Passenger rights on public transport
Public transport passengers have a legal right to a ticket refund, compensation or assistance in the event of major delays or cancellations. The same applies for passengers on regular international coach services.
Passengers are entitled to compensation for major delays. Under the Passenger Transport Act and its implementing regulation, passengers have a legal right to recompense from transport companies for cancellations or the delayed arrival of more than an hour to their destination. The same applies to international coach travel on regular services: here, a delay in the scheduled departure time is the decisive factor. There is no compensation for travel by cable railway or boat because these forms of transport are particularly affected by adverse weather conditions.
The transport companies have set up complaints bodies. Passengers who are unhappy with a transport company’s decision on compensation can contact the Federal Office of Transport’s enforcement office.
Further informations
Compensation and refunds
Public transport passengers are entitled to a refund of 25% of the ticket price for delays of more than an hour and 50% for delays of more than two hours.
What am I entitled to and when?
Public transport passengers are entitled to a refund or compensation if their journey is cancelled or delayed.
Making a complaint to the Federal Office of Transport
If you are not satisfied with a transport company’s decision regarding your passenger rights, you can contact the FOT enforcement office.
Questions and answers on passenger rights
Public transport passengers have a number of rights that they can assert against transport companies. You can find the most important questions and answers about passenger rights on this page.