TrainOwed

Missed Connection Compensation

If a delayed train causes you to miss a connection and you arrive at your final destination more than 60 minutes late, you are entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 2021/782. The key rule: if you bought a single through ticket or booking, the total delay to your destination is what matters, not the delay on the first leg.

Missed connections are one of the most common sources of train delays. EU 2021/782 protects passengers who hold through tickets: if your first train is late and causes you to miss your connection, the operator is responsible for getting you to your destination and compensating you for the total delay.

If you hold separate tickets and miss a connection, your rights are more limited. Each ticket is treated independently. This is why booking through tickets where possible is important for cross-border journeys.

When a missed connection requires an overnight stay, the operator must cover accommodation and meals.

How to claim

  1. Stay at the station: do not rebook independently. Ask the operator to rebook you at no cost.
  2. Document everything: note times, request written confirmation of the delay and missed connection.
  3. Keep receipts: meals, accommodation, and transport to/from hotel are reimbursable.
  4. Claim total delay compensation: calculate the time between your original arrival and your actual arrival.

Common questions

Does it matter if I have separate tickets?
Yes. With separate tickets, each leg is treated independently. You can only claim for the delay on the leg where the delay occurred. Through tickets give you better protection.
What if I caught an alternative train?
If you were rebooked by the operator, your compensation is based on when you actually arrived versus when you should have arrived.
Can I rebook myself and claim the cost back?
Only if the operator fails to offer a reasonable alternative. Always ask the operator first and get written confirmation they cannot rebook you.
What if I had to take a taxi?
If the operator cannot rebook you on a reasonable alternative train and you take a taxi to your destination, you can claim taxi costs. Keep the receipt.
Is the minimum still 60 minutes?
Yes. The total delay to your final destination must be 60 minutes or more for compensation to apply.
Regulation reference: EU Regulation 2021/782 (trains) and EU Regulation 1177/2010 (ferries). Last updated: March 2026.

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