🚆 Can I get compensation if my train is delayed?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends on the route and Romania's derogation: rights exist, but domestic compensation is limited until 2029. EU Regulation 2021/782 sets rights for rail passengers: compensation of 25% of the ticket price for delays of 60–119 minutes and 50% for delays of 120 minutes or more. Note: Romania got a derogation that defers some obligations until 2029, so currently passengers benefit from compensation mainly for international journeys. Regardless of compensation, in case of a big delay or cancellation (arriving over 60 minutes late at the destination), you can choose between: a refund of the ticket within 30 days, or continuing/rerouting to your destination under comparable conditions at no extra cost. The claim is made with an EU standard form, to the railway operator. In short: basic rights (refund/rerouting) you always have; the percentage compensation applies mainly on international routes, until the derogation ends.

📋 The rules

Compensation 25% for a 60–119 min delay
Compensation 50% for over 120 min
Romania: derogation until 2029 (mainly international)
Delay/cancellation over 60 min: refund or rerouting
Claim with an EU standard form to the operator

🔓 Exceptions

The RO derogation: percentage compensation domestically limited until 2029
Refund/rerouting: basic rights, applicable anyway
Assistance (meal, accommodation) for big delays, under the law

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Here we're not talking about "fines" for you but rights you can use. Regardless of the derogation, for a big delay or cancellation (arriving over 60 minutes late), you can choose between a refund of the ticket (within 30 days) or continuing/rerouting the journey at no extra cost. For very big delays you may also be entitled to assistance (meals, drinks, accommodation), under the regulation. For the percentage compensation (25%/50%), note that Romania's derogation limits domestic application until 2029, but on international routes the rights apply. To use your rights: keep the ticket, note the delay, fill in the EU standard form and send it, electronically or in writing, to the railway operator; in case of an unjustified refusal, you can contact the competent authority (ARF/ECC Romania).

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Do I get compensation if my train is delayed?

EU Regulation 2021/782 provides compensation of 25% of the ticket price for delays of 60–119 minutes and 50% for delays of 120 minutes or more. Note, though: Romania has a derogation until 2029, so currently compensation applies mainly to international journeys.

What rights do I have if the train is cancelled?

If, due to the cancellation, you arrive at the destination over 60 minutes late, you can choose between a refund of the ticket within 30 days or continuing or rerouting the journey to the destination under comparable conditions at no extra cost. These rights apply regardless of the derogation.

What is Romania's derogation?

In 2021, the European Commission introduced the possibility of deferring some of the regulation's obligations, and Romania got a 5-year derogation, until 2029. Because of this, the percentage compensation for delays currently applies mainly to international journeys, not all domestic services.

How do I claim compensation or a refund?

You can use a standard form, valid across the EU, to claim a ticket refund and/or compensation. The claim is filed, electronically or in writing, directly with the railway company. Keep the ticket and note the delay length as proof. In case of an unjustified refusal, you can contact the competent authority.

Am I entitled to meals or accommodation for big delays?

Yes, under certain conditions. For very big delays, the regulation provides a right to assistance, which can include meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time, and, if an overnight stay is needed, accommodation. These rights are granted within the limits set by the EU rail passengers' rights regulation.

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