If you commute by train on a weekly, monthly, or annual season ticket, you travel more often than almost any other passenger type — which means delays affect you far more than they affect occasional travellers. The good news is that season ticket holders can claim compensation for delays. The process is slightly different from single-ticket claims, but the right is the same.
How Is Compensation Calculated for Season Tickets?
Since a season ticket covers hundreds of journeys, the compensation is calculated on a per-journey daily rate.
The formula:
- Weekly season ticket: divide the total price by 5 working days
- Monthly season ticket: divide the total price by the number of days in the month
- Annual season ticket: divide the total price by 365
Once you have the daily rate, apply the standard delay compensation percentage:
- 60-119 minute delay: 25% of the daily rate
- 120+ minute delay: 50% of the daily rate
Example: A monthly season ticket costs EUR 120 for 30 days = EUR 4/day rate. A 90-minute delay = 25% of EUR 4 = EUR 1 compensation for that journey.
This is modest per journey — but if you experience 10 qualifying delays per month, that adds up. And the right to claim still exists.
EU Season Ticket Holders
In the EU, the right exists under Article 17 of EU Regulation 2021/782, but implementation varies:
Deutsche Bahn (Germany): DB offers the Komfort-Check-in compensation for BahnCard subscribers and season-equivalent (Streckenzeitkarte) holders. You can claim per-delayed-journey using the DB Fahrgastrechte portal. The daily rate is calculated automatically.
Common Questions and Edge Cases
Can I claim for every delay on my season ticket?
Yes, in theory. Every qualifying delay on a journey covered by your season ticket is a valid compensation event. In practice, you must submit a claim for each one within the deadline. For commuters who experience multiple delays per week, this can mean submitting several claims per month.
What if I was delayed on a journey that wasn't my usual commute route?
Your season ticket covers a defined route. If you were delayed on a journey covered by your ticket, you can claim. If you travelled outside the scope of your season ticket (e.g., on a different route), you would need to have purchased a separate ticket for that journey — and you could claim on that separate ticket instead.
My train was so delayed I decided not to travel. Can I get a refund?
How to Claim with a Season Ticket
- Note the delay — record the actual departure and arrival times while at the station or on the train. Screenshots of delay announcements help.
- Have your season ticket number ready — you will need this to link the claim to your ticket.
- Keep records — maintain a log of qualifying delays so you can batch-submit if needed.
TrainOwed accepts season ticket claims for eligible operators. Upload your season ticket details and the journey information and we will calculate the correct compensation amount and submit on your behalf.
Często zadawane pytania
Can season ticket holders claim train delay compensation?▾
Yes. Season ticket holders can claim compensation for each qualifying delay on journeys covered by their ticket. The compensation is based on a daily rate derived from the season ticket price, with 25% for 60-119 minute delays and 50% for 120+ minute delays.
How is the daily rate calculated for a monthly season ticket?▾
Divide the total monthly price by the number of days in the month. For example, a EUR 120 monthly season ticket has a daily rate of EUR 4 in a 30-day month. A 90-minute delay would entitle you to EUR 1 (25% of EUR 4).
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