Train delay refunds 🚆

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What are train ticket refunds?

Train ticket refunds and compensation apply when:

• your train is cancelled

• your train is delayed

• you arrive at your destination later than planned

• you choose not to travel due to disruption

Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to:

• a full refund of your unused ticket

• partial or full compensation for delays

These rights apply across the UK rail network.

Refunds vs compensation — what’s the difference?

Refunds (if you don’t travel)

You’re entitled to a full refund with no admin fees if:

• your train is cancelled or delayed

• you decide not to travel

• your ticket is unused

Refunds must be claimed from the retailer you bought the ticket from, such as:

• a train company

• an online retailer

• a ticket vending machine (instructions are usually printed on the ticket)

Compensation (if you travel but arrive late)

If you still travel but arrive late, you may be entitled to compensation from the train company that caused the delay.

This is usually claimed through Delay Repay.

What is Delay Repay?

Delay Repay is a nationwide scheme that makes it easier to claim compensation for delayed train journeys.

If your train is delayed for any reason, you may be able to claim — even if the delay was outside the train company’s control.

Delay is measured against:

• the normal timetable

• or an amended timetable published in advance (for example during engineering works)

Claims are usually made online, though postal forms are also available.

How much compensation can you get?

Compensation depends on several factors:

• Which train company you travelled with

• The type of ticket (single, return, season ticket, etc.)

• How long the delay was

Each train company sets out its rules in its Passenger’s Charter, but most offer compensation for delays starting at 15 or 30 minutes, with higher payouts for longer delays.

In general:

• shorter delays = partial refund

• longer delays = higher percentage back

• very long delays or cancellations = full refund in some cases

Which train companies support Delay Repay?

Most UK train companies participate in Delay Repay, including:

Avanti West Coast	c2c	Caledonian Sleeper
Chiltern Railways	CrossCountry	East Midlands Railway
Elizabeth line	Gatwick Express	Grand Central
Great Northern	GWR	Greater Anglia
Heathrow Express	Hull Trains	LNER
London Northwestern Railway	London Overground	Lumo
Merseyrail	Northern	ScotRail
South Western Railway	Southeastern	Southern
Stansted Express	Thameslink	Transport for Wales
TransPennine Express	West Midlands Railway

You’ll need to claim directly with the company responsible for the delay.

How do you make a claim?

The process is usually straightforward:

1. Identify the delay
   Check how late you arrived at your destination.

2. Find the responsible train company
   This is usually the operator of the delayed service.

3. Submit a claim

   • Online (fastest)

   • Or by post using a form from a station or website

4. Provide ticket details
   Some companies allow you to register tickets in advance to speed things up.

5. Receive compensation
   Usually paid as:

   • bank transfer

   • PayPal

   • rail vouchers

Can you claim for multiple journeys?

Yes.

If you:

• commute regularly

• use season tickets

• travel frequently

You can claim each time you’re delayed, provided the delay meets the company’s threshold.

This can add up over time — especially for regular travellers.

National Rail Conditions of Travel (your baseline rights)

The National Rail Conditions of Travel set out the minimum compensation train companies must offer.

Many train companies:

• pay more than the minimum

• offer compensation for shorter delays

• simplify claims through online tools

If you’re unsure, your train company’s Passenger’s Charter will explain exactly what you’re entitled to.

Final thoughts

Train ticket refunds and compensation aren’t a loophole — they’re your passenger rights.

If your journey is delayed or cancelled:

• you’re entitled to a refund if you don’t travel

• you may be entitled to compensation if you do

It’s usually free to claim, relatively quick, and worth doing — especially if delays happen regularly.

If you don’t claim, the money simply stays with the train company.