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.
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