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How long do you have to complain to a railway company about a delay in the EU?

Deadlines for train complaints in the EU.

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Short answer

Under EU rail passenger rights you send your complaint to the railway company within 3 months of the incident. The company must reply within 1 month, or within 3 months in duly justified cases. If you get no reply or disagree with it, you can complain to the national authority that licensed the company within 3 months of the rejection. That authority should decide within 3 months, or 6 months in complex cases, and gives a non-binding opinion.

Transport and mobility

Why

  1. The first step is always the railway company.
  2. Each step has its own 3-month deadline.
  3. In Denmark Ankenævnet for Bus, Tog og Metro can also handle disputes after the company decision.

Details

Other routes are out-of-court dispute resolution, the European Small Claims procedure or your local European Consumer Centre.

Tip

Write down the train number, date and arrival time as soon as the delay happens, so your complaint is precise.

What may differ

Domestic schemes can have longer deadlines: the DSB Basis Rejsetidsgaranti can be claimed for 3 years.

Common misconception

The national authority decision on a train complaint is binding on the railway company.

What actually happens

The national authority gives a non-binding legal opinion.

People also ask

  • Who handles train complaints in Denmark?
  • What can I do if the railway company does not answer?
  • Can I go to court over a train delay?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Timetables, routes and fares change, so check the operator before you travel.

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