8 November 2022

First joint promotion for Eurostar and Thalys

Eurostar and Thalys are offering rail tickets at low fares - from £29 and 29 euros one way* - for travel across their networks, with the promotion live from today until the 10^th November. With travel dates between the 28 November 2022 and 2 February 2023 inclusive, this offers the perfect opportunity to discover some of Europe’s most iconic destinations in Christmas colours. Direct Eurostar journeys between London St. Pancras and Paris, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels and Lille are available from £29 one way, with onward connections via Thalys in Brussels to destinations such as Cologne from an additional 29 euros one way.*

This promotion is the first joint commercial action since the legal merger between Eurostar and Thalys last May. Francois Le Doze, Chief Commercial Officer, Eurostar said: "We are pleased to launch our first joint promotion, to enable our customers to experience the best of both services at low fares. Passengers can enjoy exploring destinations further into Europe, with a simple connection in Brussels, and get a taste of what is to come in 2023 as we continue to bring our two businesses together. With prices starting at just £29 one way there is no better time to book a winter escape.”

Christmas in Cologne
With its 150 chalets, a carousel and towering festive tree, the Cologne Christmas market is one of the most popular in Europe. Visitors can prepare to be amazed by the 50,000 twinkling lights and world-renowned cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar in just over 2 hours from £29 one way, and then on to Cologne by Thalys in just 1 hour 47 minutes from 29 euros one way*.

Lille for lunch
Lille’s Christmas market is perfect for a festive day trip - at only 1 hour 20 minutes from London it’s the ideal spot for a Christmas lunch with family and friends. A foodie haven and shoppers delight, travellers can browse the city’s famous markets whilst getting some Christmas shopping ticked off the list. With no shortage of cafes, bars and restaurants all situated around the Grand Place, there are plenty of places to relax, re-charge and soak up the buzzing festive atmosphere. Travel direct from London to Lille by Eurostar.

Brussels, Amsterdam et Paris with friends and family
Plaisirs d'Hiver in Brussels is the perfect setting for festivities with friends in Brussels this winter. The famous Grand Place has an incredible sound and light show and a huge ice rink alongside one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

For the festive season, Paris is dressed in its finest attire., Whether visiting the illuminated Champs Elysées, or wandering through the Christmas village at the foot of the Eiffel Tower the city offers an unforgettable show for young and old alike.

Amsterdam's annual Festival of Light provides the perfect backdrop for a colourful walk. Those who prefer to see the light installations from a different perspective can enjoy a magical canal cruise, and finish the evening in style with ice skating on Amsterdam's iconic Museumplein.  Travel to Brussels (1hr 53), Amsterdam (3hrs 52) and Paris (2hrs 16) are all direct with Eurostar from London St. Pancras.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.eurostar.com and www.thalys.com

- For full terms and conditions on the promotion, please visit www.eurostar.com (Eurostar tickets) and www.thalys.com (Thalys tickets).
* As part of this promotion, Eurostar journeys are available from £29 one way in Standard class based on a return fare, Thalys journeys are available from 29 euros one way in standard class.
- Booking dates for the promotion: 8 November to 10 November 2022.
- Travel dates for the promotion: from 28 November 2022 to 2 February 2023 inclusive, blackout dates apply.

About Eurostar

• Eurostar is the high-speed passenger service linking London St. Pancras International with city centre stations in mainland Europe, via the Channel Tunnel.
• From its early days of operation Eurostar has championed the environmental benefits of high-speed rail - a passenger’s carbon footprint from flying to London would be the same as making up to 13 Eurostar journeys *Based on 2019 CO2 emissions, more info at www.eurostar.com
• In March 2022 the alliance of Eurostar and Belgian railway operator Thalys – the Green Speed project - was approved by the European Commission. Subsequently a holding company was created which owns 100% of Eurostar and Thalys. This holding company is owned by SNCF (55.75%), CDPQ (19.31%), SNCB (18.5%) and funds managed by Federated Hermes Infrastructure^[1]  (6.44%).

^[1] Funds managed by Federated Hermes Infrastructure hold a 6.44% interest via Patina Rail LLP.

About Thalys

• For almost 25 years, Thalys has been helping to bring the cultures and economies of its four European countries closer together. In 2019, Thalys passed the 7.85 million annual passenger mark.
• At high speed, it takes only 1h22 to reach Paris from Brussels on red trains, 1h47 to Cologne and 1h50 to Amsterdam.
• All Thalys trains are powered by certified green energy from wind farms and photovoltaic solar panels located in Europe.
• A pioneer in on-board WiFi since 2008, Thalys has stood out since its creation by offering an exceptional service: multilingual welcome & ergonomic comfort.
• Since 2015, Thalys has been a fully-fledged railway company, with SNCB and SNCF as shareholders.
• In March 2022, the alliance between Thalys and the international high-speed rail service Eurostar - the Green Speed project - was approved by the European Commission. This alliance has resulted in the creation of a holding company which owns 100% of the shares in Eurostar and Thalys. This holding company is owned by SNCF (55.75%), CDPQ (19.31%), SNCB (18.5%) and funds managed by Federated Hermes Infrastructure (6.44%).