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In short: If your Deutsche Bahn train arrives at your destination 60 minutes late or more, you are entitled to compensation of 25–50% of your ticket price under EU passenger rights law. The fastest way to claim is online through your DB account or the DB Navigator app. This guide explains every method, step by step.
Your Rights: When Can You Claim Compensation?
EU Regulation 2021/782 gives every rail passenger in Germany the same rights regardless of train type. The rules apply to ICE, IC/EC, RE, RB, IRE, S-Bahn and night trains operated by Deutsche Bahn.
| Delay at Destination | Compensation |
|---|---|
| 60–119 minutes | 25% of the ticket price |
| 120 minutes or more | 50% of the ticket price |
| Under 60 minutes | No entitlement |
| Compensation below 4 EUR | Not paid out |
You can choose between a voucher (redeemable on future DB bookings) or a cash transfer to your bank account. If you cancelled your journey because of the delay, only the bank transfer option is available.
3 Ways to Submit Your Claim
Method 1: Online via Your DB Account (Fastest)
If you bought your ticket through a DB account on bahn.de or in the DB Navigator app, this is the easiest route — most details are pre-filled automatically.
- Log in to bahn.de or open the DB Navigator app.
- Go to My Journeys → Past Journeys.
- Select the affected ticket.
- Click Request Compensation under Passenger Rights.
- Follow the on-screen steps — done in minutes.
In the DB Navigator app: Tap Journeys → More Actions → Request Compensation.
For BahnCard 100 holders: Go to BahnCard → Options → Request Compensation.
Method 2: Online via Order Search (No Account Required)
Bought your ticket digitally but do not have a DB account? Use the anonymous Order Search. You need your 12-digit order number (found in your booking confirmation email or printed on the ticket below the barcode) and the last name of the travelling person.
- Visit the Order Search on bahn.de or open it in the DB Navigator.
- Enter your order number and last name.
- Click Request Compensation in the Passenger Rights tab.
- Follow the steps to complete your claim.
Method 3: PDF or Paper Claim Form
For tickets bought at a machine or DB travel centre, or for complex cases involving extra costs such as hotel, taxi or rebooking, the printed form is your best option.
Where to get the form:
- Download the PDF form from Deutsche Bahn (89 KB)
- From train staff on board
- At any DB Information desk or DB Travel Centre (Reisezentrum)
Three steps to send in your claim:
- Fill in the form: Your planned journey, what actually happened, your preferred compensation type (voucher or bank transfer), bank details if requesting a transfer, and your personal details. Sign and date the form.
- Attach documents: Your ticket or a copy. If no price is printed, add a proof of cost. Also include reservation voucher, hotel receipts, taxi receipts, replacement tickets, or any delay certificate issued on board.
- Send or hand in the form: By post to the address below, or hand it in at any DB Travel Centre.
DB Fernverkehr AG
Servicecenter Fahrgastrechte
60647 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Documents You Need
| Document | Required? |
|---|---|
| Ticket (original or copy) | Yes |
| Proof of cost (if no price printed) | Yes (except BahnCard 100) |
| Seat reservation receipt (if affected) | Only if relevant |
| Hotel / taxi / replacement ticket receipts | Only if claiming extra costs |
| Delay Certificate from train staff | Recommended in disputed cases |
Special Cases: Cancellation, Stranding and Night Travel
If you did not travel due to the delay
If a delay of 60 minutes or more at your destination was expected, you can cancel the journey and claim a full refund of the ticket price. Only a cash transfer (not a voucher) is possible in this case. You can request this directly at a DB Travel Centre for immediate payout.
Stranded at night: taxi up to 120 EUR reimbursed
If your train was scheduled to arrive between midnight and 5 am, the delay was at least 60 minutes, you could not reach your destination by midnight without alternative transport, and DB did not provide any alternative — you can use a taxi and claim up to 120 EUR reimbursement from the Servicecenter Fahrgastrechte.
Overnight stays
If a cancellation or severe delay makes a same-day connection impossible and DB does not arrange accommodation, you can book a hotel and claim the cost. Always try to contact DB staff on the spot first and document your attempts.
Night trains and international journeys
EU passenger rights apply to night trains such as EuroNight and to international rail journeys. For cross-border tickets issued by DB, file your claim with the Servicecenter Fahrgastrechte. For tickets issued by another operator, contact that operator directly for faster processing.
Compensation for Season Ticket and Rail Pass Holders
| Ticket Type | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
|---|---|---|
| Long-distance season ticket | 5.00 EUR per delay | 7.50 EUR per delay |
| Regional season ticket | 1.50 EUR per delay | 2.25 EUR per delay |
| BahnCard 100 | 10.00 EUR per delay | 15.00 EUR per delay |
| German Rail Pass / Interrail | 5.00 EUR per delay | 7.50 EUR per delay |
Tip for commuters: Delays from 20 minutes can be accumulated and submitted together. Since amounts under 4 EUR are not paid out, it makes sense to bundle multiple delays into a single claim.
Deadlines: How Long Do You Have?
EU law sets a 3-month deadline after the incident to submit your claim. Deutsche Bahn currently accepts claims for up to 12 months — but it is best to act promptly while receipts and details are fresh. You normally receive a response within 4 weeks.
What If DB Rejects Your Claim?
If you disagree with the decision, you can contact a free independent Schlichtungsstelle (arbitration body). This is a straightforward alternative to legal action and is available to all rail passengers in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim train delay compensation by phone?
No. Deutsche Bahn does not accept claims by phone. You can use the online account, the order search, the PDF form by post, or hand in the form at a DB Travel Centre in person.
Does compensation apply to regional trains (RE/RB/S-Bahn)?
Yes. EU passenger rights cover all Deutsche Bahn trains: ICE, IC/EC, RE, RB, IRE, S-Bahn and night trains. It does not apply to U-Bahn (metro) or trams.
I lost my ticket. Can I still claim?
For digitally bought tickets, you can still access the booking through your DB account or via order search. For paper tickets, a booking confirmation email or bank statement may serve as proof of cost — but the original ticket or copy is required for the form.
How do I claim for a Sparpreis ticket?
Exactly the same way as any other ticket. The type of fare does not affect your right to compensation. Note: if there was a delay, your Zugbindung (train binding) is automatically lifted, meaning you can take the next available train without extra charge.
I bought separate tickets for connecting trains and missed my connection. Am I covered?
You may be covered under the AJC Agreement (Journey Continuation Agreement), a goodwill arrangement between 20+ European rail operators including Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, SNCF and others. Ask DB staff at the station for assistance and get a delay certificate.
Summary: The Fastest Way to Get Your Money Back
The online route via the DB account or DB Navigator is the quickest — most claims take only a few minutes. No DB account? Use the order search with your booking number. For paper tickets or complex cases involving extra costs, download the PDF form and post it to Frankfurt. Keep your ticket, note down arrival times, and submit within 3 months.