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Emergency

Rail ticket not used: is a refund possible?

Whether you get an unused rail ticket refunded depends above all on the fare. Flexible tickets can usually be refunded for a small fee, saver fares only with restrictions. In case of cancellation or delay, passenger rights additionally apply.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Flex-fare tickets in long-distance travel are usually refundable up to a certain point in time, often for a small processing fee. Saver fares can only be canceled with restrictions and until shortly before the first day of validity.
If your train is canceled or significantly delayed, you can have the fare refunded under passenger rights, even if you do not start the trip at all.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the fare

    Look into whether you have a flex or saver fare and which cancellation rules apply.

  2. 2

    2. Observe the deadline

    Cancel or refund in good time before the day of validity.

  3. 3

    3. Assert cancellation

    In case of a train cancellation or delay, apply for the refund via passenger rights.

  4. 4

    4. Submit the application

    Submit the refund application with the ticket and justification.

How to spot the scam

  • The cancellation deadline for the saver fare is missed.
  • A cancellation is not asserted via passenger rights.
  • The ticket is simply left to lapse without an application.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get an unused rail ticket refunded?

With a flex fare usually yes, up to a certain point in time and usually for a small processing fee. Saver fares can only be canceled with restrictions and only until shortly before the first day of validity. After that point, the claim often lapses.

What applies in case of a train cancellation or delay?

Then passenger rights apply. You can have the fare refunded if the train is canceled or so delayed that you can no longer sensibly start the trip, regardless of the fare. Compensation for a major delay is also possible.

Which fees apply?

For the refund of refundable tickets, a small processing fee is often withheld. For a refund due to a train cancellation or significant delay under passenger rights, no such fee usually applies. Check the specific conditions of your ticket.

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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.