EU rail passenger rights

Train delayed or cancelled?
Claim your refund

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 you may be entitled to compensation when your international train arrives 60+ minutes late — or when your journey is cancelled. We help passengers across Europe.

  • 25–50% refund of ticket price
  • Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Renfe & more
  • Filed in minutes
How it works

Your compensation in 3 steps

1

Check your eligibility

Was your train delayed by 60+ minutes at your final destination, or cancelled? EU rules may entitle you to a refund or compensation.

2

Submit your claim

Upload your ticket and journey details via our secure claims portal. It only takes a few minutes.

3

Receive your payout

We handle the process with the railway operator. If your claim succeeds, you receive your compensation. No win, no fee.

Start your claim now

Your rights

EU rail passenger rights

EU rules on rail passenger rights apply to most journeys within the EU, including international cross-border trains between EU countries. Operators such as Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Renfe and Trenitalia must inform you of your rights when disruptions occur.

If you arrive at your final destination with a delay of 60 minutes or more — due to a delay or cancellation — you may be entitled to compensation of 25% of the ticket price (1–2 hours late) or 50% (2+ hours late).

You may also be entitled to a full or partial ticket refund, rerouting, meals, accommodation and alternative transport. Time limits for claims vary by country — submit as soon as possible.

Compensation amounts

Arrival delay Compensation
60–119 minutes25% of ticket price
120+ minutes50% of ticket price
Cancellation (60+ min delay at arrival)25% or 50% (as above)

Based on EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When am I entitled to train delay compensation?

You may claim compensation if you arrive at your final destination with a delay of 60 minutes or more. For cancellations, the same thresholds apply if continuing your journey results in a 60+ minute delay. Extraordinary circumstances (e.g. extreme weather) may exempt the operator from paying compensation, but rerouting and assistance rights still apply.

Which train operators are covered?

EU rail passenger rights apply to most operators running services within the EU, including Deutsche Bahn (Germany), SNCF (France), Renfe (Spain), Trenitalia (Italy), NS (Netherlands), Eurostar and many others. Some domestic or tourist services may be exempt — we assess each claim individually.

How much compensation can I receive?

Compensation is a percentage of the ticket price: 25% for delays of 60–119 minutes and 50% for delays of 120 minutes or more. This is separate from any ticket refund you may receive if you choose not to travel.

How long do I have to file a claim?

You should complain to the railway company within 3 months of the incident. National limitation periods for court action vary by EU country. We recommend filing as soon as possible.

What does it cost to use TrainRefund?

Checking your eligibility and submitting a claim is free. We only charge a commission if your claim is successful — no win, no fee.

What documents do I need?

Your train ticket or booking confirmation (with booking reference), and any proof of the delay or cancellation if available. You can upload these directly via our claims portal.

Does this apply to Swiss trains (SBB)?

Switzerland is not in the EU, but many SBB international journeys to/from EU countries fall under bilateral agreements or EU rules for the EU portion. Contact us with your journey details and we will assess your case.

Ready to claim your compensation?

Filing takes just a few minutes. No win, no fee.

Start your claim