Rail passenger rights in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies to domestic and international rail services, with compensation of 25 % of the ticket price from 60 minutes and 50 % from 120 minutes. The Eisenbahn-Bundesamt is the national enforcement body.

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 journey60 minutes of delay [1]
Compensation for a delay of 60 to 119 minutesDelayed or cancelled train journey25 % of ticket price [1]
Compensation for a delay of 120 minutes or moreDelayed or cancelled train journey50 % of ticket price [1]
Enforcement bodyDelayed or cancelled train journeyEisenbahn-Bundesamt (Federal Railway Authority), Bonn [2]

Notes

  • Germany exempts urban, suburban and regional services only from Articles 9(2), 20(2)(a), 29 and the first sentence of 30(1), so Articles 18 and 19 apply (Commission table, 9 July 2026).
  • Where a delay of 60 minutes or more is expected at the final destination, the railway undertaking must offer the passenger a choice between reimbursement and continuation or re-routing (Article 18).
  • The percentages are minimum amounts of the ticket price. A railway undertaking may set a minimum payout threshold of up to EUR 4 per ticket (Article 19(8)).
  • The EBA asks passengers to contact the carrier first. It does not handle general complaints about delays or cancellations.

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.