Rail passenger rights in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies, with compensation of 25 % of the ticket price from 60 minutes and 50 % from 120 minutes. The National Transport Authority 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 journeyNational Transport Authority (NTA) [2]

Notes

  • The Commission's table of national exemptions (situation on 9 July 2026) lists no exemption for Ireland. The explanatory note to S.I. 271/2023 says the 2019 exemption regulations continue in force for Articles 12, 21 and 23 of the repealed Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 and that the Regulation does not apply to services of a light railway such as a tram or metro. The National Transport Authority page says Member States may exempt some services and that exemptions are to be removed by 2028.
  • The percentages are minimum amounts of the ticket price (Article 19(1)). No compensation is due if the passenger was informed of the delay before buying the ticket or chose a refund (Article 19(9); National Transport Authority page).
  • Passengers complain to the operator within 3 months. If they are unhappy with the reply they can complain to the National Transport Authority, which aims to resolve complaints within 3 months (6 months for complex cases).

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 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. National Transport Authority (Ireland): EU rail passenger rights - National Transport (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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