Get your money back if your train is delayed

The short answer

At NS, you automatically get compensation if your train is delayed by more than 30 minutes. For a delay of 30 to 60 minutes, you get half of your ticket price back. For more than 60 minutes of delay, you get the full amount of your ticket refunded. This scheme applies to all NS trains and is usually paid out automatically. Other carriers also have similar schemes, but the conditions may vary.

What does the law say?

The European regulation for train passengers stipulates that passengers are entitled to compensation for delays. In the Netherlands, NS has expanded these rules and offers compensation starting from 30 minutes delay. The law requires carriers to inform passengers about their rights. For international trains, European regulations apply which only prescribe compensation from 60 minutes delay.

What do you need to watch out for?

Note that compensation only applies to the delayed journey, not to missed appointments. With a public transport card, the amount is automatically refunded, but with paper tickets you often have to take action yourself. The compensation does not apply in cases of force majeure such as extreme weather or strikes. Always keep your ticket as proof of your trip.

Example from practice

Sarah is traveling from Amsterdam to Utrecht for a business meeting. Her train is delayed by 45 minutes due to a signal failure. Since Sarah uses a public transport card, she automatically receives 50% of her ticket price (about €3.50) back on her card within a week. Although she misses her appointment and has to take a taxi, she only gets half of her train ticket reimbursed. The taxi costs are at her own expense.

What can you do?

Start by checking whether you receive compensation automatically or have to claim it yourself.