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English edition · checked 2026-10-18

EU rail delays and missed connections: check the ticket contract first

When a connection fails, first identify whether your journey was sold as one through-ticket or as separate transport contracts. Contact the operator, preserve evidence and use the relevant official claim process.

What to do when a train is delayed or canceled

  1. Contact station staff or the railway undertaking promptly and ask about continuation, rerouting or refund options under your ticket.
  2. Save the ticket, booking email, delay notice, actual arrival time, receipts and written customer-service replies.
  3. Check whether the itinerary was sold as one through-ticket or as separate transport contracts. A single online order can contain separate contracts.
  4. Submit the request through the operator's official process. The European Commission links a common request form and national enforcement bodies.

The EU framework

Regulation (EU) 2021/782 sets rights that may include reimbursement or rerouting, delay compensation, information and assistance, subject to scope and exceptions. When a delay of at least 60 minutes at the contractual final destination is reasonably expected, the regulation describes passenger choices that the railway undertaking must offer under the applicable conditions. The regulation has applied since 7 June 2023.

Connection protection depends on the ticket contract, carriers and journey facts. Separate tickets that you combine yourself may leave you responsible for the next departure if the first train is late. Check the exact contract and official national guidance before relying on a remedy.

Prepare a useful claim

  • Include the booking reference, scheduled and actual arrival times, and known disruption reason.
  • Attach itemised receipts for additional costs and explain why each cost was necessary.
  • Keep the date submitted, case number and copies of all correspondence.
  • Check the operator's deadlines and the applicable national authority's procedure.

This is general travel information, not a legal assessment of a specific ticket or claim. EU scope, national exemptions and contract wording can affect the result.

Official sources

Keep reading: Pass or separate tickets? · Eurail seat reservations · Missed connection action plan