Travel Evaluation: Journey on Thalys Comfort 1 from Rotterdam to Brussels
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Thalys Comfort 1 service on a journey between Brussels and Rotterdam. This high-speed train offers a comfortable and efficient travel option, with prices starting from just 29€.
My journey began in London, where I arrived in Brussels by train without the need for check-in or security. Upon boarding the Thalys train, I was immediately struck by the impeccable service I received. The staff treated me like a VIP, serving me a cold meal of potato salad and sausage, followed by a Thalys cupcake for dessert, and offering drinks and snacks throughout the journey.
The Thalys Comfort 1 carriage was quiet and peaceful, providing the perfect environment for work and relaxation. I was particularly impressed by the spacious and comfortable seating, which offered enough room for a fellow passenger. The free onboard Wi-Fi worked well throughout the journey, enabling me to catch up on work.
One of the standout features of Thalys Comfort 1 is the additional benefits it offers. For an extra 20€, you can enjoy a semi-flexible ticket, a more comfortable seat, a complementary meal and drink, international newspapers, free onboard Wi-Fi, onboard taxi booking, access to a private work space, and individual electrical sockets.
I was seated in a single seat, providing total peace and comfort. The journey took just an hour and ten minutes due to Thalys' high-speed trains, making it a quick and convenient option for travel.
While I did not have the opportunity to compare Comfort 1 and Comfort 2 classes directly, it is worth noting that Comfort 1 offers more spacious and ergonomically designed seats, more legroom, and generally a quieter, less crowded environment. Passengers in Comfort 1 often receive complimentary meals and drinks, enhanced onboard service, and access to lounges in some stations. Comfort 2, on the other hand, provides standard seating with adequate comfort but less space and fewer amenities compared to Comfort 1.
Thalys is a market leader with a level of service that is considered a benchmark for rail operators worldwide. I found the Thalys Comfort 1 experience to be fantastic, particularly suitable for business travelers and solo travelers. I would highly recommend Thalys for anyone looking for a smooth, comfortable, and romantic travel option.
[Image credit: Thalys]
Note: I was provided free tickets for this review. I have a preference for train travel and find it to be a superior travel option compared to other modes of transport.
[1] Video guide about Thalys classes [4] Video guide about Thalys classes
- For a solo traveler seeking an elevated lifestyle during journey, Thalys offers train travel options like Comfort 1, featuring VIP treatment, complimentary meals, and more.
- To enhance the solo travel experience, consider supplementing the Thalys Comfort 1 ticket for additional benefits like a semi-flexible ticket, personal work space, and onboard taxi booking.
- As I explore various transport options for food on the go, I'm particularly impressed with the cuisine offered in the Thalys Comfort 1 service, such as potato salad and sausages, providing a thoughtful touch for solo travelers.
