Rail passenger rights in Switzerland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Switzerland has its own rules in the Passenger Transport Act and its ordinance. Compensation is at least 25% of the fare for a delay of more than 60 minutes and at least 50% for more than 120 minutes, where the fare was not refunded. The Federal Office of Transport supervises public transport.

RuleWhat applies
Legal basisDelayed or cancelled train journeySwiss law: the Passenger Transport Act (PBG, Art. 21a-21c) and the Passenger Transport Ordinance (VPB, Art. 61) apply to concessioned services and to permitted cross-border rail services. [1]
Refund or re-routing from a delay ofDelayed or cancelled train journey⚠ Not yet verified
Compensation for a delay of 60 to 119 minutesDelayed or cancelled train journey25 % of ticket price [2]
Compensation for a delay of 120 minutes or moreDelayed or cancelled train journey50 % of ticket price [2]
Enforcement bodyDelayed or cancelled train journeyFederal Office of Transport (BAV), the supervisory authority for public passenger transport [1]

Notes

  • VPB Art. 62a refers to Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2021/782 for carrying bicycles on cross-border long-distance rail services. Other rights were read only in the Swiss texts.
  • PBG Art. 21a gives a full or partial refund when a delay or cancellation means the journey no longer serves its purpose (to be made credible). It sets no minute threshold, so no number is shown.
  • VPB Art. 61 sets a minimum: at least 25% of the fare paid for a delay of more than 60 minutes, and at least 50% for more than 120 minutes. The Swiss wording is 'more than', not 'from' 60 or 120 minutes. Compensation can be claimed where the delay did not lead to a fare refund (PBG Art. 21b).
  • PBG Art. 52 places passenger transport in public transport under BAV supervision. Complaint and conciliation channels for individual passengers were not read.

Sources

  1. Fedlex, Die Veröffentlichungsplattform des Bundesrechts (Swiss Confederation): Bundesgesetz über die Personenbeförderung (Personenbeförderungsgesetz, PBG), SR 745.1 (Stand am 1. Januar 2025) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Fedlex, Die Veröffentlichungsplattform des Bundesrechts (Swiss Confederation): Verordnung über die Personenbeförderung (VPB), SR 745.11 (Stand am 1. Januar 2025) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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