November and December 2017. During my solo trip to Taiwan – the vacation which was a catalyst to start Trip By Trip – I met Ugo. Fast forward to August 2025. Ugo is touring Europe and we decided to meet up. Showing him Antwerp was an option, but fitting the metropolis into his itinerary was hard, as Antwerp doesn’t have a great train connection with Berlin, his next stop. So, we decided on converging in Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia for a weekend.
The train ride from Brussels-South (Brussel-Zuid, Bruxelles-Midi) to Cologne Main Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) takes just under two hours, with stops at Liège-Guillemins (Luik, Lüttich) and Aachen Hauptbahnhof (Aix-la-Chapelle, Aken).
Paris, Brussels, Köln, Amsterdam
The rolling stock used is a GEC-Alsthom PBKA, built for Thalys. Alsthom is nowadays spelt Alstom.
Thus originally constructed for Thalys, which later merged with Eurostar, the trainsets were designed to operate on routes linking Paris, Brussels, Köln (Cologne) and Amsterdam, from which the abbreviation PBKA is derived.
Part of Alstom’s TGV family, the PBKA units were developed to run across several national railway systems. They are quadri-current, able to operate under four electrification systems: 25 kV 50 Hz AC in France, 3,000 V DC in Belgium, 1,500 V DC in the Netherlands and parts of France, and 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC in Germany.
Although initially intended to serve as the sole rolling stock for Thalys services, their complex and costly quadri-current capability led to the ordering of a simpler tri-current version, the PBA, derived from the TGV Réseau. Both PBKA and PBA sets are compatible and can operate in multiple when coupled.
Each PBKA trainset measures 200 metres in length and weighs about 383 tonnes. The formation comprises two power cars and eight passenger coaches: three first-class cars, one bar car, and four second-class cars, offering a total of 404 seats, of which 120 are in first class and 284 in second class.
Performance varies depending on the power supply. Under 25 kV AC the maximum operating speed is 300 km/h with a power output of 8,800 kW. Under 15 kV AC the trains reach 200 km/h with 5,160 kW, while under 1,500 or 3,000 V DC the maximum speed is 220 km/h with 3,680 kW.
Seventeen PBKA trainsets were built between 1995 and 1998. So, they’re (close to) thirty years old, which shows.
Of these, nine were funded by the NMBS / SNCB in Belgium, six by the French operator SNCF, two by Deutsche Bahn of Germany, and two by Nederlandse Spoorwegen of the Netherlands.
Eurostar travel classes: Eurostar Standard
Eurostar Standard is the basic travel class offered on Eurostar’s international services between major European cities. Tickets are flexible and can be changed without a fee up to one hour before departure, although any fare difference must be paid if the new ticket is more expensive. Refunds are possible up to seven days before departure, subject to a charge of €25 or £25.
The service includes an allowance of two large bags, measuring up to 85 cm on routes to and from London or 75 cm on other routes, plus one smaller item. There are no weight restrictions, and passengers are allowed to bring liquids on board.
Trains provide free wi-fi and power sockets at each seat. Food and drink, including hot and cold items as well as alcoholic beverages, can be purchased from the Eurostar Café.
Eurostar states that travelling by train has a lower carbon footprint compared to air or car travel, with its trains being fully electric and a target of using 100% renewable energy in future.
Children under four can travel free of charge, while those aged four to eleven are eligible for discounted tickets. Passengers using Standard tickets can also collect points through the Club Eurostar loyalty scheme.
Eurostar Plus
Eurostar Plus is the intermediate travel class offered on Eurostar services. It provides larger reclining seats with extra legroom compared to Standard, making it a more comfortable option for working or relaxing during the journey.
Tickets are flexible and can be exchanged without a fee up to one hour before departure, although any difference in fare must be paid if the new ticket is more expensive. Refunds are possible up to seven days before departure, subject to a fee of €25 or £25.
On routes to and from London, Eurostar Plus passengers are served a light meal at their seat, with a choice of two dishes prepared from locally sourced ingredients, alongside a selection of hot and cold drinks. On all other routes, passengers can purchase food and drink from the Eurostar Café.
The baggage allowance permits two large bags, measuring up to 85 cm on routes involving London or 75 cm on other routes, plus one smaller item of hand luggage. There are no weight restrictions and liquids may be brought on board.
All seats include access to free wi-fi and a power socket. Children under four travel free, while discounted tickets are available for those aged four to eleven. Passengers can also collect points through the Club Eurostar loyalty programme, which can be used towards future bookings, upgrades, or discounts.
Eurostar states that travelling by train significantly reduces carbon emissions compared with flying or driving. The company highlights that its trains are fully electric and that it aims to operate using only renewable energy in the future.
Eurostar Premier
Eurostar Premier is the highest service class on Eurostar trains, aimed at both business and leisure travellers. It offers larger reclining seats with more legroom and space, as well as access to additional facilities at stations and on board.
Passengers travelling in Premier receive a meal served at their seat on routes to and from London. The menu is developed in collaboration with chefs and includes hot dishes prepared with seasonal and sustainable ingredients, accompanied by a choice of wines and other drinks. On other routes, the usual Eurostar Café service is available.
Those holding a Premier ticket on London routes benefit from dedicated check-in and security lanes, which close 15 minutes before departure. Access is also provided to Eurostar’s Premier Lounges at major departure stations, where drinks, snacks, newspapers and magazines are available.
Premier tickets are flexible: they can be exchanged without a fee or refunded up to two days after the booked departure. If the new ticket is more expensive, the fare difference must be paid. If it is cheaper, no refund is given.
A boarding guarantee applies, meaning passengers may board another train on the same day of travel without paying extra, though this does not guarantee the same class of service or an allocated seat if trains are full.
The baggage allowance includes three large items per adult, up to 85 cm on London routes or 75 cm on other services, plus one smaller item of hand luggage. There are no weight limits or liquid restrictions.
Eurostar states that travelling by train produces significantly lower carbon emissions than flying or driving. All its trains are fully electric, with a long-term goal to operate entirely on renewable energy.
The journey in Eurostar Premier
The train came from Paris, and actually Ugo was on that train, in turned out.
My coach was number 21 but was the front coach. I had a solo seat, but backwards facing. I’m fine with that. The solo part interests me more. Seat pitch is good. There a power outlet. There’s some recline. The tablet is large.
And the catering. Passengers coming from Paris already had their tray. After Brussels, they receive a drink.
I gert a trey. Salmon, or the vegetarian options. I choose salmon. There were vegetables as well, a bread roll, camembert and jam, and some other vegetables. And a chocolate brownie-like dessert. The napkin was stained.
But the meal was all right.
Is it Eurostar Premier worth it?
Firstly. When I booked, the premium from Standard to Plus was 5 euros, from 90 to 95 euros. And the premium to Premier? Zero. The price was also 95 euros. So it was a no-brainer.
But otherwise? I al willing to pay for first class – I always pay first class when I travel to my sister who lives in Zug in Switzerland (and recently moved to Küssnacht am Rigi in the canton of Schwyz). I like the peace and quiet.
But do I really need the included catering on a two-hour trip? I used to say yes, I want that.
But since Danny infected me with train travel back in 2013, I learned this is not standard practice. And as time goes by and companies cut costs, I’m inclined now to say no, I don’t need it anymore. I guess my perspective and my expectations evolved.
I’d rather long train services have a good, old-fashioned restaurant car. SBB-CFF-FFS does that. And in Eastern Europe it’s more common.
More on night trains and transcontinental train travel
- Arriva hasn’t abandoned Groningen – Antwerp – Paris train service.
- GoVolta to launch Amsterdam – Antwerp – Ghent – Paris service from mid-December with ‘favourable timetable’.
- European Sleeper sets out vision for 40-route night train network across Europe, including London.
- Dutch passenger advocate Rover calls for EuroCity to go from Antwerp to Eindhoven instead of Rotterdam.
- RAIL BALTICA | Elron, Vivi, and LTG Link launch joint tender for regional trains.
- Trenitalia / FS Group advances Paris hub to power European high-speed expansion, looking at Belgium and the Netherlands in the long term.
- Train Charter Services replaces Keolis as operator for GoVolta trains.
- European Sleeper adds Aulnoye-Aymeries, Mons, and Liège-Guillemins to Paris-Brussels-Berlin night train service.
- DEUTSCHE BAHN | First ICE service to the Belgian North Sea coast, at Ostend, this summer.
- Deutsche Bahn ICE 1110 and 1111 to connect Cologne and Ostend on weekends from 6 June to end of summer 2026.
- European Sleeper postpones Brussels–Cologne–Zurich–Milan night train to 9 September 2026.
- Brussels Airlines and Deutsche Bahn team up for Antwerp – Brussels Airport – Liège – Cologne ICE codeshare.
- Deutsche Bahn confirms Cologne – Brussels Airport – Antwerp ICE connection from September 2026.
- Trenitalia unveils €2 billion investment plan and orders 74 new Frecciarossa high-speed trains.
- Belgium and the Netherlands work on Brussels to Eindhoven direct train, possibly via Antwerp.
- Belgian Mobility Minister wants to revive direct train service to Switzerland.
- NETHERLANDS | Arriva will not launch the Groningen to Paris service in 2026.
- Snälltåget to run Stockholm – Malmö – Copenhagen – Hamburg day trains from May 2026.
- Nox night trains: a smart new cabin concept or just an unachievable dream?.
- How firm are Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn’s “2030s” Germany to London train link plans?.
- Leo Express files plans for extraordinary 2026 Bratislava–Ostend and Venice–Northern Germany services.
- Rail should be functional, not fine art: EU leaders call for standardisation and lower costs.
- Subsidies for night trains? “You cannot fix this until someone builds more sleeper and couchette carriages”.
- Leo Express and Arenaways plan direct train between Prague and Venice.
- Italo targets the German high-speed rail market.
- Trenitalia eyes expansion into Germany’s high-speed trains market.
- European Commission wants to link all EU capitals by high-speed train by 2040… and that’s not going to happen.
- Travellers in Europe increasingly open to choosing trains over planes for short-haul journeys.
- REVIEW | European Sleeper night train.
- Paris Nightjet axed: France’s withdrawal threatens Europe’s night train revival.
- 2026 | Deutsche Bahn plans 4 ICE’s per day between Cologne and Antwerp and 16 per day between Frankfurt and Brussels.
- Iron Rhine gets renewed political attention in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
- ÖBB prioritises Railjet over Nightjet: Is the night train revival a False Dawn?.
- EUROPEAN SLEEPER | Brussels to Barcelona night train to stop in Avignon, Montpellier, Narbonne, and Girona.
- Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB launch Frecciarossa EuroCity trains linking Berlin, Munich, Milan, Rome and Naples.
- European Commission commits to single-ticket train travel, Back-on-Track unconvinced it will happen.
- EU train travel report sees increase in cross-border passenger trains and easier bookings.
- Brussels to Luxembourg by train under 2 hours by 2030?.
- Eurostar and five more train operators joined the European Agreement on Journey Continuation.
- ÖBB’s new Nightjet sleeper cars accommodate solo travellers with Mini Cabins.
- EUROCITY EC-8 | Basel to Cologne in SBB’s Panoramic Car.
- REVIEW | Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 Paris – Milan in Business Executive.
- RAIL TOUR OF EUROPE | How easy is touring Europe by train?.
- Eight train connections between the Netherlands and Belgium by 2030?.
- REVIEW | ÖBB Nightjet Amsterdam – Zurich night train.
- Nightjet Vienna/Innsbruck to Brussels, or how we got thrown off the train in Aachen.
- Why the expensive ÖBB Nightjet is really not that expensive.
- Ticket Distribution: the failure of railways to sell themselves.
- To use night trains in Portugal and Spain or not?.
- Night trains in Europe.
- Low-cost, long-haul trains to conquer Europe?.
- Fly now before it’s taxed and consider using the train instead.
Channel Tunnel updates
- A London-bound Eurostar terminal at Antwerp-Central? Highly unlikely!.
- Trenitalia (FS Group) and Certares agree strategic partnership to expand international high-speed rail operations.
- #CROSSCHANNELRAIL | Expanding UK-Europe train links most realistically leading to Switzerland.
- CHANNEL TUNNEL | Virgin Trains gains access to Temple Mills, ORR snubs links to Germany and Switzerland.
- Eurostar unveils €2 billion Alstom ‘Celestia’ fleet of double-decker sustainable trains.
- Gemini Trains partners with Uber for Stratford to France Channel Tunnel route.
- Eurostar and St. Pancras Highspeed back major station expansion to double capacity amid growing international demand.
- EUROSTAR | London – Frankfurt, London – Geneva and Amsterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Geneva from 2030?.
- Alstom wants its double-decker trains to ride through Channel Tunnel.
- London St. Pancras Highspeed pledges financial support for cross-Channel rail services.
- London St Pancras Highspeed and Getlink aspire to to triple train services to France, Belgium and the Netherlands and add services to Germany and Switzerland.
- Heuro wants to operate high speeds trains between Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and London from 2028.