Deutsche Bahn passengers entitled to compensation for delays and cancellations

Under EU passenger‑rights rules, travelers on Deutsche Bahn trains are entitled to compensation when a train arrives at the destination at least 60 minutes late. The refund is 25 % of the ticket price for 60‑minute delays and 50 % for delays of 120 minutes or more. The entitlement also applies during strikes, as the delay is considered the railway’s responsibility. Passengers may claim a full or partial ticket refund if the journey is abandoned, as well as reimbursement for unused seat‑reservation fees. In cases where no reasonable alternative transport is available, reimbursement of hotel or taxi costs may be possible. Consumer lawyer Maurice Högel advises that claims should be filed promptly, preferably through the DB Navigator app or the bahn.de website, with accurate arrival times and supporting receipts. The regulations exclude extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather, accidents on the tracks, or theft of infrastructure, but strike‑related disruptions remain compensable.