MJ

My husband and I are traveling to Brussels while on a visit to Paris this fall and we're wondering if it's worth spending the extra money to purchase a first class ticket or to go second class on the Thalys train. I know it's only an hour and a half trip, but my husband doesn't get overseas much and I wanted to make his experience the best possible. Thank you for your help.

Jim Rosenberg

I don't think I'd pay the premium for a first class ticket on that run. It's too short and second class is plenty comfortable. Save that money and find yourself another "first class experience" where it happens to present itself; an extra nice bottle of wine with a meal or whatever. But DO get a seat in a "no smoking" car on the train -- EVEN IF YOU SMOKE! Happy Contrails!

Betsy

I agree. The first class section is not a big deal and second class is very nice. Nicer than 1st by a long shot on regular trains. Put the money toward a great meal or hotel, not the first class section.

xxx

My family & I traveled in 2nd class and it was very nice. The seats are roomy, alot of leg room, and it's only an hour or less so why pay extra? Save the money for shopping in Brussels.

BTilke

If it doesn't dent your budget, I say go ahead and get the first class ticket, but only if you can get the "Loisirs" (tourist) fare. I've ridden the Thalys dozens of times to Paris and back and to me, there is a real difference. First class is usually quiet and relaxed, even when full. Second class sometimes is packed with kids, people making loud calls on their mobiles, playing video games, etc. <BR>If your budget is tight, by all means get second class seats, but the Tourist rate for first class is not that bad (a little over $100 round trip). There's nothing actually wrong with second class, but if you want the "best possible", then go first class.<BR>Definitely get the nonsmoking car, but as I understand it from chatting with the Thalys staff, they're planning to dump smoking cars altogether except for the bar car. They have already cut down on the number of smoking cars (for business reasons: nonsmoking cars run at much higher occupancy than smoking cars). <BR>BTilke (Brussels)