EU passenger rights are rules that say how transport companies must help you if your journey is disrupted, for example if your train is delayed or cancelled. There are separate rules for travelling by train, plane, ship, bus and coach.
What can I get if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to:
- Compensation if you arrive at your destination 1 hour or more late: usually 25% of the ticket price for a delay of 1–2 hours, and 50% for 2 hours or more.
- Meals and refreshments, depending on how long you have to wait.
- Accommodation if you have to stay overnight because of the delay or cancellation.
- Help with lost or damaged luggage.
You won't get compensation if the delay was caused by something the train company couldn't prevent, such as extreme weather. Strikes by train company staff don't count as this, though. Your other rights, like help and accommodation, still apply.
Do these rules apply to every train?
They always apply to international trains between EU countries. But EU countries can choose to exclude some trains within their country, such as local, regional or some long-distance domestic trains. So check the train company's own rules too.
Changing between transport types? Passenger rights apply to each type of transport separately. If you're changing from a train to a plane, or from a ferry to a bus, leave plenty of time in between.
For full details in all EU languages, visit the Your Europe page on rail passenger rights. You can also find the rules for air, bus, coach and ship travel.