Your Rights When a Train Is Delayed
In most of Europe, rail passengers are legally protected: operators must inform you of delays, offer care (meals, refreshments, and a hotel for overnight disruption) and, above set thresholds, pay compensation. The first step is always evidence — keep your ticket and note the delay from a live source such as our live tracking map or the operator's departure board. Setting a delay notification on our alerts page also timestamps the disruption, which strengthens a later claim.
EU Rail Passenger Rights & Compensation Thresholds
Under EU Regulation 2021/782, if your arrival is delayed 60–119 minutes you are entitled to 25% of the ticket price back; a delay of 120 minutes or more entitles you to 50%. This applies to operators like Germany's Deutsche Bahn (see our ICE guide) and France's SNCF (our TGV guide explains SNCF's own G30 scheme, which can be more generous). Compensation is calculated on the price of the delayed leg, and operators cannot refuse claims below €4. Cross-border trips are covered end-to-end when booked on a single through-ticket.
UK Delay Repay Explained
Great Britain uses 'Delay Repay', which is often more generous than the EU baseline. Depending on the operator, you can claim from just 15 minutes' delay: 15–29 minutes = 25% of the single fare, 30–59 minutes = 50%, 60–119 minutes = 100% of the single fare, and 120+ minutes = 100% of the whole (return) fare. Your railcard discount does not reduce your compensation rights — the percentage is applied to what you actually paid. See the United Kingdom rail hub for operator-specific portals.
How to Claim Compensation Step by Step
1) Keep your ticket or booking reference. 2) Record the scheduled and actual times — a screenshot from our schedule or live board is ideal. 3) Go to the operating company's 'delay compensation' or 'Delay Repay' page (not the retailer you booked through). 4) Submit within the deadline — usually 28 days in the UK, up to 3 months in the EU. 5) Choose bank transfer over vouchers where offered. If your claim is refused unfairly, national rail ombudsman schemes can escalate it. Our FAQ covers the most common rejection reasons and how to appeal.
Delays vs Cancellations — What You're Entitled To
A cancellation gives you extra options beyond a delay: a full refund if you choose not to travel, or re-routing on the next available service at no cost — including a higher class or another operator if that is the fastest option. You are also owed 'right to care' during long waits. When a service is cancelled, rebuild your trip with the journey planner, which reroutes around the gap, and check alternative routes between your cities. Do not buy a brand-new ticket without asking staff to endorse re-routing first.
How to Avoid Delays & Missed Connections
Prevention beats claiming. Leave realistic connection times (30+ minutes at major hubs), and watch your inbound train on the live map so you know early if a connection is at risk. Learning to read the board — covered in how to read a train timetable — helps you spot a slipping departure. Frequent travellers should also read our 25 train travel tips, which includes connection strategy and what to do the moment a delay is announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must a train be delayed to get compensation in the EU?
Under EU Regulation 2021/782, a delay of 60–119 minutes entitles you to 25% of the ticket price, and 120 minutes or more entitles you to 50%. Claims must usually be made within three months of the journey.
What is UK Delay Repay?
Delay Repay is Britain's standard compensation scheme. Many operators pay from 15 minutes' delay: 25% (15–29 min), 50% (30–59 min), 100% of the single fare (60–119 min) and 100% of the return fare (120+ min).
Can I claim if the delay was due to weather or strikes?
In the UK, Delay Repay generally still applies regardless of cause. In the EU, operators may reduce liability for extraordinary circumstances outside their control, but you retain the right to a refund or re-routing for cancellations.
Do I claim from the retailer or the train operator?
Always claim from the operating train company that ran the delayed service, not the website or app you bought the ticket from. Use the operator's dedicated delay-compensation portal.