EU 2021/782 + Eurostar Guarantee

Eurostar Delay Compensation

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

Eurostar Delay Compensation Guide

Eurostar is a International train operator carrying 11 million annually passengers. Under EU 2021/782 + Eurostar Guarantee, passengers delayed 60 or more minutes are entitled to financial compensation, regardless of the cause in most cases. Only 74.2% of Eurostar 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. Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel between London St Pancras International and Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. Eurostar merged with Thalys in 2023 to form Eurostar Group. This guide explains what you are owed, how to file, and what to do if your claim is denied.

74.2%
On-time rate
Trains running on schedule in 2024
8.3 min
Average delay
Mean delay across all late services
180,000
Claims filed per year
Passenger compensation claims submitted annually
EUR 12M
Total paid out
Compensation paid to passengers in 2024

Eurostar Compensation Amounts

The table below shows the compensation thresholds that apply under EU 2021/782 + Eurostar Guarantee. 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 Eurostar Compensation

  1. Check your delay duration. Confirm your train was delayed by 60 minutes or more. Under EU 2021/782 + Eurostar Guarantee, 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 Eurostar. File your claim within 90 days of travel via the Eurostar claim portal. Visit: https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/help/refunds-and-compensation
  4. Wait for the response. Eurostar must respond within 30 days. If your claim is rejected, you can escalate to your national rail regulator.

Popular Eurostar Routes

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

Your Rights with Eurostar

Under EU 2021/782 + Eurostar Guarantee, your right to compensation is statutory. Eurostar 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. Eurostar cannot reject your claim on force majeure grounds under the applicable regulation. Keep your ticket and booking confirmation as evidence.

If Eurostar 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: Eurostar Annual Report 2024, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eurostar Compensation

How do I claim Eurostar compensation?
Claim at eurostar.com/compensation or via email within 90 days. Eurostar also offers automatic compensation for delays over 60 minutes for some booking types.
Does Eurostar offer automatic compensation?
Yes. Eurostar has a voluntary guarantee where eligible passengers with online bookings may automatically receive compensation vouchers for significant delays.
Can I claim if the Channel Tunnel was at fault?
Yes. Eurostar is responsible for your overall journey. Even if the delay was caused by Channel Tunnel Ltd or infrastructure issues, you can claim compensation from Eurostar under EU 2021/782.
How much can I claim from Eurostar?
For delays of 60-119 minutes: 25% of your ticket price. For 120+ minutes: 50% of your ticket price. If Eurostar cancels your train with less than 48 hours notice, you may be entitled to a full refund.
What if Eurostar blames border control delays?
Border control procedures at Channel Tunnel are part of the expected journey. If your train departs on time but you miss it due to security queues, that is generally your responsibility. But if the train itself is delayed, you can claim.

Last updated: March 2026

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