As a rail passenger, you benefit from certain rights granted by European Regulation (EC) 2021/782 of 29 April 2021 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations.

Below is an overview of your rights when travelling by train.

Right to information

Rail companies and station managers must inform passengers about:

  • their rights and entitlements
  • delays and service disruptions affecting international rail transport
  • available train offers and ticketing options (where applicable).

Assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility

Rail companies and station managers must provide assistance when boarding international trains. Passengers should:

  • give at least 48 hours’ notice of their journey using the rail company’s designated contact method (e.g., phone, website)
  • receive assistance at connecting stations and at their final destination.

Reimbursement and rerouting

If your train is expected to arrive more than 60 minutes late at your final destination, you have the right to choose between:

  • full ticket reimbursement for the unused part of the journey (and for the completed part if the journey no longer serves its purpose)
  • rerouting to your final destination at the earliest opportunity under comparable transport conditions
  • rerouting at a later date that is convenient for you, under comparable conditions.

Compensation for delays

Passengers are entitled to compensation if their train arrives at least one hour late at the final destination, provided the delay is within the rail carrier’s control:

  • 25% of the ticket price for delays between 60 and 119 minutes
  • 50% of the ticket price for delays over 120 minutes.

Payment should be made within one month after submitting a claim.

Assistance in case of delay or cancellation

If a train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, passengers must be offered:

  • meals and refreshments, if reasonably available
  • hotel or other accommodation, including transport between the station and accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary
  • transport to the nearest station or final destination, where physically possible, if the train is blocked on the track
  • alternative transport arranged by the rail carrier if the railway service cannot continue.

Advance payment in case of death or injury

If a passenger is killed or injured in a train accident, the rail company must provide an advance payment within 15 days to cover immediate needs. In the event of death, the payment shall be at least 21,000 EUR.

Right to file a Complaint

Rail carriers must provide a complaints mechanism for passengers. Complaints should typically be directed to:

  • the rail company that issued the ticket
  • any other rail company involved in the journey
  • the national authority responsible for enforcing rail passenger rights in your country.

Know your rights and travel with confidence!

For more details, visit the official EU passenger rights page https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/rail/index_en.htm