EU Train Delay Compensation Rights (Regulation 2021/782)

If your train arrived late at your final destination, EU rail passenger rights give you a clear, fare-based compensation entitlement. Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies across the EU rail network (with some permitted national exemptions for purely domestic and regional services). You claim directly from the railway operator and keep the full amount. Compensation is calculated on the price you paid for the delayed journey.

Reviewed by Corey Musa, Founder·Last reviewed June 2026·LinkedIn

Skip the writing, get your claim in 15 seconds.

We'll draft a firm, ready-to-send demand tailored to your situation. Free.

Build my claim →

Your rights

Under Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2021/782 (which replaced Regulation 1371/2007 from 7 June 2023), if you are not offered a refund or re-routing you are entitled to minimum compensation for delays in arrival at your final destination: 25% of the ticket price for a delay of 60 to 119 minutes, and 50% of the ticket price for a delay of 120 minutes or more. Compensation must be paid within one month of your claim, in money by default (vouchers only if you agree). It is calculated on the price of the delayed ticket or the relevant portion of a season/travel pass. The operator may set a minimum threshold below which no compensation is paid, but this must not exceed €4. Under Article 19(10) the railway can refuse compensation only in limited circumstances (extraordinary weather, major natural disasters, major public health crises, or third-party fault such as people on the line), and even then certain assistance and re-routing rights remain. Where a delay of more than 60 minutes is expected, Article 18 also gives you the choice of a refund together with a return service to your point of departure.

Step by step

1Keep your ticket or booking confirmation and note the scheduled and actual arrival times at your final destination. A screenshot of the live departure/arrival board or operator delay notice helps prove the delay.
2Determine your band: 25% for 60-119 minutes late, 50% for 120 minutes or more. Calculate the amount from the price of the delayed ticket or relevant pass portion.
3Submit the claim to the railway operator (most have an online delay-compensation form), citing Regulation (EU) 2021/782, Article 19. Include ticket reference, scheduled vs actual arrival, the percentage claimed and your payment details. Payment is due within one month.
4If the operator refuses or pays in vouchers without your consent, escalate to the National Enforcement Body for rail in the relevant EU country, or use the national rail ADR / complaint body. ECC-Net can assist with cross-border journeys.

What they'll say, and your comeback

“We'll give you a voucher for the delay.”

Comeback, Article 19 requires payment in money unless I agree to a voucher. I do not accept a voucher and request cash compensation to my bank account.

“The delay was caused by bad weather, so no compensation is due.”

Comeback, Only genuinely extraordinary circumstances under Article 19(10) exempt the operator, and ordinary weather does not qualify. Routine operational delays remain fully compensable under Article 19.

“The delay was under our internal threshold.”

Comeback, Any minimum threshold cannot exceed €4 under Regulation 2021/782. If my 25% or 50% entitlement is above that, it is payable in full.

FAQ

Is compensation based on the delay leaving, or arriving?

It is based on the delay in arrival at your final destination, not departure. A train that leaves late but makes up the time, arriving under 60 minutes late, does not trigger compensation.

Does this apply to all trains in the EU?

It covers most EU rail services, but Member States may grant temporary exemptions for certain domestic long-distance and regional/urban services. Cross-border and international services are generally covered.

Ready to get your money back?

Reclaim it now, free →

More money you might be owed

A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.