Get confirmation of the delay
1
If possible, have the delay or cancellation confirmed on the train, at the station, or digitally. Keep your ticket, booking proof, and screenshots of the disrupted connection.
Rail passenger rights
In cases of delay, cancellation, missed connection, or strike, rail passengers often have more rights than expected. The key questions are the expected delay at destination, the ticket type, and whether you still want to continue the trip or abandon it.
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Note: This page is a structured overview and does not replace individual legal advice. It is meant to help you classify common claims quickly.
Delay or train cancellation: what to do immediately
Contact the railway undertaking
2
Reach out to the company from which you bought the ticket. If you want a cash payout later, say so clearly instead of silently accepting vouchers.
Collect receipts
3
If extra costs arise, keep receipts, screenshots, and communication. This matters especially for replacement travel, meals, or accommodation.
These rights apply from an expected 60-minute delay
If it is already foreseeable before departure or during the trip that you will reach your destination more than 60 minutes late, the rail operator usually has to offer you these options:
Refund
You may claim the ticket price back. If you are already travelling and the trip has become pointless, you may also return to the point of departure free of charge and still receive a refund.
Continuation at the next opportunity
The operator must usually offer a free continuation or rerouting. The route may change and another operator can be used, as long as travel conditions remain comparable.
Travel later
You may also choose to continue the trip at a later point in time if that is better for you.
Own replacement transport
If the operator does not inform you about an alternative within 100 minutes after scheduled departure, you may under certain conditions organize replacement transport yourself and reclaim the necessary cost.
When delay compensation is paid
If you continue the trip despite the disruption, flat delay compensation may apply in addition. The key factor is the actual delay at destination.
Delay at destination
Compensation
60 to 119 minutes
25 % of the fare
120+ minutes
50 % of the fare
For return trips booked on one contract, compensation for the affected direction is often calculated on the basis of half of the fare.
Season tickets, Deutschlandticket and BahnCard 100
Season-ticket holders also have compensation rights. Instead of percentage-based reimbursement, fixed lump sums usually apply. Amounts below 4 euros are not paid due to the statutory de minimis threshold.
Season ticket
1st class
2nd class
Long-distance
7.50 EUR
5.00 EUR
Local transport / Deutschlandticket
2.25 EUR
1.50 EUR
BahnCard 100
15.00 EUR
10.00 EUR
Repeated delays can be collected and submitted together. In local transport, several incidents are therefore often needed before the de minimis threshold is exceeded.
When meals, hotel, and replacement transport apply
Meals and drinks
From a 60-minute delay onward, the operator must, where feasible, offer meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time.
Hotel and transfer
If continuation is only possible the next day, the operator generally has to provide accommodation and transfer.
Night rule
Between 00:00 and 05:00, or when the last train of the day is cancelled, you may under certain conditions use bus or taxi. Reimbursement is usually capped at 120 EUR.
Train stranded en route
If your train is stuck on the line, the operator must get you to the next station by another means.
When the railway may not have to pay
The operator may rely on exclusions in certain cases. This only works where the event was unavoidable despite all due care.
Possible exclusion reasons
- extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather
- third-party conduct, for example blocked tracks
- fault of the passenger
Important limit
- A strike by the operator's own staff does not count as an extraordinary circumstance.
- In that case, the operator generally still has to compensate.
Special points on replacement transport
If you receive no alternative within 100 minutes, you may under certain conditions obtain your own replacement connection by train or bus.
In local transport, if at least 20 minutes delay at destination is expected, you may under certain conditions use a higher-value train. This does not apply to some heavily discounted season tickets such as the Deutschlandticket.
If you abandon the trip and obtain a full fare refund, additional delay compensation will usually no longer apply on top.