Claim train delay compensation with Delay Repay

If your train arrived late, you're very likely owed money back under Delay Repay, the compensation scheme used by most UK train operators. Under Delay Repay you can claim regardless of the cause of the delay, including problems outside the operator's control. Compensation is paid as a percentage of your fare (or the relevant portion of a return or season ticket), and most operators pay from 15 minutes of delay. This is a strong, well-established claim, and you just need your ticket and the details of the delayed journey.

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

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Your rights

Most UK train operators run a Delay Repay scheme, set out in each operator's Passenger's Charter and reflecting the National Rail Conditions of Travel. Typical bands are 25% of the single fare for a 15-29 minute delay, 50% for 30-59 minutes, 100% of the single fare for 60-119 minutes, and 100% of the single fare plus 50% of the return portion (broadly the full ticket cost) for delays of 120 minutes or more, though exact bands vary by operator and some schemes (often called Delay Repay 30) only start compensating at 30 minutes. Where an operator is not on Delay Repay, you may instead have rights under its Passenger's Charter. Complaints that aren't resolved by the operator can be taken to the Rail Ombudsman.

Step by step

1Find your ticket or booking confirmation and note the date, the train you were booked on, and the time you actually arrived at your destination.
2Check your operator's Delay Repay page to confirm the minimum delay threshold (usually 15 or 30 minutes) and the compensation bands that apply.
3Submit the Delay Repay claim form on the operator's website or app within the time limit, usually 28 days of the journey, attaching a photo or scan of your ticket.
4Choose your payout method and keep the claim reference until payment arrives. Operators should offer a method that doesn't disadvantage you, such as bank transfer or a refund to your card, not vouchers only.

What they'll say, and your comeback

“The delay was caused by something outside our control, such as weather or a trespasser, so no compensation is due.”

Comeback, Delay Repay pays out regardless of the cause of the delay. The cause only matters under older Passenger's Charter schemes, not Delay Repay, so please process the claim against the actual arrival time.

“You arrived less than 30 minutes late, so you don't qualify.”

Comeback, Please confirm which scheme applies to my journey. Many operators now pay Delay Repay from 15 minutes, so I'd like my claim assessed against the 15-29 minute band before it's declined.

“You can't claim because you bought the ticket through a third-party retailer.”

Comeback, Compensation is the responsibility of the operator that ran the delayed train, not the retailer. I have my ticket and booking reference, so please assess the claim directly.

FAQ

How long do I have to claim?

Most operators require claims within 28 days of the delayed journey, though some allow longer. Claim as soon as you can and keep your ticket. If you miss the window, it's still worth submitting, as operators can use discretion.

What if my whole journey involved more than one train?

Compensation is normally based on the total delay to your final destination against the booked arrival time, even if you changed trains. If different operators were involved, you usually claim from the operator on whose service the delay occurred, or the one that sold the through ticket.

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