Travel by train: what are your rights in the event of cancellation or delay?

Anyone traveling by train in France or in another country of the European Union (EU) has rights in the event of delays on arrival, missed connections, postponed or canceled trains... Do you know them?

What compensation for a train delay?

In Europe, rail passenger rights are governed by Regulation (EC) No1371/2007 [PDF; 200 KB]. It is in particular this regulation which imposes on railway undertakings minimum obligations to compensate passengers.

In terms of compensation for passengers following a train delay, the minimum compensation is as follows:

But beyond this minimum guarantee for passengers, railway undertakings are free to set more advantageous rules.

Here are the rules practiced by the SNCF:

In case of delay of a TGV or Intercités train

The compensation provided is as follows:

In case of delay of an SNCF train on an international route

The compensation provided is as follows:

In the event of an iDTGV or OUIGO delay

The compensation provided is as follows:

In case of delay of a Eurostar train

In case of delay of a Thalys train

In the event of a TER delay

No compensation is provided for in the event of a TER delay.

However, in the event of major disruptions, in particular prolonged ones, compensation may be granted to travelers, for example in the form of a subscription extension or a price reduction on the purchase of the next coupon.

To consult all the details of SNCF compensation in the event of a train delay

Train delays: other things to know

How to make a claim for compensation?

Regardless of the train concerned, the claim for compensation can be made directly online via a form, or by post. For example, for a delay concerning a TGV or Intercités, the request for compensation can be made using the form below or by post to: Service G30 SNCF – CS 69150 – 14949 Caen Cedex 9.

It is necessary to indicate:

You must also enclose your ticket, as well as the original delay slip given at the station when the train arrives.

But each category of train or carrier offers specific reimbursement methods. To find out about all of these terms and conditions, go to sncf.com.

To note

The traveler is not entitled to any compensation if he was informed of the delay before purchasing the ticket.

What assistance to passengers in the event of a train delay?

In the event of delays to arriving or departing trains, the railway undertaking must keep passengers informed of the situation, together with the scheduled departure and arrival times, as soon as these are available.

If the delay is more than 60 minutes, travelers are offered free of charge, as far as possible:

If the rail service can no longer continue, the railway undertakings shall set up alternative transport services for passengers as soon as possible.

At the passenger's request, the train controller certifies on the ticket that the train service has been delayed, that he has caused a connection to be missed or that it has been cancelled, as the case may be.

To note

In case of cancellation or postponement of more than one hour at the departure of the train, the passenger must always be correctly informed of the incident during the wait and has the choice between two solutions:

Learn more about the rules for train travel

What the law says

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