When you travel by train in the European Union, you're protected by passenger rights. With the DiscoverEU Interrail Pass, how much you're protected depends on your route. So leave enough time between connections, especially if your next train needs a seat reservation.
What are EU passenger rights? | What to do if a delay, cancellation or strike affects your trip
Is my connection protected?
| Your connection | Protected? |
| Changing between trains that don't need a seat reservation | ✅ Yes |
| Changing to a train that needs a seat reservation, run by the same train company as your previous train | ✅ Yes |
| Changing to a train that needs a seat reservation, run by a different train company | ❌ No |
If your connection is protected
If a delay makes you miss your connection:
- Ask the train company for help. This is required.
- Plan a new route in the Planner and add the trains to your Pass.
- If your new train needs a seat reservation, you can ask for a free exchange at the ticket desk for the next available train.
If your connection isn't protected
If your delayed train makes you miss a connection run by a different train company, that company doesn't have to:
- rebook you onto another train
- give you a new seat reservation
- pay you compensation for the missed connection
Some train companies may still help you, so always ask for help at the station.
How can I check which company runs my train?
If the DiscoverEU Travel app doesn't show the train company, look up the journey in the Deutsche Bahn journey planner or on the train company's website. Tap or click the extra information below each train to see which company runs it.
Delay compensation
If you arrive 60 minutes or more late, you may be able to get compensation:
| Delay | Compensation |
| 60–119 minutes | €12 |
| 120 minutes or more | €24 |
- Compensation is based on the value of the DiscoverEU Interrail Pass. It doesn't include seat reservations or other travel costs.
- It's paid by bank transfer, in euros.
- In some cases, we may also consider paying back reasonable and unavoidable extra costs. This depends on your route and whether your connection was protected.
- Send your claim within 90 days of the delay. Claim delay compensation
Please note: delays caused by strikes, severe weather or other events outside the train company's control (force majeure) are generally not eligible for compensation, and we can't pay back costs caused by them.
What should I send the DiscoverEU Travel Team?
If you'd like us to look into a travel problem, please include:
- a screenshot of your day ticket in My Pass (top and bottom)
- a screenshot of your journey in My Trip
- proof of the delay, such as a statement from the train company, a photo of the departure board or onboard screen, or a screenshot of the train company's website
- any extra tickets or seat reservations you bought
- receipts for any extra costs
Important: we can't pay back costs caused by planning mistakes or missed departures. You're responsible for planning your own journeys and asking for help through the channels in this Help Centre.