My train has been delayed - what am I entitled to?

Your rights as a railway passenger generally apply to all rail journeys and services within the EU.

If your train is cancelled or delayed, you always have the right to adequate information about what is happening while you are waiting.

If you are told you will arrive at your final destination with a delay of at least 1 hour, you are entitled to:

• cancel your travel plans and request an immediate refund of the cost of your ticket (sometimes in full, sometimes only for the part of the journey not made.)
• You may also be entitled to a return journey to your initial departure point, if the delay stops you from fulfilling the purpose of your trip, or
• be transported to your final destination at the earliest opportunity (or a later date of your choosing). This includes alternative transport when the train is blocked and the service is suspended.
• meals and refreshments (proportionate to the waiting time)
• accommodation – if you have to stay overnight.

If you decide to continue your journey as planned or to accept alternative transport to your destination, you may be entitled to compensation of:

• 25% of the ticket fare, if the train is between 1 and 2 hours late.
• 50% of the fare, if the train is more than 2 hours late.

You will not receive compensation if:

• you were informed of a delay before you bought your ticket
• If you think your rights have not been respected, you can complain to the railway company, which must reply within one month.

For further information, please go to the European Union website.