FAQs - Rail passenger rights
My train was 45 minutes late. That seems quite a lot for a short journey of less than 3 hours. Am I entitled to any money back?
NO - To be entitled to compensation, the delay must be at least 1 hour.
What are my rights if the train on which I am travelling is blocked on the track?
If your train is blocked on the track, the railway company must arrange (alternative) transport from your train to the railway station, to an alternative departure point or to the final destination when and where physically possible.
Am I allowed to take my bicycle on any train?
YES - You have the right to take your bicycle on board the train. However, railway companies may have restrictions in place for operational or safety reasons. These restrictions may apply on some trains during peak travel hours due to limited space available for bicycles or if the rolling stock (i.e. trains/carriages) of the company you are using does not permit the transport of bicycles. Restrictions may also apply based on the weight and size of your bicycle. You should therefore always check the official website of the rail company you are travelling with for information on any fees and or restrictions that might apply.
If I have a travel pass or season ticket for a rail service which is often delayed or cancelled, am I entitled to compensation?
YES - If you encounter recurrent delays or cancellations during the validity period of your travel pass or season ticket, you are entitled to compensation in line with the railway company’s compensation arrangements. These rules should state the criteria for calculating the delay and any compensation due. Where delays of less than 60 minutes occur repeatedly during the validity period of your travel pass or season ticket, these delays may be counted cumulatively and you will be compensated in line with the railway company’s compensation arrangements.
I made a single booking for a railway journey with several rail services through an online website. Can I claim any rights from this ticket vendor if I miss a connecting train during that journey?
YES – The ticket vendor must reimburse the total amount you paid for the ticket(s), and should also pay compensation equivalent to 75% of that amount. The ticket vendor is however not liable if he/she informed you before your journey that the tickets for each rail service represent separate transport contracts.
When travelling by rail from Paris to Brussels my electric wheelchair was damaged beyond repair when it fell from a shelf on the train. It had been placed there by staff from the rail company. Am I entitled to claim the cost of replacing it from the rail company?
YES - You are entitled to compensation from the rail company to cover the cost of replacing your wheelchair. You can also claim the cost of a temporary replacement if necessary.