Delayed trains: do you know your rights?

What compensation are you entitled to?

The minimum compensation for passengers in the event of a train delay shall be:

• 25% the price of the ticket in the event of a delay of between 60 and 119 minutes;
• 50% the price of the ticket in the event of a delay of 120 minutes or more.

Beyond this minimum guarantee, railway undertakings may lay down more advantageous rules.

Depending on the delay on arrival, the SNCF provides compensation on the purchase price of:

• Intercity TGV or train
  
  • between 30 minutes and 1h59: 25% only in a voucher up to 59 minutes late and in a voucher or bank transfer from 1h to 1h59;
  • between 2am and 2h59 50% vouchers or bank transfers;
  • from 3:00am: 75% in coupon or bank transfer.
• SNCF train on an international route
  
  • between 30 minutes and 1h59: 25% only in a voucher up to 59 minutes late and in a voucher or bank transfer from 1h to 1h59;
  • from 2:00am: 50% in coupon or bank transfer.
• iDTGV or OUIGO
  
  • between 1am and 2am: 25% in vouchers;
  • from 2:00am: 50% in coupon form.
• Eurostar
  
  • between 1h and 1h59: 25% in coupon or bank transfer (credit transfer capped at 50% the sum);
  • between 2am and 2h59 50% in coupon or bank transfer (credit transfer capped at 50% the sum);
  • from 3:00am: 75% in coupon or bank transfer (credit transfer capped at 50% of the sum).
• Thalys
  
  • between 30 minutes and 59 minutes: 20% in vouchers;
  • between 1h and 1h59: 50% in vouchers;
  • from 2:00am: 100% in coupon form.
• TER
  There is no compensation. However, in the event of major disruptions, compensation may be granted to travelers (extension of subscription or price reduction on the purchase of the next coupon).

How do I apply?

Each category of train offers specific reimbursement arrangements.

The claim can be made directly online via a form or by post, indicating:

• his file reference on the banknote (reference to 6 letters);
• the date of the journey;
• the train number;
• surname(s) and forename(s);
• postal address.

You must also attach your ticket, as well as the original delay note delivered to the station when the train arrived (at the traveler's request, the train controller can certify on the ticket that the train service has been delayed, caused a missing connection or canceled).

Is there provision for assistance to passengers in the event of train delays?

The railway undertaking must keep passengers informed of the situation, as well as the scheduled departure and arrival times, as soon as they are available.

• If the delay is more than 60 minutes, travelers are offered free of charge, as far as possible:
  
  • meals and refreshments;
  • accommodation, as well as transport between the station and the place of accommodation, if a stay of one or more nights is necessary;
  • where the train is blocked on the track, transport between the place where the train is located and the station, the other point of departure or the final destination of the service.
• If the rail service cannot continue, other transport services are put in place for passengers.