Rail Online fulfils agents’ ‘wish list’, adding Eurostar, TGV & Thalys

<p>e320 train exterior</p>

Rail Online has added Eurostar and European high-speed rail services TGV and Thalys to its platform.

As part of a wide-ranging agreement with France’s national state-owned railway company SNCF, Rail Online now offers live inventory – priced in Australian dollars – for all point-to-point services on:

  • Eurostar – one of the most popular European rail services for Australian travellers, with high speed trains operating from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam (via Lille and the Channel Tunnel).
  • TGV – one of world’s premier high-speed rail operators with a network that covers all of France, along with trans-European services to Switzerland (TGV Lyria), Germany (TGV inOui) and Spain (TGV inOui).
  • Thalys – a French-Belgian joint venture offering high-speed services from Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam and German cities in the Rhein-Ruhr such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Dortmund.

Rail Online general manager Australia and New Zealand Kirsty Blows said that by adding the new services Rail Online has fulfilled Australia travel agents’ “wish list”.

“Since our launch earlier this year, travel agents have repeatedly identified Eurostar and French high-speed services as the missing link in our global inventory,” Blows said.

“When combined with our European rail passes, UK point-to-point tickets and comprehensive North American inventory, we now offer unrivalled choice. And with all prices displayed in Australian dollars and agents free to self-manage itinerary changes or refunds, we also offer unprecedented flexibility and convenience.”

Blows said the addition of Eurostar is perfectly timed, with Australian traffic to Europe set to increase significantly in 2023 as air capacity is restored.

“Eurostar is a key element of many Australians trip to Europe, and we are seeing enormous demand for the service, not just London-Paris but also the London-Rotterdam-Amsterdam route, which now operates four times a day,” Blows said.

Blows claimed that Australian travellers’ and European governments’ focus on sustainable travel is also driving growth of high-speed rail networks across the Continent.

“The environmental benefits of rail travel are clear, with a single Eurostar journey emitting up to 93 per cent less CO2 than a plane trip,” Blows said.

“That’s why in April this year – as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 – France banned domestic flights on routes that could be travelled via train in under two and a half hours. Other European countries are likely to follow suit.”

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]