My rail journey involved multiple operators and there was a delay. Who pays compensation?

What the Law Says

EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 sets out passenger rights for rail travel, including who is liable when delays occur across multiple operators.

When your journey involves more than one railway undertaking — for example, you buy a through ticket but different companies operate different legs — only the railway undertaking that operated the train that was delayed is legally responsible for compensation. This is called 'single liability'.

The regulation ensures passengers do not need to identify or contact multiple operators. You submit your claim to the company that sold the ticket (the 'contracting carrier'), but they must handle it and seek reimbursement from the responsible operator if needed.

Compensation depends on the length of the delay at your final destination: 25% of the ticket price for delays of 60 minutes or more, and 50% for delays of 120 minutes or more. If the delay exceeds 120 minutes and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund plus return transport to your starting point.

Statutory Text

The railway undertaking which operates the train causing the delay shall be liable for compensation.

— Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, Art. 17(1)

Statutory Text

Passengers shall be offered compensation of 25 % of the ticket price for delays of 60 minutes or more and 50 % for delays of 120 minutes or more.

— Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, Art. 17(2)

Statutory Text

The contracting carrier shall be responsible vis-à-vis the passenger for the performance of the entire journey.

— Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, Art. 10(1)

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