Train delay in Germany 2026: compensation of 25 % and 50 %

What to do if your train is late 🚉

The idea that Deutsche Bahn runs like a Swiss watch is wrong. By the railway’s own figures, in August 2026 only 54,2 % of long-distance trains arrived on time — that is, less than 6 minutes late. Regional services do better: 88.5 %.

Passenger rights are the same across Europe: they are set out in EU Regulation 2021/782, which has applied since 7 June 2023. Below is what you are entitled to and how to claim it.

What compensation you get ❓

arrival delayed by 60 minutes or more — 25 % of the one-way fare
delay of 120 minutes or more — 50 % of the one-way fare

Amounts below 4 € are not paid out.

Besides money there are three more rights:

🔵 if a delay at the destination of more than 20 minutes (within Germany) or 60 minutes (international) is announced, you may take a different train — including a higher category — at no extra cost
🔵 if the expected delay is more than 60 minutes you can call off the trip and get back the full fare, even on a non-refundable ticket. It is refunded to your account in money: they may not offer a voucher instead.
🔵 if a cancellation or delay strands you overnight, the railway pays for a taxi or other transport up to 120 €, and if necessary for a hotel room

🔵 If a train is delayed by more than 1 hour, you are entitled to free food 🥐 and drinks, if they are available on the train or at the station.

When compensation is not paid ❌

Since 7 June 2023 the railway has an exemption — force majeure. No compensation is paid if the delay was caused by extreme weather, by the passenger’s own conduct or by third parties (people on the tracks, sabotage). A strike by railway staff does not count as force majeure — compensation is due for it. Under force majeure accommodation is paid for a maximum of three nights.

The railway is not liable for consequential loss: a flight 🛫 missed because the train was late, a meeting you did not make or a hotel booking you lost are not compensated. Those risks are covered by travel insurance, not by the Fahrgastrechte.

How to file a claim ✅

Under the EU regulation you have to claim within three months of the journey. Deutsche Bahn states on its website that until further notice it also accepts claims after that deadline — within the previous 12 months — but do not count on it as a rule.

You can file it in your account on the DB website, in the DB Navigator app or on a paper form — the form and how to file it on the Deutsche Bahn website.

These rules apply not only in Germany 🇩🇪 but across Europe 🇪🇺.

If you travel by train regularly, work out whether a BahnCard pays for itself. Compensation is calculated on the fare actually paid, so with a discount it will be smaller — but the ticket is cheaper too.