EU 2021/782

Metronom Delay Compensation

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

73.2% on time2024 data

Metronom is a Germany train operator carrying 32 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 73.2% of Metronom 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. Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH operates regional rail services in the Hamburg–Bremen–Hanover triangle in northern Germany, under contract from LNVG (Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen). Founded as a public-private partnership by several Lower Saxon municipalities, Metronom serves routes including Hamburg–Bremen, Hamburg–Göttingen, and Hamburg–Uelzen with a fleet of modern double-deck trains. It is one of Germany's oldest and largest non-DB regional rail operators. This guide explains what you are owed, how to file, and what to do if your claim is denied.

73.2%

On-time rate

Trains running on schedule in 2024

6.9 min

Average delay

Mean delay across all late services

“Metronom recorded an on-time rate of 73.2% in 2024 — among the lowest of German regional operators. The Hamburg–Bremen and Hamburg–Göttingen routes were the worst performers.”
— LNVG (Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen) Qualitätsbericht 2024(LNVG — Lower Saxony Transport Authority, Hanover — published 2025)

Manual claim required

Metronom 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.

Metronom 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

Delay	You are owed	Example
60-119 minutes	25% of ticket price	EUR 25 on a EUR 100 ticket
120+ minutes	50% of ticket price	EUR 50 on a EUR 100 ticket
Cancellation	Full refund or rerouting	Full ticket price refunded
Missed connection	25-50% based on total delay	Calculated 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 Metronom Compensation

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
Gather your travel documents. Collect your ticket, booking confirmation, and any receipts for additional expenses caused by the delay.
3
Submit your claim to Metronom. File your claim within 90 days of travel via the Metronom claim portal. Visit: https://www.der-metronom.de/fahrgastrechte
4
Wait for the response. Metronom must respond within 30 days. If your claim is rejected, you can escalate to your national rail regulator.

Popular Metronom Routes

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

hamburg to berlin

Your Rights with Metronom

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

If Metronom 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: Metronom Qualitätsbericht 2024 / LNVG performance data, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about Metronom Compensation

Can I claim Metronom delay compensation?

Yes. Metronom is covered by EU 2021/782. Delays of 60+ minutes entitle you to 25% of your ticket price, 120+ minutes: 50%. File within 90 days.

Why are Metronom services often delayed?

Metronom operates on DB-managed infrastructure in northern Germany, particularly the Hamburg–Hanover main line which is one of Germany's most congested intercity corridors. Disruptions cascade from freight and long-distance trains sharing the same tracks.

Is Metronom's punctuality getting worse?

Metronom's on-time rate has declined in recent years, falling below 75% in 2024. The Hamburg–Bremen corridor has been particularly affected by infrastructure upgrades and increased traffic.

How do I claim Metronom delay compensation?

Submit via der-metronom.de/fahrgastrechte or through TrainOwed. You need your ticket and travel date. Metronom must respond within 30 days under EU law.

Does Metronom compensate for missed connections?

Yes, if you hold a through ticket or Deutschlandticket. If a Metronom delay causes you to miss a connecting train and you arrive 60+ minutes late at your final destination, you can claim compensation.

Last updated: March 2026

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