When your train’s late, you can claim
If your train turns up late, breaks down halfway there, or gets cancelled altogether, you don’t just have to sigh and get on with it. You might be owed money back, and it’s easier to claim than most people think.
Millions of pounds go unclaimed every year because passengers don’t realise they can get compensation when their train’s delayed. It’s one of those things that feels like a faff, but takes a couple of minutes and can easily add up to £50 or more over a few months.
What you can claim for
You can make a claim for:
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New users can currently get a bonus when they sign up.
Claim sign-up bonus- Delays to your journey (even if you eventually got there)
- Cancellations
- Missed connections caused by delays
- Some replacement bus services that make your trip late
If you decided not to travel at all because the train was cancelled or delayed, you can ask for a full refund instead.
| Delay length | Compensation amount |
|---|---|
| 15–29 mins | 25% of the ticket price |
| 30–59 mins | 50% of the ticket price |
| 60–119 mins | Full refund |
| 120+ mins | Full refund (both ways if return) |
If you had a season ticket, your refund is worked out as a portion of the cost – not perfect, but it still adds up.
How to claim your compensation
You’ve got 28 days from the date of travel to make a claim.
You’ll usually need:
- A photo of your train ticket (or e-ticket confirmation)
- Details of the train you were meant to take
Go to your train company’s website and look for a section called “Delay Repay” or “Claim Compensation”. You’ll fill out a quick online form — no need to print or post anything anymore.
Most companies now pay directly by bank transfer, PayPal, or vouchers, depending on what you choose.
Tools that make it easier
If you travel by train often, there are a few ways to make claiming less of a chore.
Some train companies now offer automatic Delay Repay through their own apps or smartcards. For example:
- Southeastern Railway – their app has a “One-Click Delay Repay” that automatically spots delays on your route.
- Lumo – offers automatic claims within 24 hours for certain advance tickets.
- Avanti West Coast and South Western Railway – also run similar systems for smartcard or online bookings.
Not every operator or ticket type is covered yet, but it’s slowly improving. If you’re unsure, check your train company’s website to see if they offer it.
There are also third-party apps like Train Delays Repay, which promise to track your journeys and flag when you’re owed compensation. These can be handy if you travel a lot, but always check for any fees before signing up — claiming directly through your train company is free.
And if you buy your tickets through Trainline, you’ll usually get a prompt if your journey was delayed, linking straight to the right claim form.
These tools can save you time, but you’ll still need proof of your ticket and to submit claims within 28 days — so don’t leave it too long.
You can also check National Rail’s Delay Repay page for the official rules and links to every train company’s claim form.
When you won’t get paid
Compensation isn’t usually given for:
- Planned engineering works
- Strikes (though you may still get a refund if you don’t travel)
- Journeys delayed because you took the wrong train
If you’re unsure, claim anyway – the worst that happens is they say no.
A final tip
Save your tickets or keep screenshots of e-tickets. You’ll need proof of travel, and without it you’ll get nowhere fast.
If you’ve had multiple delays, set aside 10 minutes this week to make claims for all of them. It’s boring admin, but it’s your money – not the train company’s.
