The European high-speed train known as the “Red Train” is Thalys. Its distinctive deep-red livery made the service an instantly recognizable link between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Thalys began high-speed international operations in 1996, using TGV-derived train technology adapted for several national railway systems. Its routes connected Paris with Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne, while its trains used dedicated high-speed lines for much of their journeys.
The nickname can be confusing today because Thalys and Eurostar joined under the Eurostar brand in 2023. The former Thalys trains retained their red appearance and are commonly described as Eurostar Red, but “Red Train” historically points to Thalys. Eurostar’s older cross-Channel fleet is associated instead with a dark-blue livery.