Here are the full Eurostar (formerly Thalys) seat maps for the 2 train configurations which runs between Amsterdam and Paris. These trains – known informally as ‘Eurostar Red’ – also operate on the Paris-Cologne route.
- Eurostar Red trains (2 versions) are manufactured by GEC-Alsthom.
- The PBA train is a 3-voltage set deployed on the Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam route.
- The PBKA train is a 4-voltage set which can run on all routes – Paris/Brussels/Köln/Amsterdam.
- There are 2 types of interiors installed – the newer Ruby configuration (399 seats) and the classic configuration (376 seats).
- Each train set has 8 coaches and 2 power cars – trains can often be double length with 16 coaches.
- There are 3 classes of travel on Eurostar – Standard, Plus and Premier. See our Complete Guide to the Amsterdam-Paris Eurostar train
- Plus/Premier carriages are found in coaches 1-3.
- The Eurostar café is in coach 4.
Need to book a Eurostar ticket?Compare fares at the Trainline site here (payments in multiple currencies) or at the NS International site (payment in euros only). |
Which is the best seat on the Eurostar (Thalys) train? Eurostar Red seats are reasonably comfortable in all classes.
Our favourite Eurostar seats are the solo seats in the Plus/Premier coaches. These are airline-style directional seats with good legroom – we have marked these seats in green on the modified seat maps below.
Eurostar Red does have a few seats with tables – we find these a little awkward as you face others which can compromise leg space. However, the table seat facing pairs in Plus/Premier can be a good choice for travelling couples.
Eurostar Red (Thalys) Train – Seat Maps
This Eurostar Red (Thalys) seating plan shows every coach layout, seat number and carriage configuration, helping passengers identify the best seats before travelling.
Looking for a pdf of the Eurostar Red (Thalys) train seat maps (Ruby + Classic)? You can download a compressed version of the official seat map here (2.2MB).
These seating layouts are used on the following Eurostar routes: Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp-Brussels-Paris route and Paris-Brussels-Liege-Cologne-Dortmund.
To find your Eurostar seat if already booked, check your ticket for coach and seat number – then scroll down below to the appropriate coach to locate your seat and to check facilities.
Coaches can have one of 3 number designations – for example coach 1 can be labelled 1 or 11 or 21.
Eurostar Red (former Thalys) Ruby Configuration
The majority of the Eurostar continental trains now have the Ruby configuration.
Eurostar Red (former Thalys) Classic Configuration
The classic configuration is still found on some trainsets but will shortly be replaced by the Ruby configuration.
Can I choose a specific Eurostar train seat during booking?
Generally you cannot choose a Eurostar seat during the booking process. You will be pre-assigned a seat during the booking procedure. Seat reservations are always freely included on Eurostar.
For example, booking with Trainline you will see the coach and seat number just before the payment page:
If booking with NS International you can also see your seat allocation before payment on the contact details page – click on the magnifying glass symbol of the booking summary to open the seat reservation details:
Can I choose or change my Eurostar Red (Thalys) seat?
If you have a Plus or Premier ticket then yes you can change your Eurostar Red seat assignment.
Simply go to ‘Manage my Booking’ on Eurostar’s official site with your booking details and from there you should be able to select a new seat subject to availability.
If you have a Standard ticket then unfortunately it is not possible to change your seat.
What about window seats on the Eurostar?
The windows on the Eurostar (Thalys) trains are of a medium size with quite a blank space between each window. The seats are not always perfectly aligned with the windows – so some ‘window’ seats may have a slightly compromised view.
Eurostar does not show window alignments on its seat map.
Which are the best solo seats on the Eurostar (former Thalys)?
As stated, we think the best seats on the Eurostar Red are the directional solo seats in the Plus/Premier cabins.
There are a total of 22 solo seats in both the classic and Ruby seat configurations (same seat numbers) and are found as follows:
Coach 1: 21/41/44/61/64/71/74/81
Coach 2: 11/14/31/41/44/51/54
Coach 3: 21/24/41/51/54/61/64
What about the 4 seat booth on the Classic Eurostar Thalys?
Coach 1 on the classic configuration of the Eurostar Red (Thalys) has a 4 seat compartment with table. Back in the day this used to be available as a private meeting room but now is just part of the Plus/Premier cabin.
Some travellers do not like these as the seats are sideways-facing rather then forwards/backwards facing. They are being phased out with the Ruby refurbishment.
Which Eurostar coach has the café?
The Eurostar Café is located in coach 4 on both the classic and Ruby configurations.
The Ruby has a smaller kiosk area which has allowed more standard seats to be fitted in coach 4 (36 seats vs 16 on the classic).
Can I select Eurostar seats that face forwards?
Eurostar trains can operate in either direction and have a driver cab at each end.
Eurostar does not specify direction of travel on its seat maps for continental services.
As a rule of thumb coach 1 is on the Paris side and coach 8 is on the Amsterdam/Brussels/Cologne side.
This article was originally published on 6 July 2026.
Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission. Seat map images are courtesy of Eurostar.
