Is your train late? Check how to get compensation

Train travel, although greener than car or air travel, often involves unexpected delays. Such situations can ruin our plans, especially if we plan to make further transfers or other forms of transport. Is compensation available in such cases? If so, what are the rules for obtaining it?

Train delay – when is compensation due?

The basis for applying for compensation for a delayed train is EU Regulation No. 2021/782, which specifies the rights of passengers traveling by rail. According to this document, a passenger is entitled to compensation if his train arrived at the final station at least 60 minutes after the scheduled time. It is important, however, that these regulations only cover long-distance national trains and international connections within the European Union. In Poland, compensation may apply to travel with carriers such as Express Intercity Premium (EIP), Express InterCity (EIC), InterCity (IC), Your Linie Kolejowe (TLK), interREGIO (IR) and ŁKA Sprinter (ŁS).

It should be noted that delays resulting from events taking place outside the EU are not taken into account and the carrier does not have to pay compensation.

What compensation amounts apply?

The amount of compensation depends on the length of the delay:

• 25 percent the ticket price is due when the delay is from 60 to 119 minutes.

• 50 percent Ticket price is awarded when the train arrives at least 120 minutes later.

Passengers usually receive compensation in the form of a voucher that can be used to pay for subsequent trips, but they are entitled to a refund in cash if they select this option in the application. There is also a minimum threshold for the amount from which the carrier is obliged to pay compensation – however, it cannot be higher than EUR 4.

Procedure for applying for compensation

To obtain compensation, you must submit an application to the carrier, which can be done in several ways: online, by mail or directly at the ticket office. The application must include the train number, date of travel, station name and personal data, as well as select the preferred form of compensation (voucher, bank transfer or postal order). It is also necessary to attach the original ticket.

The time to submit an application depends on the carrier’s regulations, but passengers usually have a specific deadline to do so from the date of travel. The carrier checks the delay itself in the system, so there is no need to attach additional supporting documents. Complaint consideration takes up to 30 days.

In what cases is compensation not available?

Despite a long delay, there are situations in which the carrier has the right to refuse to pay compensation. This includes, among others:

• Extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters or health crises, the effects of which the carrier could not prevent.

• Passenger’s actions that contributed to the delay.

• Situations resulting from the actions of third parties, such as acts of terrorism, theft of railway infrastructure or accidents involving people on the tracks.

Compensation is also not available for delays on city, suburban and regional trains.