maybe they'll come back and I'll have to try that.

But it sounds pretty reasonable to arrive 30 to 45 minutes ahead for the Thalys and find our way.

Thanks for your reply. Happy traveling ...

Timetable on www.bahn.de says the Thalys to Paris depart from Platform 8 at Cologne.

ICE or EC trains from Essen tend to come in at Platform 7, though some at 9 or 5.

I think it should be an easier transfer. There is no checkpoint, no nothing. Just get on the train before it departs.

rkkwan,

That's very helpful. Thank you.