2025-01-20
Harald Henrikson
COO
Delayed trains: rights and compensation
Delayed trains can cause major inconvenience for travelers, but both Swedish law and EU legislation protect you as a passenger. Here, we go through your rights and how you can apply for compensation.
Delays in Sweden
Right to Compensation for Delays
According to the EU Rail Passenger Rights Regulation, travelers are entitled to compensation if their train is delayed. The compensation is based on the length of the delay and the ticket price:
- - 60 minutes or more:25% of the ticket price is refunded.
- - 120 minutes or more: 50% of the ticket price is refunded.
The compensation applies regardless of whether the delay is due to the operator or other factors, such as weather conditions.
How Does It Work in Sweden?
SJ follows EU regulations but also has its own conditions to make the process smoother for travelers. Here’s what applies:
- - Travelers with a single ticket can apply for compensation directly via SJ’s website.
- - If you have a season ticket (such as a monthly pass), you may be eligible for compensation for delays of 30 minutes or more.
Additionally, you may be entitled to reimbursement for additional costs, such as booking a hotel or covering a missed connection.
Stockholm, Sweden
What Does EU Legislation Say?
The EU Rail Passenger Rights Regulation (Regulation 1371/2007) sets clear requirements for railway operators:
- - Information: The operator must inform passengers about delays and possible connections.
- - Assistance: In the case of longer delays, the operator must provide food, drinks, and, in some cases, hotel accommodation.
- - Alternative routes: If the train is canceled or significantly delayed, the passenger has the right to choose an alternative journey at no extra cost. The regulation is binding and applies in all EU countries, meaning you have similar rights even outside Sweden.
How Do You Apply for Compensation?
To receive compensation for delays, you must apply through the railway company. For SJ, you can:
- 1-Passengers in red sneakers traveling on a train. Sweden"
- 2-Reactions from the Umeå Student Union and other stakeholders
- 3-View from a train over fields with cows on a sunny day, Sweden
Other operators may have their own processes, so check what applies.
Important Things to Consider
It is always good to save tickets and receipts as proof of your journey and any additional costs. If you are dissatisfied with how your case is handled, you can contact the Swedish Consumer Agency or the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN).
Conclusion: Your Rights Are Strong
Thanks to EU legislation and Swedish regulations, travelers in Sweden have strong protection against train delays. However, it is important to be aware of your rights and to actively apply for compensation when a delay occurs. The next time your train is delayed, you will know what to claim – and how to proceed.
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