Train delayed? Here is your next step.
What you can do at the station, which rights you have and how to claim compensation – calm, clear and without jargon.
Please note: This is not an official website of Deutsche Bahn. We inform independently and do not make any claims on your behalf.
What happened to you?
Choose the situation that fits best. Each page starts with the most important steps and then explains the background.
My train is delayed
What you can still do on the platform, when a connection counts as missed and which proof helps.
View the quick checklistI would like compensation
Which conditions apply, which documents you need and how the claim works step by step.
Go to the claim processWhat rights do I have?
An overview of refunds, onward travel, care during long waits and special types of journey.
Rights at a glanceThree things that are almost always important
- Record the situation Keep your ticket, note the delay with date and time and, if possible, take a screenshot of the departure board or the app.
- Check whether another connection is possible For longer delays, another option may be suitable. What exactly applies depends on your journey and the conditions.
- Do not forget the claim As a rule, compensation is not paid automatically. It must be claimed from the responsible company.
Short answers
The detailed explanations can be found on the individual topic pages.
Do I get money back for every delay?
No. Whether compensation is possible, and how much, depends among other things on the delay at the destination, the fare and the rules that apply to your journey. Short delays usually do not lead to a compensation claim. Details are on the page Claiming compensation.
Do I receive compensation automatically?
As a rule, no. The claim must be made with the responsible transport company – usually via an online form, the app or a paper form. Keep your ticket and all proof.
What counts as the arrival time?
What counts is the actual arrival at the destination of your booked journey, not the departure from the starting station. How delays are calculated can differ depending on the journey and the rules. We explain this question in detail in the overview of passenger rights.
What can I do if my claim was rejected?
First check the reason given and whether all documents arrived. If the dispute continues, an independent conciliation body may be responsible. You will find information on this at Claiming compensation.
Clear, careful and verifiable
We explain processes in plain language and refer you to the official bodies where you submit claims. Where an answer depends on the individual case, we say so clearly instead of promising a certainty that does not exist.
All content is written by our editors and marked with a review date. Legal details can change – so always check the current information of the responsible company before you submit a claim.
