Delay Repay (UK)

CrossCountry Delay Compensation

Know your rights. Claim what you're owed from CrossCountry.

CrossCountry Delay Compensation Guide

CrossCountry is a United Kingdom train operator carrying 43 million annually passengers. Under Delay Repay (UK), passengers delayed 60 or more minutes are entitled to financial compensation, regardless of the cause in most cases. Only 61.4% of CrossCountry trains ran on time in 2024, meaning a significant share of passengers have a valid claim each year. Compensation starts at GBP 0 for delays between 60 and 119 minutes, and increases for delays of 120 minutes or more. Claims must be submitted within 28 days of travel. CrossCountry is one of the UK's busiest long-distance train operators, running services across England, Scotland, and Wales without serving London termini. Routes connect Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Bournemouth. Operated by Arriva. This guide explains what you are owed, how to file, and what to do if your claim is denied.

61.4%
On-time rate
Trains running on schedule in 2024
8.9 min
Average delay
Mean delay across all late services
780,000
Claims filed per year
Passenger compensation claims submitted annually
GBP 12.4M
Total paid out
Compensation paid to passengers in 2024
Manual claim required
CrossCountry does not offer automatic compensation. You must submit a claim within 28 days of your delayed journey. Passengers who do not file within this window forfeit their right to compensation.

CrossCountry Compensation Amounts

The table below shows the compensation thresholds that apply under Delay Repay (UK). Amounts are based on the ticket price paid and the duration of the delay.

Compensation Under EU Regulation 2021/782

DelayYou are owedExample
60-119 minutes25% of ticket priceEUR 25 on a EUR 100 ticket
120+ minutes50% of ticket priceEUR 50 on a EUR 100 ticket
CancellationFull refund or reroutingFull ticket price refunded
Missed connection25-50% based on total delayCalculated on full journey ticket

Minimum payout threshold: EUR 4. Claims must be submitted within 90 days. Source: EU Regulation 2021/782 on rail passengers' rights and obligations.

How to Claim CrossCountry Compensation

  1. Check your delay duration. Confirm your train was delayed by 60 minutes or more. Under Delay Repay (UK), the 60-minute threshold triggers your right to claim.
  2. Gather your travel documents. Collect your ticket, booking confirmation, and any receipts for additional expenses caused by the delay.
  3. Submit your claim to CrossCountry. File your claim within 28 days of travel via the CrossCountry claim portal. Visit: https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/delay-repay
  4. Wait for the response. CrossCountry must respond within 20 days. If your claim is rejected, you can escalate to your national rail regulator.

Popular CrossCountry Routes

Delay compensation applies on all CrossCountry routes. The following routes are among the most travelled and most likely to experience delays.

Your Rights with CrossCountry

Under Delay Repay (UK), your right to compensation is statutory. CrossCountry cannot waive this right through its own terms and conditions. If your train is delayed by 60 minutes or more at the final destination shown on your ticket, you are entitled to a partial refund of your fare. A 60 to 119 minute delay entitles you to 25% of the ticket price. A delay of 120 minutes or more entitles you to 50%.

You have 28 days from the date of travel to submit your claim. CrossCountry cannot reject your claim on force majeure grounds under the applicable regulation. Keep your ticket and booking confirmation as evidence.

If CrossCountry rejects your claim or does not respond within 20 days, you can escalate to your national Alternative Dispute Resolution body or rail regulator. Filing a complaint costs nothing and the operator is obliged to participate in the process. See our how it works guide, the FAQ, and our full list of operators for more detail.

Data source
Statistics on this page: Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Annual Report 2024, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about CrossCountry Compensation

How do I claim CrossCountry Delay Repay?
Submit your claim at crosscountrytrains.co.uk/delay-repay within 28 days of travel. You need your ticket and the journey details.
What is the minimum CrossCountry delay for Delay Repay?
15 minutes. CrossCountry operates Delay Repay 15, so delays of just 15 minutes qualify for 25% of your single fare.
Does CrossCountry cover strike delays?
CrossCountry's Delay Repay covers most delays. Check the specific terms for industrial action — some operators apply exclusions, though these are increasingly rare.
Can I get a cash refund from CrossCountry?
CrossCountry pays Delay Repay by bank transfer, cheque, or as rail vouchers. You can choose your preferred method when submitting the claim.
What if CrossCountry rejects my Delay Repay claim?
Escalate to the Rail Ombudsman, which provides free, independent dispute resolution for UK rail passengers.

Last updated: March 2026

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