EU 2021/782

SJ Delay Compensation

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

SJ Delay Compensation Guide

SJ is a Sweden 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 68.5% of SJ 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. SJ AB is Sweden's state-owned railway company and the largest train operator in Sweden. It operates long-distance and intercity services including Stockholm to Gothenburg, Stockholm to Malmö, and cross-border routes to Denmark and Norway. This guide explains what you are owed, how to file, and what to do if your claim is denied.

68.5%
On-time rate
Trains running on schedule in 2024
7.2 min
Average delay
Mean delay across all late services
420,000
Claims filed per year
Passenger compensation claims submitted annually
SEK 112M
Total paid out
Compensation paid to passengers in 2024
Manual claim required
SJ 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.

SJ 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 SJ 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 SJ. File your claim within 90 days of travel via the SJ claim portal. Visit: https://www.sj.se/kundservice/forseningar-och-ersattning
  4. Wait for the response. SJ must respond within 30 days. If your claim is rejected, you can escalate to your national rail regulator.

Popular SJ Routes

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

Your Rights with SJ

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

If SJ 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: SJ Annual Report 2024 + Trafikverket, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about SJ Compensation

How do I claim SJ delay compensation?
Submit your claim at sj.se within 90 days of your journey. You can also call SJ customer service or visit an SJ ticket office. You need your booking reference and travel date.
How much can I claim from SJ?
For delays of 60-119 minutes: 25% of your ticket price. For 120+ minutes: 50% of your ticket price. SJ calculates compensation based on the price of the delayed leg.
Can I claim if SJ blames Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration)?
Yes. Under EU 2021/782, SJ is responsible for your journey regardless of whether the delay was caused by SJ's trains or by Trafikverket's infrastructure. Strikes are also not force majeure.
How long does SJ take to pay?
SJ must respond within 30 days under EU law. In practice, claims are often resolved in 10-20 days. Payment is made by direct deposit or SJ credit.
Can I claim for a delayed SJ night train?
Yes. SJ night trains are covered by EU 2021/782. If your night train arrives 60+ minutes late, you can claim 25-50% of your ticket price, including the sleeping car supplement.

Last updated: March 2026

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