Can I get compensation for a delayed train?
Yes: a large delay of a long-distance train earns compensation. If a long-distance train (e.g. PKP Intercity — EIP, EIC, IC, TLK, IR and international services) is delayed by more than 60 minutes, you can claim compensation: 25% of the ticket price for a delay of 60–119 minutes and 50% for a delay of 120 minutes or more. Compensation is paid if the amount exceeds the minimum threshold set by the carrier (no higher than 4 euros; for PKP Intercity it's about 16 zł). You file a complaint with the carrier — online, by post or at a ticket office — within a year (domestic services) or a month (international). You also have a right to care (e.g. a meal) for a longer delay and to a refund of the ticket if you abandon the journey. The carrier can refuse if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances.
📋 The rules
- Covers long-distance and international trains
- Delay 60–119 min: 25% of the ticket price
- Delay from 120 min: 50% of the ticket price
- Minimum threshold (PKP IC about 16 zł)
- Complaint to the carrier; deadline up to a year (domestic)
🔓 Exceptions
- Extraordinary circumstances (extreme weather, disasters): the carrier may refuse
- Right to care (meal, drink, accommodation) for a longer delay
- Ticket refund if you abandon the journey due to the delay
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If the carrier unjustifiably refuses payment or doesn't handle the complaint, you can complain to the Office of Rail Transport (UTK), which oversees passenger rights, or pursue the claim civilly. Mind the deadlines (up to a year for domestic, a month for international services) and the minimum threshold below which compensation isn't paid. To get compensation: keep the ticket and proof of the delay (e.g. an announcement, a station certificate), file a complaint with the carrier as stated on its website, give an account number for payment, and on refusal use the help of UTK or a consumer ombudsman. For a serious delay, also use your right to care.
📎 Official sources
- Office of Rail Transport · Passenger rights →
- European Consumer Centre · Train travel →
- Regulation (EU) 2021/782 on rail passengers' rights →
❓ Frequently asked
When am I due compensation for a delayed train?
When a long-distance train is delayed by more than 60 minutes. For a 60–119-minute delay 25% of the ticket price is due, and for a delay of 120 minutes or more — 50%. Compensation is paid if its amount exceeds the minimum threshold set by the carrier (no higher than 4 euros).
How do I file a complaint for a train delay?
The complaint goes to the carrier — online (as stated on its website), by traditional post or at a ticket office. It's worth attaching the ticket and proof of delay and giving an account number for payment. The deadline is up to a year for domestic services and a month for international ones.
Is compensation due for every train?
No. Compensation mainly concerns long-distance trains (e.g. EIP, EIC, IC, TLK, IR) and international services. Rules for regional trains may differ. Regardless of compensation, passengers have rights to care and to a ticket refund if they abandon the journey.
Can the carrier refuse to pay?
Yes, in defined situations. The carrier can refuse if it proves the delay was directly caused by extraordinary circumstances unrelated to rail operations — e.g. extreme weather, a serious natural disaster or a public-health crisis it couldn't avoid despite due diligence.
What if the carrier doesn't pay compensation?
If the complaint is unjustifiably rejected or not handled, you can complain to the Office of Rail Transport, which oversees passenger rights, or pursue the claim civilly. The help of a consumer ombudsman or the European Consumer Centre can also be useful.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “compensation for delayed train poland”
- “pkp intercity refund 60 minutes”
- “25 50 percent ticket price delay”
- “train delay complaint”
- “rail passenger rights utk”
- “ticket refund delayed train”