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🚆 Train: passenger rights in case of delay and cancellation

Compensation from 60 minutes' delay, onward travel, help and where to file your claim.

train passenger rights delay compensation train cancellation 2021/782 Eisenbahn-Bundesamt fare refund

In brief

For rail travel in the EU, the Passenger Rights Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies.

  • If you arrive 60 minutes or more late, you receive 25 percent of the fare; from 120 minutes, 50 percent.
  • In case of a significant delay or cancellation, you may continue on a different train.
  • In case of a long delay there is help, such as drinks, snacks, meals or accommodation.

The company may set a minimum amount, at most €4 per ticket. You file the claim with the railway company.

Step by step

  1. Prove the delayKeep the ticket, note the times, take a screenshot of the app.
  2. File the claimClaim the compensation from the railway company.
  3. Observe the deadlineKeep to the complaint deadline of three months.
  4. If rejectedSchlichtung Reise & Verkehr or a complaint to the Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (Federal Railway Authority).

Deadlines

25 % from 60 minutes, 50 % from 120 minutes
Compensation as a share of the fareRegulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 19; payment within 1 month
3 months
Complaint to the railway undertakingRegulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 28; Eisenbahn-Bundesamt, FAQ
1 month
Company's reply to the complaint (with reasons, up to 3 months)Regulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 28
€4
Maximum permitted minimum amount per ticket that the company may set; not an automatic de minimis thresholdRegulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 19 (6)
Watch out – common mistakes
  • The filing deadline may differ depending on the company and ticket; check the terms of carriage.
  • The Eisenbahn-Bundesamt examines individual complaints and can work towards payment, but does not decide on the payment claim.
  • Exceptions and special cases (local transport, routes abroad, force majeure): see the EBA page; not checked in full text.
  • For package holidays with rail travel, the tour operator may be responsible.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Entitlement

The Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA) gives compensation of 25 percent of the fare for delays. The tiers of 25 percent from 60 minutes (up to 119) and 50 percent from 120 minutes at the destination station follow from Art. 19 of the Regulation; payment is made within 1 month. The company may set a minimum amount of at most €4 per ticket (Art. 19 (6)). The complaint must be filed within 3 months; the company replies within 1 month, with reasons up to 3 months (Art. 28). In case of a significant delay or train cancellation, the passenger may continue on another train, including higher-category trains or those of other companies (EBA, FAQ). Assistance includes drinks, snacks, meals or accommodation.

Enforcement

If passengers suspect infringements, they can contact the national enforcement body, the Eisenbahn-Bundesamt; it examines individual complaints and can work towards payment, but does not decide on the payment claim. Hotline according to BMV: +49 228 307 95-400. Responsible for rail, bus and ship.

Arbitration

The Schlichtung Reise & Verkehr e.V. handles cases involving rail, bus and ship; in addition, the BMV names the arbitration bodies SNUB and Schlichtungsstelle Nahverkehr (snv).

Who is responsible
  • Railway company (passenger rights service centre)
  • Schlichtung Reise & Verkehr e.V.
  • Eisenbahn-Bundesamt, Bonn (enforcement)
Further reading
Ferry and cruiseFlight: delay, cancellation, denied boardingAdvice and contact points

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Train: passenger rights in case of delay and cancellation“?
Compensation from 60 minutes' delay, onward travel, help and where to file your claim.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
  • 25 % from 60 minutes, 50 % from 120 minutes: Compensation as a share of the fare (Regulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 19; payment within 1 month)
  • 3 months: Complaint to the railway undertaking (Regulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 28; Eisenbahn-Bundesamt, FAQ)
  • 1 month: Company's reply to the complaint (with reasons, up to 3 months) (Regulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 28)
  • €4: Maximum permitted minimum amount per ticket that the company may set; not an automatic de minimis threshold (Regulation (EU) 2021/782 Art. 19 (6))
What should I do first?
  • Prove the delay: Keep the ticket, note the times, take a screenshot of the app.
  • File the claim: Claim the compensation from the railway company.
  • Observe the deadline: Keep to the complaint deadline of three months.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • The filing deadline may differ depending on the company and ticket; check the terms of carriage.
  • The Eisenbahn-Bundesamt examines individual complaints and can work towards payment, but does not decide on the payment claim.
  • Exceptions and special cases (local transport, routes abroad, force majeure): see the EBA page; not checked in full text.
Evidence
  • Eisenbahn-Bundesamt, Fragen und Antworten zu den Fahrgastrechten im Eisenbahnverkehr, retrieved 21 September 2026
  • Eisenbahn-Bundesamt, Fahrgastrechte Bahn, retrieved 21 September 2026
  • BMV, Fahr- und Fluggastrechte, retrieved 21 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.