Rail passenger rights in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies, but urban, suburban and regional services are exempt from its compensation rules. For long-distance services the figures are 25 % from 60 minutes and 50 % from 120 minutes.

RuleWhat applies
Legal basisDelayed or cancelled train journeyRegulation (EU) 2021/782 applies to domestic and international rail journeys. It has applied since 7 June 2023. [1]
Refund or re-routing from a delay ofDelayed or cancelled train journey; Long-distance services (not urban, suburban or regional)60 minutes of delay [1]
Compensation for a delay of 60 to 119 minutesDelayed or cancelled train journey; Long-distance services (not urban, suburban or regional)25 % of ticket price [1]
Compensation for a delay of 120 minutes or moreDelayed or cancelled train journey; Long-distance services (not urban, suburban or regional)50 % of ticket price [1]
Enforcement bodyDelayed or cancelled train journeyDirection générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes (DGCCRF), Paris [2]

Notes

  • France exempts urban, suburban and regional services from most of the Regulation, including Article 19 and (for regional services) Article 18(1) and (2) (Commission table, 9 July 2026). The values apply to long-distance services. Passenger rights on exempt services are not covered here.

Sources

  1. European Union (EUR-Lex): Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on rail passengers' rights and obligations (recast) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. European Commission, DG MOVE: National Enforcement Bodies under Regulation (EU) 2021/782 on rail passengers' rights and obligations (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.