Train Delay Compensation
Train delay compensation is a legal entitlement under EU Regulation 2021/782. If your train arrives more than 60 minutes late at your destination, you are owed 25% of your ticket price. If the delay exceeds 120 minutes, you are owed 50%. The claim is based on the ticket price you paid, not the train's total fare.
EU Regulation 2021/782 replaced the older Regulation 1371/2007 and significantly strengthened passenger rights across most EU member states. Under Article 19, passengers are entitled to compensation calculated as a percentage of the ticket price paid for the delayed journey.
The 60-minute threshold applies to the arrival time at your final destination, not intermediate stops. If you have a connecting ticket and a delayed first train causes you to miss the connection, the total delay to your final destination is what counts.
Strikes by railway staff are not a force majeure exemption under EU 2021/782, unlike under the old regulation. This means operators cannot refuse claims citing industrial action.
Compensation under EU Regulation 2021/782
| Delay | You are owed | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 60–119 minutes | 25% of ticket price | €25 on a €100 ticket |
| 120+ minutes | 50% of ticket price | €50 on a €100 ticket |
| Cancellation | Full refund or rerouting | Full ticket price refunded |
| Missed connection | 25–50% based on total delay | Calculated on full journey ticket |
| Regulation | EU 2021/782 | |
كيفية المطالبة
- Check your delay: confirm your train arrived 60+ minutes late at your final destination.
- Gather evidence: save your ticket, booking confirmation, and any delay announcements.
- Submit your claim: use TrainOwed to file within 90 days of travel.
- Receive compensation: the operator must respond within 30 days. TrainOwed follows up if they do not.
الأسئلة الشائعة
What is the minimum delay to claim?
60 minutes at your final destination. Delays of 60-119 minutes entitle you to 25% of your ticket price. Delays of 120 minutes or more entitle you to 50%.
Which trains are covered?
All trains in Germany are covered by EU Regulation 2021/782 — Deutsche Bahn ICE/IC/EC, DB Regio RE/RB, S-Bahn, Flixtrain, and regional operators like Go-Ahead Bayern and Metronom.
Are strikes covered?
Yes. Unlike the previous regulation, strikes are not a force majeure exemption under EU 2021/782. You can claim for delays caused by industrial action.
How long do I have to claim?
You have 90 days from the date of travel to submit your claim.
What if Deutsche Bahn rejects my claim?
Escalate for free to the söp (Schlichtungsstelle öffentlicher Personenverkehr) at soep-online.de, or to the Bundesnetzagentur. DB is a mandatory söp member and most cases resolve within 6–12 weeks.