Traveling at midnight: What happens if the new year begins while you are traveling?
by Katharina Muhr
For many, the new year begins with fireworks and hugs. For others, it starts in a train compartment, at the airport, or on a long-distance bus. Around New Year's Eve, many people are traveling late at night or past midnight. But even as the year changes, passengers' rights remain the same.
New year, same journey
A common misconception is that midnight marks the start of a new journey in legal terms. However, it is not the date that is decisive, but the booked transport service. Anyone who departs shortly before midnight and arrives in the new year is still on the same journey. All passenger rights continue to apply throughout.
Train journeys after midnight
If there are delays on train journeys around New Year's Eve, the usual compensation rules apply:
- For delays of 60 minutes or more: 25% fare refund
- For delays of 120 minutes or more: 50% fare refund
The time of the delay—before or after midnight—is irrelevant. Connection losses are also part of the same journey, provided that a through-ticket . In addition, passengers are entitled to assistance, such as meals and drinks or hotel accommodation. If a claim is rejected, the Agency for Passenger Rights apf) provides support free of charge.
New Year's Eve at the airport
In air travel, too, the airline's responsibility does not end at midnight. In the event of delays or cancellations, passengers are still entitled to assistance, such as:
- Meals and beverages
- communication options
- Hotel accommodation including transfer in case of long waiting times
- Replacement transportation or refund
If you have to pay for services yourself, you should keep your receipts. The apf will check afterwards whether the airline has fulfilled its obligations.
Night trips by long-distance bus
Long-distance buses often run late or at night on New Year's Eve. Passenger rights also apply here if the delay exceeds 120 minutes. The obligation to provide information is particularly important—it applies regardless of the time of day or public holiday.
Well informed into the new year
On New Year's Eve, you should also keep your tickets and receipts/invoices, document any delays, and contact the transport company first. If no solution can be found, the apf is available as an independent and free arbitration body.
The apf team wishes you a healthy and successful new year!