Rail transport: What you are entitled to in the event of delays, cancellations and quality defects

Rights in the event of train delays and cancellations

If a delay of at least 60 minutes at your destination is foreseeable, you can choose between three options:

a) Withdrawal and reimbursement of costs

You can withdraw from the journey and have the ticket price refunded (in full or in part).
This also applies if the onward journey no longer makes sense due to the delay.

b) Continue at the next opportunity

You can continue your journey under comparable conditions - either on a later train or via an alternative route, at no additional cost.

c) Continuation at a later date

You can also continue your journey at a later date. The validity of the ticket will be extended or you will receive a credit for alternative transportation (e.g. for train-based tickets).

Entitlement to compensation for delay

If you do not cancel your journey, you are entitled to compensation for the delay if you have a one-way ticket:

• From 60 minutes delay: 25 % of the ticket price

• From 120 minutes delay: 50 % of the ticket price

The amount depends on the delay at the destination according to the ticket.
For outward and return tickets, the calculation is pro rata per direction of travel.

Special punctuality regulations apply to season tickets (e.g. annual ticket, Klimaticket).

When is there no entitlement to compensation?

There is no entitlement if:

• the delay is less than 60 minutes,

• you were informed of the delay or cancellation before purchasing the ticket,

• or exceptional circumstances are the cause which the railroad company was unable to prevent despite taking precautions (e.g. extreme weather events, natural disasters, health crises).

Important: Strikes at the railroad company are not considered exceptional circumstances - you are entitled to compensation in this case.

Onward journey, accommodation and meals

If no connecting train can be reached, the railroad company must offer alternative transport or accommodation.
Passengers can also organize their own onward journey if the railroad company does not offer a solution within 100 minutes.

Refunds are possible:

• up to € 100 per person for an overnight stay in a hotel

• up to 65 € per person for a cab ride

Tip from apf: If possible, contact the rail company in advance to clarify the costs.

For longer waiting times, meals and refreshments must also be provided, if available.
If you consume something yourself, you can submit the costs with a receipt.

Performance reductions in night train services

On night trains in particular, it can happen that only one seat is available instead of the booked sleeper.
In this case, you are entitled to a refund of the difference between the service booked and the service provided.

Examples of downgrades:

• 2nd class instead of 1st class

• Seat instead of sleeping carriage

• Couchette car instead of sleeping carriage

The basis for calculation can be found on the website of the respective railroad company.

Quality defects - such as failure of air conditioning or heating

If the quality of the journey is significantly impaired - e.g. failure of the air conditioning on a hot day or heating failure in winter - there may be a claim for partial reimbursement.
apf is of the opinion that such defects are covered by passenger rights if the rail company is responsible for the cause.

Security on night trains - liability for theft

On night trains, the responsibility for hand luggage lies with the passengers.
The railroad company is only liable if a fault or omission can be proven (e.g. defective door lock, lack of control).

Recommendations of the apf:

• Carry valuables on your body

• Locking compartments

• Report suspicious incidents to the train crew immediately

• File a complaint within 72 hours