How Long Do You Have to Claim Train Delay Compensation?

Train delay compensation is a legal right — but it comes with a time limit. Miss the deadline and you lose it. The bad news is that deadlines vary from operator to operator. The good news is that most give you at least a month, and some give you much longer.

How the Deadlines Work

Most operators set their deadlines in their own terms and conditions. EU Regulation 2021/782 sets a minimum standard but does not prescribe a single deadline. It requires operators to have a claims process, respond within one month, and pay within one month of accepting a claim — but the window for you to *submit* is set nationally or by the operator.

Claim Deadlines by Operator

• Deutsche Bahn (Germany): 3 months from the date of travel. Claims via DB Fahrgastrechte portal or paper form.
• SNCF (France): 60 days from the date of travel.
• Renfe (Spain): 30 days from the date of travel.
• Trenitalia (Italy): 12 months from the date of travel — one of the most generous in Europe.
• NS (Netherlands): 3 months from the date of travel.
• SJ (Sweden): 2 months from the date of travel.
• Avanti West Coast (UK): 28 days. UK Delay Repay scheme.
• LNER (UK): 28 days. UK Delay Repay scheme.
• Eurostar: 60 days from the date of travel.
• ÖBB (Austria): 12 months from the date of travel.
• SBB (Switzerland): 12 months from the date of travel.

What Counts as the Start Date?

The clock starts on the date of travel, not when you find out about the delay. If your train arrived at 23:55 on a Tuesday and the operator gives you 30 days, your deadline is 23:55 on the corresponding day in the following month — or earlier if that month is shorter.

For multi-leg journeys, use the date you arrived at your final destination.

Why You Should Claim Immediately

Even if you have three months, there are good reasons to claim quickly:

• Evidence is easier to gather.: Your ticket is in your email. The delay is still on the operator's records. Waiting creates friction.
• Operators process claims faster: when they are submitted close to the date of travel. Older claims sometimes trigger more scrutiny.
• You will not forget.: It takes less than two minutes to start a claim with TrainOwed. Do it on the platform while you are still annoyed.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

Operators are not legally required to accept late claims. Some will, as a goodwill gesture, but you cannot rely on this. If you missed the operator's deadline, you have limited options:

• Contact the operator directly and explain why the claim is late. If you had a good reason — serious illness, bereavement — attach evidence.
• Contact your national consumer protection body. They cannot force the operator to pay but can apply pressure in some cases.
• For UK passengers: the Rail Ombudsman can consider late claims in exceptional circumstances.

The safest option is always to claim as soon as the journey ends.

Deadlines for Travel Before EU Regulation 2021/782

The current regulation came into force in June 2023. For journeys before that date, the predecessor regulation (EC 1371/2007) applied. Deadlines under that regulation were also set by operators, and many were similar. If you believe you have a claim from before June 2023, check directly with the operator — some may still accept it.

Summary

| Operator | Deadline |

|---|---|

| Deutsche Bahn | 3 months |

| SNCF | 60 days |

| Renfe | 30 days |

| Trenitalia | 12 months |

| NS | 3 months |

| SJ | 2 months |

| Avanti / LNER (UK) | 28 days |

| Eurostar | 60 days |

| ÖBB | 12 months |

| SBB | 12 months |