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Emergency

Rail strike: what rights do passengers have?

A rail strike throws timetables into disarray. Even if the strike itself may lie outside the railway's sphere of influence, passengers have rights, from a refund of the fare to using alternative connections.

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Your chances of getting your money back

In case of cancellation or major delay in long-distance travel, passengers are entitled under EU passenger rights to a refund of the fare or onward travel. For larger delays, compensation may be considered; in case of force majeure it can be limited.
If your connection is canceled, you can have the fare refunded or, depending on the conditions, switch to another connection. Keep tickets and evidence.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the options

    Decide whether to postpone the trip, get a refund, or switch.

  2. 2

    2. Apply for a refund

    In case of cancellation, apply for a refund of the fare.

  3. 3

    3. Use alternatives

    Check whether you may switch to other trains or connections.

  4. 4

    4. Secure evidence

    Keep the ticket, proof of cancellation, and receipts for extra costs.

How to spot the scam

  • You forgo the refund without applying for it.
  • Extra costs for alternatives are not documented.
  • Deadlines for refund or compensation pass.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get my money back in a rail strike?

If your long-distance connection is canceled or heavily delayed, you can have the fare refunded under EU passenger rights or demand onward travel. If you do not even start the trip because of the cancellation, a refund is likewise possible.

Is there compensation for a strike?

For larger delays, passenger rights provide for graduated compensation. In case of a strike, however, the compensation can be limited if it counts as an extraordinary circumstance. The right to a refund and onward travel remains unaffected by this.

May I switch to another train?

In case of cancellation or a foreseeable major delay, you can, depending on the conditions, look for another connection or postpone the trip. For train-specific saver fares, the train-specific booking usually lapses in such cases. Clarify the options with the service team and secure evidence.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.