When travelling on public transport within the European Union, you are protected by Passenger Rights. For a general overview of passenger rights when travelling by rail, see this article. If you're currently experiencing a travel issue, please check this article for the steps you should take.
With the DiscoverEU Interrail Pass, Passenger Rights coverage depends on your itinerary. Before travelling, we recommend allowing enough time between connections, especially when travelling on trains that require seat reservations.
Is my connection protected?
| Your connection | Protected by Passenger Rights? |
| Changing between trains that do not require seat reservations | ✅ Yes |
| Changing to a train that requires a seat reservation, operated by the same railway company as your previous train | ✅ Yes |
| Changing to a train that requires a seat reservation, operated by a different railway company | ❌ No |
If your connection is protected:
If a delay causes you to miss your connection:
- You can usually rebook your journey in the DiscoverEU Travel App.
- You must ask the railway company for assistance.
- If a new seat reservation is required, you can request a free exchange at the ticket desk for the next available train.
If your connection is not protected
If your delayed train causes you to miss a connection operated by a different railway company, the railway company is not legally required to:
- Rebook you onto another train
- Provide a replacement seat reservation
- Pay compensation for the missed connection
Some railway companies may still help you, but this is at their discretion. Hence, please always seek assistance at the station!
How can I check which company operates my train?
If the DiscoverEU Travel App does not show the operator, check the connection on the Deutsche Bahn journey planner or the railway operator's website. The detailed train information will usually show the operating company by clicking the ‘more information’ option listed below each train, to see which company operates that train.
Delay compensation
You may be eligible for compensation if you experience a delay of 60 minutes or more:
| Delay | Compensation |
| 60–119 minutes | €12 |
| 120+ minutes | €24 |
Compensation is based on the value of the DiscoverEU Interrail Pass and does not include reservations or other travel expenses. Payments are made by bank transfer in euros.
In some cases, additional reimbursement for reasonable and unavoidable expenses may be considered, depending on your itinerary and whether your connection was protected under Passenger Rights.
Claims must be submitted within 90 days of the disruption. You can submit your claim via this link.
Please note that delays caused by strikes or severe weather conditions and force majeure are generally not eligible for compensation.
Contacting the DiscoverEU Travel Team
If you would like us to review a travel issue, please include:
- Screenshot of your day ticket (top and bottom sections)
- Screenshot of your itinerary from the My Trip section of the DiscoverEU Travel App
- Proof of delay (railway statement, departure board photo, onboard display, or website screenshot)
- Any additional tickets or seat reservations purchased
- Receipts for extra expenses incurred
Important
The DiscoverEU Travel Team cannot reimburse costs resulting from planning errors, missed departures, or circumstances outside the railway company's control, including severe weather, force majeure and strikes.
Participants remain responsible for planning their own journeys and seeking assistance through the channels described in this Help Center.