While we hope your trip goes smoothly, delays, disruptions, and strikes can sometimes happen. Here's what to do if your travel plans are affected.
What if a train delay causes me to miss my connection?
If a delay means you can no longer follow your original itinerary, start by:
- Collecting proof of the delay (for example, a photo of the departure board or a written delay confirmation from the railway company).
- Speak to railway staff as soon as possible!
If you're still on the train, ask the conductor for a delay statement. Once you arrive, visit the ticket office for assistance. Railway staff can often help by rebooking you on the next available train to your destination.
You can also check the DiscoverEU Travel App for alternative connections. If you need a new seat reservation, speak to the railway staff. They may be able to rebook you or suggest another solution.
If you can no longer reach your final destination, contact the railway staff for help. Please note that the passenger rights policy of the Interrail Pass applies, so railway companies may not be required to arrange your entire onward journey. However, many operators will still try to help.
What to do if my train is cancelled?
If your train is cancelled, your options depend on where you are on your journey.
If your journey hasn't started yet
You can:
- Take the next available train, or
- Postpone your trip.
If the new train requires a seat reservation, ask staff at the ticket office to rebook it.
If you want to travel on a different day, you can change your travel day by following the instructions in the relevant article. If your travel day has already started, please get in touch with the DiscoverEU Travel Team. Include:
- Screenshots of your 'My Trip' and 'My Pass' sections.
- Proof of the train cancellation.
If you're already travelling
Follow the steps in the section above: "What if a train delay causes me to miss my connection?"
What to do in case of a strike?
If you've enabled service notifications in the DiscoverEU Travel App, you'll receive a push notification when we're informed about a major strike on the European rail network.
Check the railway company's website to see whether your journey is affected. This gives you the best chance to adjust your travel plans in advance.
Please note that railway companies are generally exempt from liability for disruptions caused by strikes. This means you may need to cover any additional costs yourself. If you have travel insurance, you may be able to claim these expenses through your insurer.
How do I re-plan my journey?
If your travel day hasn't started yet
Cancel your travel day and reschedule it for a later date. You can find instructions in the relevant article.
If your travel day has already started
If you're unable to travel because of the strike, please get in touch with the DiscoverEU Travel Team. Include a screenshot of your 'My Trip' section so we can assist you as quickly as possible.
If you have seat reservations
If you can no longer use a seat reservation because of the strike, please get in touch with the DiscoverEU Travel Team. Include:
- The affected seat reservations.
- Your updated travel plans.