European high speed rail services to resume

(AFP/DIRK WAEM)

Thalys and Eurostar services are to resume next week following the fatal Belgian rail crash on February 15.

Booking for all Thalys services was suspended in the wake of the accident, but passengers can now book tickets for travel from Monday March 1. A normal service is expected to run on March 1, with a possibility of some disturbances, says the rail operator.

Until then, a reduced service is in operation through Belgium, the hub of Thalys's lines which connect France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Passengers are advised to check at http://www.thalys.com before traveling.

Eurostar, which provides high speed services between London and Paris/Brussels, says that its services will also resume from March 1. Trains leaving from Brussels will depart earlier than originally scheduled and there may also be changes to the first and last departures. There will be a reduced service this weekend and passengers are advised to check http://www.eurostar.com before travelling.

Thalys

France: 08 92 35 35 36 (0,34 €/Min)
Belgium: +32 (0)70 79 79 79 (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. at weekends and on public holidays)
Netherlands: 0900 92 96 (0.35 €/Min)
Germany: 08000 996633(free)

http://www.thalys.com

Eurostar

http://www.eurostar.com

Belgian Domestic Rail

http://www.b-rail.be/