It seems Thalys is launching a fightback against coach operators (and in some ways – itself) with the launch of a new sub-brand called Izy
Izy will launch on the 3rd April 2016, promising fares of €19 between Paris and Brussels, offering two return trips a day (with three on Fridays and Saturdays), operated by two train sets.
The service will operate between Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi
However – and this is the big however – Trains will NOT operate on the French High Speed lines. They will operate on conventional rail lines in France and on the high speed lines in Belgium.
This has a major impact on travel times, with normal Thalys services taking 1 hour 22 minutes. Izy services add an hour onto this with times, with timings between 2 hours 08 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
You’ll notice there are a variety of fare classes. This is where the fun of Izy begin.
- Want to run the risk? The Standing only tickets (Or seat not guaranteed tickets) for €10 upwards. If there are seats free after departure, these can be allocated. Only 10 of these tickets are available per train.
- A tip-up/folding seat starts at €15. Not the most comfortable seats on the planet, but its cheap…. and 25 of them per train.
- Standard seats start at €19 going up to €59
- Standard XL Seats feature more legroom a wider seat and a table. Starting at €29, going up to €69
Izy does not recommend the very cheap seats/standing options for people with reduced mobility, children under 12, pregnant passengers or elderly people.
And considering the price difference is a mere €9 between standing up and getting a seat… I’d say pay the extra to guarantee a seat.
Izy ticketing is digital only – meaning you have to buy in advanced. There is no on-board catering aboard the train.
For those of you on Interrail passes, these are not valid on Izy. Also, tickets are not refundable.
Of course, this being a low-cost option, there are fees everywhere including:
- SMS Alert options
- Luggage options (€10 extra per item above a personal item and a carry on item at time of booking, €20 between booking and departure, €30 if you buy on the platform)
- Pet options – yes, you pet can travel for €15
- Standard XL upgrades are available for €10 from the base fare, or €20 on the train
Compared to Thayls – there are savings to be made. However, Thayls does have one thing over Izy- frequency.
As train companies fight coach companies in the battle that is inter-city transport, for those who prefer trains to travel on, and have the time to spare – this is a reasonable budget option whilst going between Paris and Brussels.
For the budget traveller who wants to avoid coaches – this is a welcome option.
Tickets are bookable at Izy.com for those who want to try low cost European rail travel.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European reader
