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EU 2021/782

DB Regio Delay Compensation

Know your rights. Claim what you're owed from DB Regio.

74.1% on time2024 data
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DB Regio is a Germany train operator carrying 640 million annually passengers. Under EU 2021/782, passengers delayed 60 or more minutes are entitled to financial compensation, regardless of the cause in most cases. Only 74.1% of DB Regio trains ran on time in 2024, meaning a significant share of passengers have a valid claim each year. Compensation starts at EUR 4 for delays between 60 and 119 minutes, and increases for delays of 120 minutes or more. Claims must be submitted within 90 days of travel. DB Regio is the regional rail division of Deutsche Bahn, operating regional express (RE) and regional train (RB) services across Germany. As Germany's largest regional rail operator, DB Regio runs approximately 640 million passenger journeys per year on routes connecting cities, towns and rural communities across all 16 federal states. This guide explains what you are owed, how to file, and what to do if your claim is denied.

74.1%
On-time rate
Trains running on schedule in 2024
5.2 min
Average delay
Mean delay across all late services

Regional rail services operated by DB Regio recorded an on-time rate of 74.1% in 2024. Around one in four regional journeys arrived late at the final destination.

Bundesnetzagentur Monitoringbericht 2024(Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency), Bonn — published December 2024)
Manual claim required
DB Regio does not offer automatic compensation. You must submit a claim within 90 days of your delayed journey. Passengers who do not file within this window forfeit their right to compensation.

DB Regio Compensation Amounts

The table below shows the compensation thresholds that apply under EU 2021/782. 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 DB Regio Compensation

  1. 1

    Check your delay duration. Confirm your train was delayed by 60 minutes or more. Under EU 2021/782, the 60-minute threshold triggers your right to claim.

  2. 2

    Gather your travel documents. Collect your ticket, booking confirmation, and any receipts for additional expenses caused by the delay.

  3. 3

    Submit your claim to DB Regio. File your claim within 90 days of travel via the DB Regio claim portal. Visit: https://www.bahn.de/fahrgastrechte

  4. 4

    Wait for the response. DB Regio must respond within 30 days. If your claim is rejected, you can escalate to your national rail regulator.

Popular DB Regio Routes

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

Your Rights with DB Regio

Under EU 2021/782, your right to compensation is statutory. DB Regio 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 90 days from the date of travel to submit your claim. DB Regio cannot reject your claim on force majeure grounds under the applicable regulation. Keep your ticket and booking confirmation as evidence.

If DB Regio rejects your claim or does not respond within 30 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: Bundesnetzagentur Monitoringbericht 2024 — regional rail segment, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about DB Regio Compensation

Can I claim compensation on a DB Regio regional train?
Yes. EU Regulation 2021/782 applies to DB Regio regional express (RE) and regional train (RB) services. Delays of 60+ minutes at your final destination entitle you to 25% of your ticket price, and 120+ minutes to 50%.
How do I claim on a DB Regio delayed train?
Submit your claim via bahn.de/fahrgastrechte, at any DB Service Point, or through TrainOwed. You need your ticket/booking reference and the delay duration. Claim within 90 days.
Are DB Regio trains often delayed?
DB Regio regional services had an on-time rate of 74.1% in 2024, according to the Bundesnetzagentur. That means roughly 1 in 4 regional journeys arrive late — many passengers are entitled to compensation they never claim.
What counts as 'on time' for DB Regio?
DB Regio uses a 5-minute threshold for 'on time' in its internal reporting. EU 2021/782 compensation kicks in at 60 minutes. A train can be 'on time' by DB's definition but still cause a missed connection that qualifies for compensation.
Does EU law cover short regional train journeys?
Yes. EU 2021/782 covers all domestic and cross-border rail journeys regardless of distance or ticket price. Even a €5 regional ticket qualifies — the minimum payout is EUR 4.

Last updated: March 2026

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